Bone Marrow Aspiration - Long Term Pain Expecations

Hi @gmill123 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You'll notice that I also added this discussion to the Blood Cancers group: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/blood-cancers-disorders/

Am I correct in assuming you are preparing for a stem cell transplant to treat a blood cancer?

I'd like to bring a few members into this discussion who have experience with bone marrow aspiration like @kjjjrader @loribmt @tedwueste @tmvanla and @duttasujata. in fact you may be interested in reading this discussion that @reevesk started:
- Persistent back pain after bone marrow test Persistent back pain after bone marrow test

Gmill, can you describe your pain and where it is? What are able to do to help get pain relief?

Hi - Thank you for this.

No, I just had a bone marrow aspiration completed to bank stem cells for future use. I'm worried I had some permenant damage and I am not receiving adequate care from any doctor and I have to wait 2 months before I can get in to see a specialist.

Hello @gmill123,

I'm sorry to hear of the difficult time you are having recovering from the bone marrow aspiration. I'm sure that the recovery time is different for every person, however, if you cannot get in to see a specialist prior to 2 months, I would be inclined to call the office of the doctor who performed the aspiration and talk to a nurse or a PA and ask about the pain you are experiencing.

I'm assuming that you are talking about pain, however, are there other symptoms that you are experiencing as well? I'm thinking about a fever, chills, or something else.

Hi, wow I’m really sorry you’re still having so much discomfort. I’ve had 10 bone marrow biopsies. The last two were 3 months apart and I’m still feeling quite ‘bruised’ and achey in that area. Tender to pressure. It is somewhat normal for discomfort to linger for a while. Weeks or months. What type of pain are you feeling? Sharp? Bruised? I’m sure this is so frustrating for you. I hope you can get some answers from your doctor. Usually the transplant team are the best source for answers. Keep in touch! It will be a benefit to hear from other members here who have gone through similar experiences.

that's quite a few biopsies! Do you get them done from the same spot? the pain is a deep ache - it feels as if I had the procedure done yesterday.

Unfortunately, I can't speak to the doctor who did the procedure. It was at his private clinic and he's frustrated with me for asking so many questions so he's refused to work with me any longer.

Seems to me you need to consult with another doctor.

My first bone marrow biopsy was slightly sore for about two days. Waiting two months for a specialist is unacceptable. I know that is not helpful. Do you live in U.S?

the pain is achiness and it is right at the biopsy site. It gets worse when I exercise instensley and / or am sedentary all day, but minor stuff like walking seems to help.

I am training for an ironman, though, so i can't really afford to wait around

Just 2 days? Like you have no further complications or anything?

Yes, I've seen one other doctor who wasn't able to do much as this doctor was not familiar with the bone marrow aspiration process. I had an ultra sound completed and have images but again I haven't really been told anything that will be helpful.