Scheduled for bone biopsy what was your experience?

I just had my first bone marrow biopsy on 3/29. I was really afraid going in and was pleasantly surprised to find it less painful and the recovery has been easier than anticipated. Initially my hematologist told me only local anesthetic would be used, but then about a month later told me that they would give me versed and fentanyl during the procedure, as well as lidocaine at the site. It was a long day, but most of it was waiting. The procedure itself was only about 30-45 minutes. I was awake and alert during it, and mostly felt just pressure. The final part was more painful, but it was mostly a pinching sensation in my buttock muscle for about 5 seconds. I only needed 2 doses of acetaminophen at home over the following 24 hours. I am relatively young (42 years) which may mean everything was better tolerated. The anticipation was the worst part for sure.

My experience was very easy. I only had topical numbing, only mildly uncomfortable and no after effects.

Eileen

My husband has had at least four biopsies now in his disease process and gets Ativan prior with a local and says some doctors are different than others but as a whole it’s tolerable. Of course on my end the Ativan takes longer to dissipate and he is drowsy for quite some time after but doesn’t require any pain medication’s after.

I had my 4th bmb (my last one was in March 2017).
Was done in my oncologist office. I had a lidocaine injection. The liquid part of the biopsy was done before I even knew it was started. When she did the bone part there was a 2 second electric shock in my buttock and it was over. Just a little sore, I wouldn’t want to do it monthly, but it wasn’t bad. Whole procedure lasted about 10 minutes.

I wussed out, had it done under conscious sedation. Which I prefer, it knocks me out so I wasn't aware of anything being done. A small bit of soreness afterwards for a few hours, nothing major. However, I had a PET scan a few weeks later. The radiologist initially thought there was a bone lesion in my hip but it was the spot the BMB was taken from. Obviously caused a lot of worry that my Myeloma was spreading until a second scan corroborated that it wasn't a lesion.

I had BMB and aspiration with local anesthetic, worked out just fine. Just took a while as I think Dr was training new Dr on procedure. Just black/blue afterwards....no big deal, but I can understand your anxiety. best wishes

Pathologist used topical, and I took Ativan prior. Told them not to show me the needles.

Felt about like a bee sting or sciatic pain for a few seconds. They asked constantly if I was doing ok. All okie dokie. I would have gone back to work right after except they told me not to and bc of the Ativan. No lingering pain.

Nurse said that everyone is different, and sicker patients may have more trouble.

Have the doc's office first do a "wallet biopsy" if you opt for anesthesia. Insurance may not cover it, and the office should be able to tell you how much you will pay out of pocket.

I had a BMB on Friday with sedation. They administered Fentanyl and Versed and nothing happened. I was conscious and in pretty bad pain during the procedure. Two nurses extended their hands to squeeze and I squeezed hard. I was also yelling out in pain.

It was a very disappointing experience. Although the procedure was on the left side, I have a lot of pain down my right thigh.

This is my second BMB. I am hoping I don't have to go through this again for a long time.

I had one done with a shot of Lidocaine I think. A little discomfort a sharp pain for a couple seconds but I don’t remember any pain after.

I had a BMB a couple weeks ago. Went with the twilight sedation. I was awake the whole time and never really felt like the sedation did much for me, but perhaps I was a bit less anxious. I think the worst of the procedure was the local injection - sharp pain and burned, but over quickly. The aspiration and biopsy were just a few seconds of pressure.

On the drive home (I was a passenger, not the driver!), I got really nauseous and that lasted the remainder of the day and a bit into the next day. Very little residual pain (felt just like a bruise).

I know this experience is different for everyone (and potentially different every time). But it is a quick procedure. Best of luck.