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My Bone Marrow Biopsy and Aspiration Experience
I had my bone marrow biopsy and aspiration today. As I was lying on my stomach, waiting for the doctor to come in, I felt an unexpected feeling of calmness, which I was very happy about. Much to my surprise, I don't think I felt anxious at all. That's not just me putting on a brave face - I'm not the brave type.
My doctor began by prepping the area and then administering the local anesthetic. I think that was the most uncomfortable part of it all. I've certainly experienced pain far greater in the past. I winced a bit, maybe gnashed my teeth a little. My anxiety level went up. But once the anesthetic took effect, the rest of the procedure was a piece of cake. At some point, my doctor told me that he was going to count to three and by the time he reached "three", I was to take a deep breath. Again, my anxiety level jumped. I was expecting the worst when he reached "three". At "three", I sucked in a bunch of air and...nothing. I felt no pain. Some pressure, some unusual sensations, for sure, but nothing like I had feared.
From the time he administered the anesthetic to the time he removed the needle, I'd say it took no more than 10 minutes.
Getting the results in about a week.
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I think those of us who will be having a BMB should demand that the person doing it is very skilled. A less skilled person might rely on the patient being sedated to mask being overly rough. The doctor who did mine when I was 14 did not traumatize me. I believe only a topical anesthetic was used. I do not remember any injections other than the penicillin shot I had had the previous day in the back of my hip for an anterior BMB.
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1 ReactionEveryone is different. I don't think there's a right or wrong, just different. Regarding the reputation, I think my wincing, grimacing and audible distress (yes, there were sounds of audible distress - don't judge me LOL) was more because I was anticipating worse to come. Luckily, worse didn't come. But again, everyone is different and needs to do what's right for them.
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4 ReactionsI couldn't agree more. Everyone is different and will have a different experience. However, we are trying to spare others dread which is always present when they hear about others unpleasant expeariences. Some of us did ok and maybe it can help relax you so you (and others) don't anticipate. It's worth a try.
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5 ReactionsAlthough I’ve certainly heard stories on both end of the “ouch” continuum, my take away is that like everything else, one has to advocate for your personal preference. A conversation with your physician about other health concerns and risk may make sedation less appealing, but all other things being equal, patients should advocate for what they want. Justification should be provided as to why your wishes can’t be fulfilled. We tend to acquiesce when given pushback as though we are being cowardly, but we are all different with different fears and pain thresholds. All legitimate considerations.
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7 ReactionsMayo Physician's Assistant that did mine will never touch me or see me again. I can stand pain, but this woman did not even wait until the area was numbed. I told her that and she continued. She rates a minus 10 in performing what should not have had to been so painful. I reported it on Mayo Patient Portal and told the Department of Hematology/Oncology that there were now two women physician assistants I would not schedule an appointment with. End of story and writing for April. Headed to work.
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3 Reactions@smiles1951
I’m so sorry you had that experience. Have a good ending of April.
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