No sedation!

[doglover57]

Due to covid protocol at the cancer facility I go to I will not be sedated during my next bone marrow biopsy in a few days. Has anyone had one of these without sedation? I am very nervous. Thank you.

[Bigcheat]

Just had mine done last month. I declined sedation and good that I did. It wasn’t bad at all. You will be fine too.

Cheers,

Bigcheat

[Hidden]

Fine without sedation. Just plenty of local anesthetic.

[stillkicking]

I had mine without sedation, just local anaesthetic, and for me it was no worse than the dentist.. probably better in some ways! There was some aching and discomfort at one part of the procedure, but really for seconds rather than minutes, and because I understood what was being done, I knew that this would only be for a short time. I was lucky in that the person doing the procedure explained it to me and was one of the "boffins" at the lab so he was able to make it all interesting. Sending you kind thoughts and wishing you the very best,

Peter

[EmeraldA]

Hi ! I had my bmb three weeks ago. I was not sedated and they only injected a numbing agent locally. This worked very well. There was no pain as such. It very briefly felt like a period pain in my back hip area that radiated outwards. This was brief and the only other sensations I felt was either a bit of pressure or pulling or bubbles like feeling when taking out aspiration or bone sample. The anticipation of the bmb was worse tbh. You will be fine during this procedure. Just tell them if you feel uncomfortable and they can inject more of the numbing agent. Goodluck and remember to treat yourself afterwards! B

[Otterfield]

I had one last month without sedation. Although I prefer sedation it was okay with a local anaesthetic - there was just a bit of mild pain but only for a few seconds.

[Cja1956]

My first biopsy in 2008, I was not sedated. It was done at the doctors office and it was over pretty quickly. My second one last year, I was lightly sedated, and it was actually a little worse than the first one. I’m not sure if it’s because I am older now, or what. Either way, it’s not so bad and I’m sure you’ll get through it fine.

[MCW22]

Sedation wasn't on offer when I had mine 18 months ago, only local anaesthetic. Even though I took some painkillers before going in it still hurt like hell. I strongly recommend that you take enough painkillers yourself just before going in. I don't think I took enough and I think they were wearing off by the time I got called in.

Carol

[MaggieSylvie in reply to MCW22]

All those lucky people who say it is almost painless! My hospital doesn't offer sedation and I desparately hope they don't want to do another BMB ever. I was very calm in the waiting room, having had a breastbone BMB in my twenties, so I wasn't expecting any pain at all. A few minutes pain - several days actually.

[swimswam]

I have my first one in two weeks, which will be without sedation. I’m also very nervous. My heam’s comment that “women that had children without epidural in the 80’s are usually fine,”hasn’t really sold it to me!

[Heather270240]

I have had two without sedation and no problem. Although easy to say but just try and relax.

[Dovme]

Me too no sedation

Was a very mild sensation

Good luck

[Chaz1]

Hubby wasn't offered sedation for his but plenty of local anaesthetic & pain killers before he arrived. He was offered gas & air but refused. He had music playing to occupy his mind. He said it was uncomfortable but not extricating. Good luck, try not to assume it will hurt, easier said than done but often our minds can make things worse. Focus on your happy place & happy feelings, positive meditation works well, practice a few times a day beforehand.

[Tartanlady]

I was never offered sedation only local anaesthetic. Absolutely nothing to worry about.

C

[IrishHiker]

I just had mine done under local (numbing the insertion/extraction site only. No big deal😊

[lynnieb]

I had mine with a local anaesthetic. I didn't even know they DID sedate for it. It was absolutely fine. A little pinch when the anaesthetic went in, then a slight pressure. It was easier than having a filling.

It really isn't medically indicated to sedate, except for children, but only then to keep them still. You will be fine - best of luck!

[JP-52]

I had mine done with just a local anaesthetic all went very well with no discomfort , I just felt some slight pressure with the biopsy procedure

[skipperL]

Everyone else seems to have had pain free bone marrow biopsies - I have had three and they were all horrendously painful. No painkillers or sedation were offered, except at the last one when I was given gas and air which only had a marginal effect. They also didn’t obtain a full sample which meant my consultant only had half the information. Never again I hope! Good luck to everyone scheduled for a BMB - SkipperL

[KoroCharlie]

I kept putting it off because my Haemawallah said it was a 'bit uncomfortable'. I interperted that as 'bloody painful' and was therefore very afraid. Then I spoke to an older woman who I knew had been through it. She said it hurt 'a bit' but not nearly as much as she had imagined it would. That made me feel like a wus (which I am). So I agreed to the BMB. I had local anesthetic only, experienced some discomfort but it was all over before I knew it. On a pain scale of 0 to what I can only imagine giving birth to be, I would rate it a 4. I hope it goes as well for you.

[redumbrella]

I have three B.M.B's over the years all with local anaesthetic experiencing only slight discomfort, don't worry you will be grand.

Best of luck

Garry

[Jean24]

Ask if gas & air is available, that way if you need a little bit of help it's there. I asked for my husband when he had his BMB last week. Everyone experience is different. Some find it fairly painfree other really painful. Good luck for yours.

[Hayley2011]

Local anaesthetic only for first ever bmb

[Bohus]

I did, not that I have anything to compare with but it was too bad. You will be fine!

[WithMPN2020]

mine was very easy, I believe my hematologist is very good at them but she made it very easy. the worst part was when the cold pink antibacterial stuff was wiped on as they were prepping. The rest was easy.

[Jacque65]

OMG. Get sedated if offered.