What was your experience with bone marrow biopsy?

Thanks, Ginger
Maybe it was because I was so anxious about having it done. They gave me "Twilight" but I did have some pain when they administered the local and when they did the aspiration. I took Tylenol when I got home and fell asleep but had trouble sleeping at night because I sleep on my left side. It was still somewhat sore the next day. It could be my age or the Sjogren's or the CIPO and other autoimmune disorders that I have. I'm glad yours went so well though. I got the test results on my portal from the hospital and the diagnosis is Macrocytosis, which I knew I had but B12 and folic acid were eliminated as a cause so it could be from Myelodysplastic syndrome. I don't have an appointment with the doctor to discuss the results as of yet

Elaine.

Thanks, Ginger. I did ask to have sedation and it will be done in the hospital.

A full study of your sample usually takes 5-10 business days. Post biopsy, my doctor recommended heat and ice alternating and Tylenol...no nsaids like Advil as they can cause bleeding. I think they gave me some mild pain meds, too. Take it easy for a few days, too.

Thanks for your reply. The doctor suspects MDS but I also have CIPO and Sjogren's and have lost a lot of weight and have been on Boost (no solid food since May of 2019) and can't imagine going through treatment for this too. I don't know how long the results will take to get back to me. Your response has been helpful to me.

I have had 3 with no sedation. No problem at all. It feels like a little pressure but nothing you would need anything for.

Hello, I was sedated and felt no painful during the procedure or afterwards.

@beanglow I had one done, in Sept 2017. That dr routinely uses versed, however there was none given to me. It was a pain-free procedure for me. There is another one scheduled in 2 weeks, different dr, different facility. Their protocol is no sedation, and I do not expect any issues. You might experience some discomfort from the pressure bandage when you sit for the next 24 hrs, but not much else. Has your dr told you the reason for the bone marrow biopsy, and how long the results will take to get back to you? I hope you can see by these replies, that there may be unwarranted concern about pain.
Ginger

I have had with and without what they call “conscious sedation” and much prefer with some. They numb the skin and tissue, but can’t numb the bone. Pain is very personal, but with the stress of my diagnosis and not sleeping well or feeling good, I was more sensitive to it, so sedation was preferable to me. The doctor’s technique and experience can also make a difference...I had one drop the sample and have to repeat the bone marrow aspiration. One thing with sedation is you feel pretty tired after. My first one I did without because I had a surgical consultation right after it and needed to be thinking clearly. If you want sedation, ask for it in advance. My experience is most centers routinely offer it. Good luck!

@beanglow

I have had 4 bone marrow biopsies in the last 5 years. I have been given either propofol or versed along with fentanyl. With propofol I didn't have any pain at all with the versed and fentanyl I did feel some pressure but no real pain. The day after I had some pain when I sat down but nothing that a couple of Advil didn't take care of. If you have any more questions I will be happy to answer if I can. Good luck.