At this moment in time I am sitting after just having finished the bone marrow biopsy. If you have one coming up, don't worry. It's not as bad as some people say. I know everyone is different, but for me only the last part was slightly painful, but more uncomfortable than pain.
It's over with pretty quickly and staff were great (hospital here in Glasgow, Scotland)
Any questions you have I will answer to the best of my ability.
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Kesslerkev11
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I’m glad to hear that was your experience. It was pretty much the same for me too and I think it’s good for people to know for people who are slated to have a BMB as they’re often pretty nervous.
That’s so kind and thoughtful of you to post this as I do think many people are apprehensive about anything to do with needles. It is my personal opinion that often the fear of a procedure is worse than the actual event but maybe not everyone would agree. Regardless, it’s good of you to post.
So glad to hear this, I'm having mine done in May and I must admit I'm a tad nervous about it. Although my main concern is commuting back home from London in rush hour. I'm seriously considering getting a cab.
Me too. It was more psychological than physical. Such a weird feeling. But I did treat myself to a nice meal and I had a friend come with me during the procedure to hold me hand and let me talk non-stop at her. Really helped! I was sore for a few weeks after thought, and worried it might be an infection, but it wasn't.
I had my 1st one done a few weeks back and definitely found that the thought of it was much worse than the reality. No pain just a little uncomfortable at certain points.
My hip bone was hard as steel apparently and so was a lot more difficult for the Dr than it was for me. I even ended up in fits of giggles whilst he was huffing and puffing behind me!
Haha. Yeah my nurse was making Jokes etc and I was being self deprecating, it's a Scottish past time after all. I am feeling a bit sore today, but slept well and as I said on my initial message, it was not that painful at all, and over with pretty quickly. Good luck to all that still has to have it done, but don't worry!
I think a lot has to do with the skill of the person performing it and how thorough they are with the lidocaine. My first one I had some sedation and still it was awful but my second without sedation was not bad at all. It was clear to me that the second time the person who did it was more experienced. She took more time with the lidocaine numbing a wider area and really tapping against the bone to be sure I was as numb as possible. I think that made some difference. I do have very hard bones and they struggle getting a core biopsy from me. I imagine there are some variables to the pain experience do to that as well. She also commented about how the speed at which they draw the liquid marrow can have affect the pain.
Hi Kesslerkev! Glad yours went well. Who does it and how is important. My doctor had a very calm voice and talked me through it. I tried breathing through it. I’m extremely sensitive and took some anxiety drops to get me on the table. After that, all smooth. I wish that for everyone.
Hi. To be honest, I am not fully sure the particular reasons behind the biopsy. I have been diagnosed with ET but they have not mentioned anything else for now. I guess the biopsy will tell them more about where the disorder may go. My platelets were around 850 and last we checked they were around 420. They slightly upped my dose of Hydroxycarbamide as one reading showed my platelets going up.
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