I have asked the Interventional Radiology department they stated the nurses aren’t trained to administer it. I have my first appointment next so will discuss my options. Since I would like to see a specialist I may ask for referral to Mayo Clinic.

When my oncologist was doing tests to determine Waldenstroms, she said I needed a BMB and she would do it there at her office. Since I had never had a BMB previously, I said fine. Well, she put something to numb the surface (maybe lidocaine?) and then proceeded, When she started drilling into the bone, the pain was so intense, I thought I wasn't going to make it.

Now, after my treatments have been completed, I need another BMB but my oncologist said they do not do anything that require anesthesia, but she could give me anti-anxiety pills and acted like I was a total baby about the pain. So far, I have not found any oncologist in Tucson, AZ where I live that will use anesthesia.

I called Mayo Clinic Scottsdale for an appointment but was told since I have a Medicare Advantage plan, I could not be treated there. I said I would pay cash and still was told I couldn't book an appointment - only if I had regular Medicare. So now what do I do?

I had an esophagus “ stretch” . In short my esophagus needed endoscopic surgery. It was too narrow and I began aspiration into my lungs. You can aspirate when food or liquid won’t reach your stomach. It was a 30 minute procedure done as an outpatient. I was given Propofol through an IV in my arm. There may have been other meds mixed in. I don’t know.
I got into position for my gastroenterologist to perform the surgery.
I have a loose tooth so they put an uncomfortable tooth guard on my mouth. It hurt and the anesthesiologist said “don’t worry, you won’t feel it within a minute.
It took one second and I fell totally asleep and felt nothing. As a matter of fact I asked the doctor if he had begun.
There was a nurse monitoring me and she said “it’s all done, you’re in recovery “. Once the medication wore off I got dressed (had to wear a Johnny). And I called my non emergency transportation company to come get me as you can’t drive and the person giving you the ride has to be responsible. Uber and Lyft is out of the question but a family member can come get you once the hospital calls them.
I called a non emergency medical transportation company and walked into my home. Laid on my bed while more propofol wore off completely and I went on with my life.
I’m not an anesthesiologist or doctor and I’m wondering why they wouldn’t give it to you. All hospitals have it and insist on it. You are the patient and their job is to make medical procedures safe and pain free. Sometimes they don't want to pay the anesthesiologist and technician. I had the doctor a technician, and the anesthesiologist. Maybe it’s because you’re insurance company won’t pay for an expensive anesthesiologist. And I have sleep apnea listed in my medical records but that didn’t stop them from making me feel comfortable.