Bone marrow biopsy

[powyco]

I have to have one of these soon, and I'm told it's very painful indeed. Has anyone else had it ? Please be frank about the pain, as I shall be able to face it better if I know what I'm in for.

[smudge]

Hi powyco Our eldest daughter had a bone marrow biopsy last year. She said it wasn't very pleasant, but they gave her a sedative during & painkiller injections after, which eased the pain. She also has an enlarged liver & pancreas (not drink related) & is currently under ongoing observation at the hospital. P.S. She also had liver & pancreas function tests in the same week as the bone marrow biopsy, so had a lot to contend with. Try not to worry too much powyco, I'm sure it won't be as bad as you fear. Take care & get well soon. -xx-

[smudge]

Sorry, there were paragraphs in that post which would have made it easier to read.

[Robinia]

I've had three (!) so I can only speak from my experience which was to have a core of marrow as well as some cells removed from my hip bone. (Some people just have the cells removed which can be done in the breastbone).

Yes, the first one was quite painful but for two reasons...the registrar wasn't very experienced & I had the automatic response to the discomfort which was to keep moving away.
The next two weren't as bad & the good news is it only takes a few minutes once the surface area has been numbed. I can only describe it as a dull pressure pain & a then very quick sharp bee sting as they remove the cells. It's a bit uncomfortable afterwards - like a bruise.

My tip would be to ask whoever's doing it if they've done it many times before (it's your right to ask) and hold very, very still & rigid while it's being done.
Wishing you all the very best, try not to worry (easy for me to say!) it'll soon be over.

(I didn't have sedatives, I'm sure if you're really nervous they'll give you some but I think you'll have to ask before you go for your appt)

[powyco]

Thanks, both of you. I have CLL, a slow progressing form of leukaemia and my haemoglobin has suddenly gone down. I know I eat lots of foods reich in iron, so I guess the white cells are misbehaving. I'm not usually a coward, but I had a total hysterectomy six months ago ( not connected with the leukaemia) and I still don't feel 100%. I shall ring haematology tomorrow, tell them this, and say I want as much sedation as they can give me.

[smudge]

You're welcome powyco & hope things improve for you in time.

It helps if you have a loving family & good friends around you (as we have), to get through these difficult times. -xx-

[Robinia]

So sorry to read that powyco, and yes, sometimes there comes a point when you really don't feel like going through another procedure. You'll have to have someone to take you home if you've had sedation, but you probably know that.
I hope it goes well for you.

[powyco]

Thank you all for your kindess. I do have transport home. The appointment if for Feb 4th. I'll come back and let you all know how I got on.

[smudge]

Hi again powyco - I agree, it's awful having to have so many tests & so much treatment.

It can also be very tiring, so try to rest up as much as possible inbetween apointments.

Take care, Smudge. -xx-