Scared to have a bone marrow biopsy!!

[TheGoldenGirl]

I'm so terrified to have a bone marrow biopsy & aspiration. With no sedation on Dec.17th. Think I need to call for sedation & something for anxiety? Is it painful? I've got severe crohn's disease & have had 20 surgeries & intestinal cancer along with other current health problems. Dr's think I have leukemia & the only way to be sure is this test. I want answers, but then again I dread the results! It's Deja vu, one test result can totally change everything. Advice or Info would be greatly appreciated-Thank You!

[Feline-Fan_UK]

Hi there TGG

You can definitely ask for sedation e.g. Midazolam and also Entinox (has and air).

They will also give you local anaesthetic to numb the insertion area.

Sadly, yes, this procedure is very unpleasant, but unfortunately a necessary evil to get the right results.

I’ve had at least 10, and they never get any easier. Wishing you all the very best

xxx

[Clarence45]

I know it’s easy to say, but try not to worry about the biopsy. They will always give you a local anaesthetic first. Explain to them that you’re anxious, all the nurses I’ve come across are very understanding and try to put you at ease. And definitely ask for gas and air, it really does help.

Take care x

[2003UK Champion]

Hi, your fear oozes out of this page. I cannot tell you what a bone marrow biopsy & aspiration is like and anyway it is individual to you on the day. What I would say is what you have said is perhaps you need to talk to someone on your medical team and tell them your fears and ask for sedation. You certainly seem to have gone through a lot medically and I have found that sometimes I need to ensure my medical team remember my whole medical history. I find my mind is my worst enemy and when I am fearful my mind goes off like a washing machine and actually knowing something means I have one less thing in the wash fast spin. Don't forget if you need to talk to someone the Leukaemia Care Charity helpline is open Monday - Friday 9am until 5pm and they have a special evening service on a Thursday and Friday 7pm - 10pm. The number is freephone 08088 010 444 and we are here to support you as well.

[Ngtinfu]

I was pleasantly surprised that for my first and only biopsy, I was put under. I remember being told to lay on my side and then, voila, time to get up! I didn't ask to be put under but somehow that's what happened. I wouldn't have it any other way. Have you asked? Good luck!

[emmieb-UK]

Gosh you've gone through such a lot already. I've had three bone biopsies without gas/air etc but had a local anaesthetic each time. The nurses were lovely and I gripped a hand throughout. What I would say is that it's over quickly and I didn't have any lingering affects. I took some paracetamol before hand. I get a lot of anxiety too but the nurses are lovely and very kind which helps. Good luck!