Bone Marrow Aspiration - I'm scared.

[iceskating1]

I'm having 2 bone marrow aspirations in 1 week for stem cell injections. Has anyone had an aspiration with no meds but just localized numbing of the area? My doctor gave me the choice of meds or no meds. They do have laughing gas available should I need it. I don't always do well with meds so I thought about just having them numb the area. The draw is supposed to last from 30-45 seconds on each hip. The 2 drugs taken prior are Ativan and Hydrocodone. Thank you.

[Sand-Dancer]

Hi. I have had two BMB’s with only localised numbing of the area. They were fine. Not exactly pain free but not that bad! Ask your guy to talk you through it while he/she is busy. I find it much better when I know what they are doing and what to expect. Then I feel in control. Please don’t be scared they will be over in no time. Let us know when they are both done. Love to you. Lesley x

[iceskating1 in reply to Sand-Dancer]

Thank you for your reply. It helps me to read of your experience. I will let you know how it goes.

[jane13]

hi, yes, had several this way, all fine, no pain, just mild discomfort. good luck, don't worry. bmbs usually done by experienced associate specialist or similar, who will have done dozens before

[iceskating1 in reply to jane13]

Thank you Jane13. I've heard this doctor is good at what he does and I'm hoping for a good outcome.

[RedSunrise]

Hello, the thought of the BBC is daunting but I've had mine done last Thurs and it was honestly fine. I went to work the next day, the gym the day after and I've just done a 7 mile walk (I'm an attempt to get healthier and reduce my risks) I went into quite a lot of detail about my procedure on a previous post on BMB to hope2 optimism. I hope this helps make you feel more at ease.

Wishing you all the best.

Eve x

[iceskating1 in reply to RedSunrise]

Thank you. I'm looking forward to getting back to normal. I've been down for 3 months.

[RedSunrise in reply to iceskating1]

I'm really sorry to hear that. Hopefully this will help with treatment. There is loads of support on this forum - it's really helped me.

Take care and let us know how it goes

Eve

[Not2bad]

Hi

I had my BMB last year and it wasn't painful - there were a couple of occasions where he must've hit a nerve and my leg jerked a bit. I think that scared him more than me!

I hope your BMB goes well - just remember to recover at your pace.

Just because some people are running don't feel bad because all you can do is lie on the sofa! You will get there at your pace - don't be putting unnecessary pressure on yourself.

All the best

F.

[iceskating1 in reply to Not2bad]

Thank you for your reply. I'm looking forward to walking and taking it easy.

[bobbynorthlake]

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[iceskating1 in reply to bobbynorthlake]

Thank you for your advice.

[bobbynorthlake in reply to iceskating1]

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[iceskating1 in reply to bobbynorthlake]

Bobby, these are my own stem cells. This doctor only uses a patient's cells. My injury was from an accident about 25 years ago. Yes, our bodies are amazing gifts that God has given us. I have heard that thermography is a much safer diagnostic tool nowadays.

[bobbynorthlake in reply to iceskating1]

THIS REPLY HAS BEEN DELETED AS THE CONTENT WAS INAPPROPRIATE AND THE PERSON HAS BEEN RESTRICTED FROM POSTING & REPLYING ON THIS FORUM.

[iceskating1 in reply to bobbynorthlake]

Yes, everyone has stem cells but the difference is that they culture them to grow in number along with my own platelet rich plasma. The bone marrow stem cells are actually mesenchymal cells which can differentiate into cartilage cells, bone cells, and heal surrounding tissue when injected via ultrasound into target areas. Yes, I heard about the woman who can't see and that was sad.

[nodmeister]

Not too bad just think of the bigger picture and how it'll benefit you in the future.

[iceskating1 in reply to nodmeister]

I'm thinking of the bigger picture which is so much more than the procedure. Thank you!

[Hope2-Optimism]

BMB yesterday - Newbie

Hi,

I was extremely anxious and fearful about bone marrow aspiration and trephine procedure i underwent yesterday. So much so that I didn't think I would be able to do it!! However, the nurses and doctor involved were lovely. Informed and reassuring.

Listen to their advice and try and relax. I was going to have had a sedative before the procedure, (but was then advised that you need to sign the consent form before taking it). Also, I was advised that you cannot eat or drink if you have a sedative prior to procedure.

As I feel quite shaky and fatigued I felt I would be better to eat. Remember, everyone's an individual and will experience things differently.

I'm certain if I can do it YOU CAN!! I found it a bit uncomfortable and was glad it was over. However, the numbing injections take away pain. I'd say it's discomfort you feel. I took painkillers after and felt a bit of an ache but easily mamageable. Today I'm feeling a bit like I've had a knock or a bump to the back of my hip and ache a bit but just resting.

Honestly, I'm certain you will cope. Hope this helps a bit.

Good luck,

Take care,

Kerry x

[iceskating1 in reply to Hope2-Optimism]

Thank you. I am actually looking forward to this now. I've been down for 3 months and I want to get back to spending time with others. Your encouragement helps!

[Hope2-Optimism in reply to iceskating1]

You're more than welcome. Emotionally I've found it very difficult too. I'm new on this forum, but found people's support very helpful. We are all very busy with our own lives and sometimes we can all feel daunted and scared, (especially if we don't feel physically well). I think this has a knock on effect and can lead to you feeling isolated and depressed. I think it always helps to share, as we can often lose perspective when left alone with only our own thoughts. I wish you well.

Kind Regards,

Kerry x

[Anag]

Hi Iceskating!

Since I have been pain sensitive all my life, I was afraid of this procedure. The doctor gave me a few drops of Psychopax (Austrian med) to calm me down. The doctor numbed the area and spoke with me gently through the procedure. The skin and muscle area was numbed, but the bone cannot be numbed. It was uncomfortable but fine. I just kept breathing and was glad it was over. The area was a bit sensitive for a few days. I’m really interested in the stem-cell procedure! Could you please give us some more info on this? Or give us a link? I wish everything goes beautifully for you!

[iceskating1]

Thank you for the information. I called the nurse today and she was wonderful. My procedure is in 5 days and she told me that they will be with me through the whole thing - talking, rubbing my back, listening, etc. I feel much better about this. Yes, I was told by 2 orthopedics that I needed knee replacement surgery. I've been studying stem cells for years and glad that I was a candidate for this. The link is regenesisstemcell.com. I have been impressed with this doctor and his staff.

[Meatloaf9]

Had BMB in 2018 with local anesthetic. Took one of my own benadryl tablets 30 minutes prior. Had no pain whatsoever, due to the local anesthetic not the benadryl, I think. I believe that it mostly depends on the skill of the person doing the BMB and giving the local anesthetic time to work. Best of luck to you.

[iceskating1]

This doctor has been practicing for 30 years and is very skilled. I feel much better after sharing on this forum.

[piggie50]

Can I ask if you have an MPN?

[iceskating1 in reply to piggie50]

Knee injury.

[MacDWild]

Hi. I had one done with morphine and ativan. They used a chisel tool. The second one I had at MD Anderson, no meds at all, they used a drill and it was NOTHING! I would prefer the drill with no meds, personally. Neither were as bad as I had myself all worked up over. Good luck to you! Try to remain calm and just take it a step at a time.

[iceskating1]

Thank you so much! Your post encourages me and all the advice I have received has made this process easier.

[iceskating1]

I had my 2 bone marrow aspirations yesterday with no meds and localized numbing of skin. I survived! I took my headphones in with music while the procedure was going on and it really helped! The nurse patted my back and rubbed my legs and it helped tremendously. I'm very thankful for this site and the encouragement I've received. The process was over pretty quickly. Thank you all for your feedback.