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What was your experience with bone marrow biopsy?
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: 3 days ago | Replies (146)Comment receiving replies
@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
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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! 🍀