Bone marrow biopsy

[trotty100]

I had a bone marrow biopsy 2 days ago,the procedure for me was surprisingly easy, I was told by the nurse that she was struggling to get enough sample, but she did eventually get a good sample

I thought I had got off lightly,until the local anaesthetic wore off about 3 hours after the procedure when I tried to walk.I esperienced extreme pain when I put any weight on the joint.

I have a weak bone structure ,(osteopoenia) and was fearful that some injury had happened in the bone.for this reason I rested it and hobbled around on make do crutches.

I phoned the nurse yesterday and was told that this falls within normal reactions and to take painkillers and exercise it.

There is very slight improvement 2 days on and I am still avoiding putting weight on the joint as it continues to be very painful.

I wonder if anyone has had a similar experience

[clubdino]

I only had a minor ache after my BMB and my doctor also had a hard time getting a good sample and did quite a bit of digging. The bone would be slightly sore every time it rained for like 6 months after, but nothing horrible. I used to work at a veterinary hospital that did BMB's on animals on a regular basis and none of the animals ever limped or seemed painful hours after the procedure. I wonder if she "nicked" something or caused a small fracture due to your osteopoenia. Maybe you need a x-ray.

[trotty100 in reply to clubdino]

Thank you ,it was interesting to learn of your vetinary experiences. I am a retired nurse and have been fearful that there may have been some injury to my bone and thinking about an X-ray .It is a little easier today day 3 .

I am due at hospital tomorrow for an abdominal scan and depending on further improvements I will keep my options open about X-ray

Thank you for taking the time It’s really appreciated and helpful

[kiwitraveller]

Hi like you I also have osteopenia. I had a BMB and was amazed that there was no pain during or after. I think we are all so different as I have met people who have had after pain like you and others like myself. You are doing the right thing to rest but you need to exercise it. Perhaps begin with some exercises lying down on the bed but do work on becoming more active. Good luck.

My bone density has improved with taking up weight training 3x a week and hiking regularly.

[trotty100 in reply to kiwitraveller]

Thanks every contribution is helpful in filling in the picture. it is a little easier today Day 3. I know we are all different and your osteopoenia is an interesting aspect

Thanks again really appreciatted

[Chaz1]

Hubby has his & had a lot of digging around to get a good sample. He was sore for a few days, limping for a bit but we kept him mobile as knew he'd cease up otherwise. His bones are quite dense which is why they struggled with his sample but he was definitely limping & sore for a good week afterwards. I did put arnica gel round the area, but obviously not on the open area, for a few weeks to pull out the bruising & used heat pads which helped. You know you body though so if you don't feel that it's just bruising then discuss with the nurse again & have it checked.

[trotty100 in reply to Chaz1]

Thanks I have been combining rest with a little movement.It has been extremely painful but there has been some improvement overnight and I’m hoping this will continue.

Thanks again really helpful to hear of your experiences

[Chaz1 in reply to trotty100]

Glad to hear it's improving

[Tomaj]

I had a bone marrow biopsy and the doctor was taking ages getting enough sample. I knew she was struggling until finally she told me to wait a minute. I knew she was getting somebody else and my suspicions were confirmed when I was introduced to an experienced nurse.

The nurse was straight in there and was finished in a minute or so. I told her as much and thanked her for being quick. She told me that she did the procedure all the time and it was routine for her now.

I don't hold any of this against the doctor and I told her at least she got somebody who could do the job when she was obviously struggling. That's what the Hipocratic oath says, not to be afraid to ask for help when needed. I had some discomfort during the procedure, but no pain or lasting effects afterwards.

I hope this helps.

Tom

[trotty100 in reply to Tomaj]

Thanks, it is so interesting th hear of yours and others experience ,I appreciate every contribution.my pain was pretty extreme and I think I did the right thing to rest initially with a little bit of exercise. I am feeling quite a bit better on the 3rd day after the procedure

[MCW22]

Hi Trotty, I too have osteopenia, diagnosed after a compression fracture of L1 vertebrae. I am due to have my first bone marrow biopsy on Wednesday. I suspect my PV is progressing. The consultant told me I have some fibrosis but didn't elaborate. I noticed my last blood test mentioned teardrop cells which I believe to be a sign of MF. I was told I would only get local anaesthetic for BMB, no sedative or gas and air as some people get. So I intend taking some painkillers before I go in just to be on the safe side.

[trotty100]

Thank you I hope your test goes well, I am improving, I only have pain when I try to walk. I have always thought my pain tolerance was pretty high which has been a surprising part of this experience

[Helpatlast]

Yes I was the same both years ago when initially diagnosed and had a BMB and when I had second one a couple of months ago - the leaflet I had said there may be some discomfort for a day or so - I had bad pain for couple of weeks both time (and I am someone with a good pain threshold) - decided the leaflet written by someone who has never had one 😀😀 - but don’t worry it does subside, even if its a couple of weeks it does go, keep the area warm with a nice hot water bottle or such and keepgentle walking, it will go. All the best

[trotty100 in reply to Helpatlast]

Thanks so much,great improvement yesterday and almost back to normal today. It is interesting how different our bodies react,I had no pain in the area ,only when I tried to walk. I would be better prepared if I were to have another BMB

[Shmb]

Sorry you are still suffering. The junior doctor had trouble doing my bmb and after 2 attempts on different sites the consultant did it and got it straight away. After local wore off I was in pain with extra shooting pain up my leg when I put weight on it. When my husband phoned the hospital the nurse said it was a rare (but normal) side effect as the injections to numb the area can aggravate the nerves. It took about 4 days for leg pain to go but site of bmb was very painful for a few weeks (had a haematoma from the botched attempts). I did go back for unscheduled check up and they weren't concerned as it could take ages for haematoma to dissolve. I couldn't sleep with the discomfort until I decided to wrap one of those blue cool blocks that you use in picnic boxes in a tea towel and put on my big "bridget jones" knickers to hold cool block in place - the cold stopped me feeling any pain.

[trotty100 in reply to Shmb]

Thanks a lot,so interesting and appreciated ,I had no pain at the site only when I tried to walk, great improvement from day 4 and rapidly getting back to normal.So interesting how we all react

[Kelly2]

It will last a few days and that's all. Don't worry

[trotty100 in reply to Kelly2]

Thanks,

yesterday day 4 there was great improvement and I am practically back to normal, if only I had been better prepared,

I am pretty good with pain generally and was worried about the osteopoenia element.It has been so good to have all the support from the forum.