Very anxious about bone marrow biopsy
My doctor recently diagnosed me with ET. My platelets on 6/2 were 1189. I have to go back in two weeks for labs and another checkup. He said we will discuss bone marrow biopsy. What can I expect when procedure is being performed?
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Wow. So worth it to get the needed care. The alternative not desired!
The best part of having it done is I couldn’t see what was happening! I looked up the needle size used AFTER the bmb. The lab tech asked if I wanted to see my bone marrow aspirant and core samples. Yes, I found that interesting. I said hello to it, give me good results!
Hi,
I had my first BMB about a month ago and the procedure was done in the hospital with propofol. I did not feel anything and could only hear them reassuring me that i would feel
Some pressure for aspiration and then the soft spongy bone marrow.
The worst thing for me was reading the results on my patient portal before my doctor appointment . In a way, it prepared me for the results. Stay strong. Knowing what you are dealing with is vitally important!
I was a little nervous too. It really wasn't bad at all and it was a pretty quick procedure. A little sore that first day. But after that, only sore if you touched it.
I have had several bone marrow biopsies. I am 76 and have sort of soft bones so they sometimes have to try a couple of times to get a good sample. I go with the local anesthetic and if it starts to hurt just tell them and they will give you more. The worst I have felt was like bad menstrual cramping. It’s not as bad as you think and is over quickly. It’s an important diagnostic tool.
Some really good advice. First it is minor and if done well (enough Lidocaine) there is no pain, just some feeling of pressure.
I have had 4 so far since 2018. My first was quite the experience. New doc new (maybe day 3) to the practice, so in the office with a nurse she had never worked with or her own prepared tool package. She does the biopsy while you lie on your side (and the nurse said that the other doc did it while lying on your stomach). She did not use quite enough lido, so when she when in I jump a bit - but other than that no issues - was just kinda funny the interactions that occurred. The second, was under anesthesia, and the third again n the office and it was perfect. Fourth, was needed to be able to joint a phase 1 trial, again, this was painless.
so don't worry.
Good luck and do not hesitate to reach out to the various support groups (Voices of MPN, LLS, etc)