What was your experience with bone marrow biopsy?

I have had biopsies with and without sedation. Sedation is so much easier and less stressful. It helps make a unpleasant situation better.

I had two previous biopsy’s and my memory told me, no pain, easy as, get on with it. So yesterday I had my third biopsy, they offered sedation that I refused as That would make wait an hour before undertaking BCG installation. Half way through yesterdays procedure I had a serious discussion with my memory and told it about being unreliable and causing me considerable unnecessary pain. I wonder when it is next required whether I will once again be misled by my ever failing memory.

@plugger, your message prompted a little giggle this morning about your ‘memory of pain’ returning at a most inopportune moment. I’ve had 13 of those biopsies, the first 3 without sedation and my brain will never let me forget. Sedation all the way, baby! 😂. Plus I’m always offered Lorna Doone cookies and juice when I wake up so it’s a win/win.
Joking aside, I know you’re going through some pretty serious issues right now. It’s inspiring when I see a positive spirit and a continued sense of humor in the face of adversity. I feel those are the keys to finding our way through life’s difficult moments.
You mentioned in one of your previous posts that besides having bladder cancer that you also have leukemia. If you don’t mind my asking, what type of blood cancer do you have?

@plugger My first bone marrow biopsy was done by my former hematologist/oncologist in 2017, at a location literally less than two miles from where I lived. She was in a hurry, and offered no sedation. I hadn't thought to ask. After she stabbed me, I vowed to her the next one would include Antivan! Yow! it hurt like the dickens, and bruised me for weeks!

My next three biopsies have been done by my current hematologist/oncologist. His manner and technique is so different, There was no discomfort nor sedation. Good thing, as I live two hours away from him, and had no second driver to get home. Slight bruising, but all okay.

Yes, our memory serves to remind us at strange times, doesn't it? Different practitioners and staff, different circumstances, different mindset.
Ginger

Ginger, you’re so lucky your biopsies weren’t uncomfortable! My first 3 were done while undergoing and recovering from my chemo for AML. I have a really high threshold for pain and not much bothers me but that first biopsy left fingernail prints in my palms! LOL. I was NOT prepared for that little surprise. The hematologist was extremely gentle and cautious but let’s just say, this took all the Lamaze training recall I could muster to stay focused to get through it. We talked all the way through and he told me “dad jokes” and there was a lot of laughter. But dang… Had nothing to do with my mindset! 😹

The other 2 were done by a different oncologist on my team, and equally as gentle each time. I was still not a happy camper!
After that, the other 10 were done at Mayo Rochester and I didn’t hesitate one nanosecond when offered sedation. I didn’t know there was such a thing! I heard a chorus of angels! 😇😂. A couple of times, different NPs who did the biopsies mentioned I might be tad more tender that usual, because they really had to use more force to get through to the marrow. Outer bone density was a factor. So maybe bone density plays a roll?
Either way, I’m happy for the patients who are offered sedation because it really takes away any apprehension they might have if they’re worried about discomfort. Makes it a whole lot easier given it’s unpredictable how they’ll feel each time no matter who is doing the procedure.
Hopefully lucky 13 was my last! 🍀

I have had 2 bone marrow biopsies. The 2nd one they put me in a 'twilight' sleep. I was awake but could only feel the initial going into the bone. It never hurt. It literally took a minute...took longer to get the iv's, etc.

I’ve had two bone marrow biopsies and both were done under sedation. Didn’t feel or remember a thing. A little sore afterwards but that’s all.

I have had one 10 years ago and will go in for one soon, as my flc ratio is abnormal. With a drowsy tablet.It hurt when the marrow is sucked out in the syringe because of underpressure. I was told that I threatened to slap the doctor is what I was told later ( couldn’t remember) and I only remember thinking about why he kept asking unnecessary questions!

I have had 3 bone marrow biopsies 2 with sedation and 1 just in the doctor's office. Wow, the sedation made a big difference for me. You are sore afterwards in either scenario so I will ask for sedation every time . It helps make at least one thing easier.

I just had my BM biopsy last week. A friend told me to take claritin for the days before and after. I did so. (Did it help with after pain? maybe?) The numbing shots were similar to dental ones, not great, not awful. The procedure, done without sedation, was surprisingly painful, but only at two points, and the pain, though deep, did not last. The nurse came and placed hands on me at those points so I would not jolt. They had not offered sedation. I don't know if I would have taken it, or even whether I'd take it if there is a next time. I value my remaining brain cells highly!

The waiting for results is painful, that's for sure.