Having a BMB and progession from ET

[Daisey123]

Morning everyone just a quick question. When I went to see my hematologist .They said that my ET had progression. So wants me to go for a BMB .This will be my first one so feeling very confused and emotional of what to expect .

[hall2]

Hi I’ve had two BMBs and it’s uncomfortable but ok. There should be information on this site about the procedure. They will give you a local anaesthetic then take a sample of bone marrow from your hip area for analysis. The procedure doesn’t last too long and I’ve always been able to walk out and drive home. I usually have taken a friend or relative with me.

[Daisey123 in reply to hall2]

Thank you so much much for replying I will have a

[Orangeboykitty]

I found the BMB very painful so I requested anesthesia on my recent one. They gave me something to knock me out for just a short time (maybe 45 minutes), and I was very pleased with it. I didn't have to drive home because my husband was with me. Some people don't mind BMBs but others find them worse than childbirth.

[Daisey123 in reply to Orangeboykitty]

Thank you for replying to me that has helped. I think I might need something to really calm me

[Orangeboykitty]

Don't be afraid to request whatever you need, including a small dose of anesthesia. I was glad I did!

[Daisey123 in reply to Orangeboykitty]

You have put my mind at ease thanks

[JP1952]

Hi, I have also had 2 BMBs and agree with hall2, not painful and doesn't take long. The doctor explained everything he was doing and even showed me the smears and bone sample when it was done. I was fine to get up and leave immediately. However, I understand your apprehension as I was very nervous before my first one.

[Itch]

Hi Daisey, I fully understand your apprehension. BMB is a relatively short procedure, but as you can tell from other replys the experience is different for all. You don’t need to try to be brave, just ask for sedation.

Good Luck

[Bears23]

I’ve had two, they aren’t that bad. I had mine right in the doctor office. Felt some pressure, but not bad. The entire bmb took about 2-3 minutes, and it’s over. They put a bandaid over the injection area, and I drove home following bmb. Felt very little pain at the injection site the rest of the day. My first bmb, my concerns were far worse than the procedure. Good luck.

[Meatloaf9]

HI, when I had my BMB it was simple and painless. My doc who did it had 40 years of experience. If you have a capable, experienced person performing the BMB you should do just fine with no pain and minimal discomfort, just make sure they give the local anesthetic time to work. Good luck to you. Best always.

[Vtr1000]

Hi Daisy 123, local anaesthetic wasn’t quite enough for me. I had it topped up with gas and air, I didn’t feel anything at this point. Hubby came with me, which I was thankful for the company and not having to drive home.

[Daisey123]

Thanks everyone it's made me feel a bit better about it

[CAOR]

I have had 2...one with anesthesia and one without. I would definitely request it with as it was a completely different and better experience for me with anesthesia. I was a bit sore afterwards and definitely appreciated my husband being there for support. Good luck to you!

[PVmom_79 in reply to CAOR]

Me, too! I was sedated with my first one and not with the second. The second one was traumatic.

[Daisey123 in reply to PVmom_79]

Thanks for replying, sorry to hear that it was traumatic for you .

[EPguy]

The discomfort can vary with Dr doing the procedure. I think my current Dr should do it well but if I had someone to drive me (I don't) I would ask for somewhat stronger anesthesia for my next one. They usually take both a liquid and a solid marrow sample. It's the 2nd one that might be less comfortable.

[Mishie14]

I had first bone biopsy ever immediately after diagnosis of ET JAK2 last April. My hematology doctor said she had done these in her office for years but referred me to hospital outpatient as she had to stop doing the test in office due to Covid lockdown. I had only local anesthetic which shocked outpatient staff but I was determined to not have general anesthetic. Was moving about right after the test and out of there and home again with no after effects. There were 5 drills between bone and marrow samples. After each sample the doctor viewed them to confirm it was a good sample. Each one was painful for maybe 4 seconds at most. The pain during 3 marrow narrow sampling ran from hip to toes. Excruciating but as soon as the drill stopped, all of the pain stopped. A nurse was at my side distracting my attention. She helped immensely. If/when I have to take this test again I will only have a local. There was expected pain but not for long and both the doctor and nurse were excellent. I’m 72 years old.

[EPguy in reply to Mishie14]

That's an unusually high number of drillings. Did Dr explain a reason for the multiple drills? Mine had two, the 1st one for the liquid, and 2nd one (the actual drill) for the marrow.

You've got quite the will power.