Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration

@spice8677 Hello and welcome to Mayo Connect. Though I see you’ve been a member for quite a few years and this is the first time positing.

From first hand experience, with over 10 bone marrow biopsies at Mayo, with certainty I can tell you, yes, they put you under a twilight anesthesia. I’ve also had several BMBXs (bone marrow biopsy/exam) with no anesthesia. (at another hospital) Not my favorite

The entire experience is painless from start to finish. You wake 10 minutes later with the procedure completed and you’re treated to a choice of crackers/cookies and juice! No white knuckles.
If you have a Mayo Patient Portal just drop a message to your doctor. Or simply call the scheduling physician and request to be put under. They won’t hesitate but it does need to be ordered.
Which Mayo Campus will you be visiting and is this your first visit?
May I ask what is prompting the biopsy?

If there are any other questions you have, don’t hesitate to ask. Wishing you all the best, Lori

As someone who has had a Bone Marrow Biopsy and Aspiration with no anesthesia, it's more psychologically difficult than physically. Yes, it wasn't too pleasant but I think it would've been a lot easier if they just didn't tell me what they were doing LOL. I just felt a lot of pressure and a pain that shot down to my leg on the side they did the aspiration and biopsy but it went away after awhile. I was a bit sore but I've been in worse pain before.

@jenniferk07 Like you, my bone marrow biopsies have been done with no anesthesia. The first time, I was not told what to expect, and I feel the dr was in a rush [I was last appt before lunch]. The aspiration was painful, and I had to drive 100 miles home afterwards. The next three times were by my oncologist. He carefully explained what he was doing, and his medical assistant works with him to chatter, distracting me, etc. There is also someone right there from the on-site lab, so he reviews the sample before sending it downstairs.

I am jealous @lorimbt got cookies and juice after her procedures! No fair!

@spice8677 Has your bone marrow biopsy been scheduled, yet? Were you able to get your questions answered?
Ginger

@gingerw @jenniferk07 After 10 biopsies literally ‘under my belt”, I’m not ashamed to admit I opt for anesthesia every time! My first 3 were without. Wasn’t a fan... I have another biopsy coming up in July and no longer have any trepidation.

I’m spoiled now as a frequent flyer!😂 Anesthesia + cookies & juice. Sometimes there are Ritz with cheese. All a guilty pleasures. I have another biopsy coming up in July.

When I hit #10, I joked with the biopsy team, asking if I get a ‘buy 10-get something free” deal. Without skipping a beat, the NP said “Oh, with 10 you get a free colonoscopy!” LOL I opted for a 2nd little package of Lorna Doones with my apple juice instead.

I had my very first bone marrow biopsy at Mayo in March 2021 and they definitely gave me the option of being put under which I did choose. I was only under for about 20 minutes or so. The whole procedure was just over an hour including the prep, procedure and recovery. I was given an ice pack for my 4 hour ride home and I had minimal discomfort. Good luck with yours.

Had 1 BMB with no sedation, Dr. said since I have sleep apnea could not have. I have had many upper endoscopies and I'm always out for those. It was awful I did not enjoy the BMB! If I ever have to have another one I will hopefully get sedation!! Does not make sense to me!!

Oy, @ancopau1998, I feel your pain. I’m a tough old bird but freely admit I won’t have another BMB without sedation.
If you’ve had other tests like the endoscopies under general anesthesia, I don’t see any reason you wouldn’t be able to have sedation for the BMB. It’s the same meds. Plus all the while you’re sedated you’d be wearing an oxygen mask and monitored closely. The process takes no more than 15 minutes. Hopefully, you won’t need any more bone marrow biopsies, but if you do, advocate for yourself, take a nice nap while it’s happening and wake up refreshed with no memory of the event. ☺️
How often do you have your bloodwork followup for MM?

had it done 2x and fully awake for both. A little scarrey but no real pain.

I think if i ever have it done again I will ask for some anesthesia. I was done in dr office.

Amen! There is no way I’m doing a bone marrow biopsy without anesthesia. I’ve already told my oncologist that he can just quit fantasizing about being so skilled I won’t feel it.
Just say no!
I woke up in the middle of an endoscopy once. That is a treat to be awake when they’re pulling that apparatus out of your throat. 😳