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Bone marrow biopsy: Was it painful?
I have a doctor at Mayo and a oncologist at UP Health System in Marquette Michigan. I have had one bone marrow biopsy at Marquette. I didn't feel a thing. Some people say the pain is bad for the biopsy. My doctor at Mayo, that I trust very much, asked where I would like to have the next biopsy, Mayo or Marquette. Has anyone had a bone marrow biopsy at Mayo? Was it painful at all? Thanks!!!
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I’ve had a couple, 3 in Oncologist offices and others sedated in hospital.
I would NEVER have another one in Oncologist office without sedation!!!
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1 ReactionIf you are referring to Mayo Rochester they have highly trained and experienced nurses that do BMB as their full-time job. I've had two there under local anesthesia with another scheduled in September. Both were pain-free. The worry is worse than the procedure.
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7 Reactionsnot at the Mayo Clinic but at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Both are specialty facilities so very adapt at doing bone marrow biopsies. It was not painful. I drove myself 160 miles there and 160 miles home.. they numb the area first and you feel just a little pressure.
I was honestly terrified… All for nothing. You will do great. 😀
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2 Reactions@gypsyjill
The bone marrow biopsy was painless. I was chatting with The medical assistance in the next minute. I was waking up and I had no idea it had happened.
“Fear not for He is with you”
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1 ReactionI agree, there was no pain during or after. There was pressure as I was on my stomach. The worst was the fear of the procedure before. They just did local numbing, no sedation, I don't think anesthesia would be necessary, but then it depends on your tolerance.
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1 ReactionI (74, male, dx high-risk MGUS/SMM) have had three BMBs in last two years, all in hem/onc's office with only local (no sedation). All three were no big deal, mostly vibration and pressure, maybe a second of tolerable pain. Drove myself there and back (only 15 minutes), one ibuprofen that day, no pain at all by the next day. I know there are people who swear by sedation, so YMMV.
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1 Reaction@mcvorbs same!
Hi @gypsyjill I think so many of us have the same initial negative reaction when needing a bone marrow biopsy. But our anxiety is often worse than the reality. I’m glad to hear your experience was an easy one!
Since you’re new to Mayo Connect I just wanted to welcome you to the forum. There are over 80+ amazing health support groups here. I’m one of the mentors for the Blood Cancer & Conditions group. I’d like to help you find other members with similar health journeys. If you don’t mind sharing a little more about yourself, what led you to having a bone marrow biopsy? Have you been diagnosed with blood disorder or disease?
I just had my 3rd bone marrow biopsy yesterday. This doctor wanted to put me completely out, I told him I'd prefer not as I'm sick for several days afterwards. So all he did was numb the area good. No pain. I was awake the whole time.
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1 Reaction@twitt1949 That’s great news! I was thinking about you today and hoping it all went well. ☺️ Wishing only good news!!