Propofol for bone marrow biopsy

Thanks for all your replies. Is therapeutic phlebotomy painful? I have never given blood but don’t mind blood tests. I have only headaches.

I had one BMB and was told I could not be sedated because I have sleep apnea, so I only had an injection before biopsy I guess too numb the area inside, baloney it hurt!! I do not understand why not sedation I have had Endoscopies where they go down your throat and I was out for them. I hope I never have to have another BMB if so I will demand something.

I just had a biopsy at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville last week. Yes, they will sedate you for the procedure. No problems at all.

Hi @kittycatgirl Basically, Phlebotomy is when someone uses a needle to take blood from a vein, usually in your arm. With a therapeutic phlebotomy the same technique is used as when you have a blood test. Except more blood is taken to relieve the over abundance of red blood cells you have in your body.

I found some current discussions from other members who have had phlebotomies as part of their PV treatment. It shouldn’t be painful.
Some members have found it beneficial to be well hydrated started a few days before the phlebotomy. And also, it can be helpful to ask for a Saline IV chaser to restore the fluid loss.
Listed below are links to member discussions.

~Your tips as I prepare for first phlebotomy
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/feb-9-first-phlebolotomy-iron-is-low/
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@buckaroobanzai also gathered tips in this related discussion that you may be interested in, including about hydration:
– Weak After Phlebotomy to Treat Polycythemia: How to Improve Recovery? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/weak-after-phlebotomy/

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Also tossing in this article on Phlebotomies if you’d like to read a little more about the whys and hows…
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-therapeutic-phlebotomy-4058459
When is your first hematology appointment?

@kittycatgirl I have had several bone marrow biopsies. There was a local anesthetic used for the area, but in none of them was I put "out" or offered anything to give me an altered sense of reality. In fact, after three of them, I drove home 2+ hours after the procedure, by myself.

So much of how we react to a procedure is based on the expertise of the person doing it, and our mindset. No matter the procedure, no matter the circumstance. For example, for me, I have made my mind up when going through a scan, that the different sounds are given designs in my mind, and I create a painting with them. It is a distraction, and gives me something else to focus on. In the end, time goes by quicker, my mind is wrapped up in creating that design, and before I am done with it the technician is telling me "finished".

Just thought you might like to hear my story. I have never had any bad experience with a bone marrow biopsy, or a biopsy of any kind [having had several!]. They can be a valuable diagnostic tool.
Ginger

My first appointment is Oct. 17th.

Hi @bkerr01 and Welcome to Connect. So happy to hear you’re a patient in a Mayo Clinic. You’re in excellent hands.
May I ask what required you to have a bone marrow biopsy?

I most likely have PV lab values are high and gene test positive. I am not a patient yet, but would like to visit Mayo in Arizona. It will be a few hours drive, but am willing to travel for the right kind of sedation. I am banking lots of PTO at work.

I am in the evaluation phase for receiving an autologous stem cell transplant at this time.

@bkerr01, Seeing that you’ll be in Rochester for an extended period while undergoing your cell harvesting and transplant you might be interested in some of the discussions with other members who’ve had a stem cell translant using their own cells.

@justpeachy recently had her tranpslant in Mayo-Phoenix and started this discussion:

My Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Journey - Mayo, Phoenix https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/my-autologous-stem-cell-transplant-journey-mayo-phoenix/
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This comment has a number of good suggestions as you head into transplant:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/798131/
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@jiminmorris started this discussion a few months ago when his wife was heading to Rochester for her auto-SCT
~Helpful suggestions as we head into BMT?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/helpful-suggestions-as-we-head-into-bmt/
If you’d like to share what diagnosis led you to needing a transplant I’d be happy to Connect you with fellow members who have that in common with you.
I had AML and required an allogenic STC. My husband and I lived in Rochester for 4 months while I went through my treatment and recovery. It’s our home away from home!
You’ll be well taken care of with your transplant team there.

Do you have any specific quiestions? Are you all set with lodging?