bone marrow...

[coggles]

I have to have a sample of my bone marrow taken in 3 weeks, and although I will be sedated, I am more concerned about the pain involved than the results! I have had 2 children by emergency c section with epidurals, and they weren't nice so I am really worried about how much it will hurt to have the bone marrow taken! I know I sound like a wimp, but could any of you with experience of this give it to me straight please - just how painful exactly!!!

[sft42]

I am sorry to say I have been fortunate enough never to have had to go through this experience but I just wanted to say,,,,,Good Luck and I know I speak on behalf of lots of the other people on here when I say that we wish you all the best with the op,

[coggles]

Thanks sft! Having just read through my question again, it sounds like I am implying that my children aren't nice - I meant the epidurals!!!!!

[beenee]

I did some work with children in procedures of lumbar punctures for the extraction of the bone marrow during my undergraduate degree. The area I concentrated on was psychological means by which pain could be minimised as general anesthics are not usually used in the case of children. Also alternative means such as hypnotherapy are common since the procedure is indeed very painful.

Will you be given a general anesthetic for your procedure coggles? If not you may seriously want to consider techniques of self-hypnosis that you can use during the procedure or enquire about a hypnotherapist at your hospital. Unfortunately techniques such as mental imagery are not effective in adults as they are in children.

You definitelty do not sound like a wimp and are actually quite brave to want to know exactly what the procedure entails. I'm not sure how else I can help but if you have any specific questions I will try to answer them.

[coggles]

Thanks beenee. I am having a local anesthetic and my consultant said that although it will numb the area where the needle goes in, it cannot numb the bone itself - and it's when the needle enters the bone that it is painful! She is a very professional and lovely person but it was when she said that she wouldn't like to have it done, that I started to worry.......

[Robinia]

Hi - sorry to hear you have to go through this but I thought it might help to know that I've had this procedure three times & I'm NOT the bravest of women! Yes it's true it does hurt but only for seconds at it's worst (a sharp sting)& then you will probably be uncomfortable for a while. I'd call it a dull ache & if you are a typical woman you've had a lot worse to put up with! In my experience I've found that knowing how long something will take helps you to look beyond it & know that it will soon be over. I can't tell you not to worry 'cos if you're like me you will but please know that you will be ok, & I hope that, whatever the reason for your test, you have a healthy new year!

[coggles]

That is very reassuring noddy, thank you! I don't know anyone who has had it done, so to hear what it is like 'from the horses mouth' so to speak, means a lot. I am sure the results will be fine, fingers crossed (if I could still cross my fingers!!!). I hope you and everyone else on AB have a very happy and healthy 2004.

[bluedolphin]

I've had a sample taken .....but the doctor (female) told me that the pain of the injection was the same as the pain of the needle used for the sample taking...so she gave me the option. Well I opted for the one needle job. They took the sample from my hip...I was lying on my back and the doctor just cleansed the area and started. There is a bit of a sting from the needle and after that I just felt her pressing on my hip. It took only a few minutes. I felt a soreness in the area for about a week or so. Most noticable when lying in bed ...I didnt sleep on that side for a while. All in all expect a bit of soreness not pain. Good luck.

[coggles]

I am not as brave as you bluedolphin! I have decided to accept any sedation going........!