Bone marrow biopsy

[Jamie345]

Hi everyone I had a call from haematology department to request I have a bone marrow biopsy next Monday, the rheumatoligist I'm with(dr Rod Hughes) says that something unusual has shown up from my blood test last week, that's why he wants the biopsy ? Has anyone on the forum had this and honestly does it hurt I prefer to know, as when I had a liver biopsy it was really painful, and I had a bad reaction all down my right side, and was treated accordingly, but I'm not normally a coward but in this case I'm dreading it, I can't work out either what it could be that warrants this, so a little concerned! Any advice or knowledge would be very welcome, regards to all x

[piglette]

I have not had a bone marrow biopsy myself but I remember my grandmother did. She had a local anaesthetic, her blood test had shown abnormal blood platelets.

[Jamie345 in reply to piglette]

Thank you piglette I hope I'm having a local anaesthetic I'm going to phone tomorrow to ask them, it would not stop me having it done either way obviously but I would not be dreading it after I had a liver biopsy that was painful! I've had so much investigations lately that it's becoming part and parcel of my normal life (only joking) again I do appreciate any knowledge was you grandmother recovered by having the biopsy ?

[piglette in reply to Jamie345]

I don’t actually think it made any difference as they did not do anything afterwards!! I am sure that in your case Dr Hughes is much more on the ball.

[Joaclp]

Hello, Jamie. It's been a while since I had a bone marrow biopsy, but I remember being sore afterwards. I think I had both a local anasthetic and IV sedation with valium. With a liver biopsy, I only had a mild local, and it hurt like a punch in the stomach both during and after, but I think the bone test did not hurt over much. I had the marrow biopsy because of a blood condition called MGUS, a sort of pre-lymphoma that has to be watched. My husband also had one, because he has a very low white count habitually. We are both fine 12 years later. Your doctor should have given you some indication of what they are looking for. Very best wishes.

[marigoldb in reply to Joaclp]

I too have MGUS, was very anaemic following hip replacement 18mths ago.

I just had a multiple myeloma blood profile done in the haematology dept. A few days of anxiety followed, waiting for the results. MGUS diagnosed, with just paraprotein 2, and thankfully follow up blood tests are stable. So upwards and onwards as they say!

Still on prednisolone for pmr, got down to 2mg, a flare, back up to 5. That’s the way with this condition isn’t it?

[Joaclp in reply to marigoldb]

Yes, it is scary. I was tested because I was on biologic drugs for RA and they are contraindicated if you have MGUS. I have been stable since going off these medications, but am followed annually by a hematologist. My father had multiple myeloma, so I worry even though it is not thought to be hereditary. It is good to hear you are ok. You are my first fellow-MGUSer!

[Jamie345 in reply to Joaclp]

My rheumy has suggested he thinks it could be myeloma before , I changed to a highly recommended rheumy after 18months of predisinone which never took the pain away and I was just getting worse! That a pep was done and I was told it showed osteporisis in my spine, 3 months later I had a call from the department to say first they had bad news and that was that I have multiple fractures across my pelvis previously missed ! that was why I changed to my present rheumy, no good them being sorry it is me that has this problem. So I have every confidence that my new one will find out what is going on? I don't know what MGUS stands for? Hope it's not dibilitating ? Thank you again for your help. I will say I was told by others on our forum that they did not think I had PMA a few times over this past 18-24 months, just goes to show how much we learn from each other on this forum it's a great help .

[SnazzyD]

Hello,

I had two (messed up the first) without any sedation from the hip. The local anaesthetic numbs the flesh but I felt every bit in the bone. If I ever have one again, I’ll demand that I know nothing about it, never again. Afterwards wasn’t too bad because I was on a high from endorphins and it being over but I felt like I’d been kicked by a horse the next day.

[Jamie345]

Thank you so much I'm calling them in the morning to put my request in as I know the liver biopsy was horrible so into the bone must be just as bad so I want some sort of pain relief knocked out would be great hope they will agree!

[Hidden]

Ohhhhh, sorry to hear this Jamie345. No, I have no idea about a bone marrow biopsy, but will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. You have been through worse I'm sure... you can do this!!!! Be brave!

[SheffieldJane]

I have no personal experience to impart. A friend had the procedure with a local anaesthetic and Diazepam for the anxiety. She said it wasn’t as bad as she feared, it took about 10 minutes and she was sore for a few days afterwards. I think she took Tramadol or similar beforehand. Nothing untoward was found. I’m sorry you have to go through this. I would be a complete coward. I hope you breeze through it and all is well. 💐

[Jamie345 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Hi there, I phoned the department this morning and asked the nurse about getting some pain relief she says he will numb the area but they said that when I had a liver biopsy around 3 years ago although it is quick it was awfully painfull a nurse was holding my hands I thought for comfort but it's to stop you shooting upwards in the bed! I've been thru a lot these past 2 years I know so you would think I would not be bothered! But I will try be brave! Thank you for your reply much appreciated x

[SheffieldJane in reply to Jamie345]

Let us know how you get on. The Diazepam helps to take you off somewhere else where this isn’t happening, especially after your horrendous sounding liver biopsy experience. You’d think we’d get braver. But sometimes you’ve just had enough.

[Patience47]

Jamie, my wife had one about a year ago. She said it was a piece of cake. However, we're all different, but I wouldn't worry too much about it. Best wishes and good luck.

[Vanner460]

I had a bone marrow biopsy in September. I was given a local anasthetic which helped to dull the pain, but not completely stop it. The nurse had to have two goes because the needle bent on the first one! I still get an ocasional twinge from where the punctures were.

In my case it was to try to find out why I had severe aneamia. Nothing found, so verdict was that it was caused by pmr.

[Heather270240]

Hi Jamie345. I had a bone marrow biopsy a few months ago as I have Polycythemia. I didn't have a local anaesthetic. I think it depends how good the nurse is that does it. I was lucky and although I had some initial pain it certainly didn't hurt as much as I expected. I would be interested to know the outcome as I am still convinced my Polycythemia is somehow linked to either GCA which I have (or had now in remission) or Prednisone.

[Janll]

Hi Jamie, I was directed to have a BMB last year. I too was scared to death?! The doctor was gentle and talked me through every step. Numbed the area on the back of the hip. The biopsy says a lot that blood test can’t. I think I would have visited the pub first if I had thought about it because being tense doesn’t help. This is the only way to diagnosis certain disorders correctly and that’s what you want, a CORRECT diagnosis. When are you having this because I will pray for you.

I mentioned I wanted to be Knocked Out next time and was told, they don’t do that and beside I wouldn’t be need another. I was dianosised with Myelofibrosis. But am feeling pretty good.

Jan

[saffron52]

Hi Jamie345 Had a bone marrow biopsy about 3 weeks ago in the Hematology Dept at local hospital. We happened to know the charge nurse who was doing it and as my husband had 3 biopsy when he had cancer 5 years ago I knew what was going on. I just had an injection of local anesthetic and then bone marrow was withdrawn. Second procedure was for a piece of bone from hip my to be taken which was not painful just uncomfortable, though he did have a little trouble getting a sample he said my bones were like iron. This was good news as had worried a little about loss of bone with the Pred and also had been moaning to the GP about getting a dexascan which I have on 7th Nov. so that made me laugh. Altogether not a painful procedure just uncomfortable it does not last long, just a few electric type shooting pains up my right leg as he was taking the biopsy off the right hip. Slapped on a plaster had a cup of tea and biscuits and then went and did some shopping with hubby. I was OK next day and walked the dogs a little and three days later had a shower and just a little bruise was visible. Do not worry try to relax it makes the procedure easier on you, close your eyes and think of something really nice and that helps until it is all over. Hope everything goes well. Sending you loads of love and luck, take care Angie x

[Jamie345]

That all sounds good to me so here's hoping, I know it's silly after what we go thru with this awful disease but I'm still abit worried as my liver byopsy was horrid! And I had a bad reaction so all turned into a panic, I can't forget that type of pain! But I will get my determined head on by Monday and it's will only be a short time all be over, and it's important he finds an answer for my condition, I'd live to think that I will get back to a better active life one never knows? Big thank you x

[Joaclp]

I can't promise you, but my memory really is that the liver biopsy is much much worse. Try to get a diazepam beforehand; it should make you calm and basically unaware of the procedure.

Thinking of you.

[Jamie345 in reply to Joaclp]

I wonder if they will give me a diazepam when I go next Monday? Or do I need to call my doctor see if he will it's only for the day I don't have anything like that in my pill cabinet hahaha!

[Joaclp in reply to Jamie345]

I'm in the U.S. so I'm not sure how it works for you, but I'd say call your GP.

Just ask ask for a few, 5 or 10 mg. They usually recommend 10 mg ( 2 5's 😊) for a procedure. You will be okay. All the best, JoA

[kathyrob]

I had bone marrow biopsy last month it wasn't as painful as I imagined, local anaesthetic. It was all over in 15 mins and I went home. My was done for diagnosis as my red cells have been enlarged for a year. Not heard from them yet so assume nothing threatening. Please don't worry sounds worse than it is. Wish you well.

[Jamie345 in reply to kathyrob]

Thank you so much for your reply, I'm feeling more positive about it, no matter what it has to be done so here goes, I don't know if my GP will give me diazepam just for the day but I could try,

[Cheshy72]

I had a bone marrow biopsy 30 yrs ago. I was petrified. When the nurse came to get me she held my hand and said, "Don't worry,its not that bad" Into the room, the Doctor took my hand, said the same thing. By now I was shaking. Had a injection in to site which deadened the area, then the procedure which makes your leg jerk and that was it. It wasn't that bad . I was diagnosed with MGUS and I have a blood test every year to see if the levels of para proteins have risen. It is a precursor of Multiple Myeloma. So far so good. Good luck.

[Jamie345]

Thank you so much for your input on bone marrow biopsy I have had a liver biopsy the nurse held my hand not sure now if it was just to keep me still or for comfort? and my gosh it really hurt me and I don't think I'm a coward especially after having so much pain with PMA/GC now 18 months gone the rheumy does not think my diagnose was correct hence the biopsy after find unusual protein in my blood last week! I am maybe apprehensive as I had a bad reaction from the liver biopsy afterwards, but I don't expect to be the same again, hopefully, I don't know what MGUS is? Dr Hughes did say it could be myeloma on my first appointment him, it might show why I have multiple fractures, so very important to me, thank you again everyone has been truthful on the forum and that's so important to me x

[Cheshy72]

It means, Monoclonal Gammopathy of undetermined significance . It is a benign condition

I have paraproteins in my blood which shouldn't be there. I have a blood test every year to see if the levels have risen. So far so good. After turning 70 3 years ago I have had a knee replaced, another one will probably be on the cards, developed Atrial Fibrillation, though doesn't happen very often, and been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in both hips.

I absolutely can't believe it as I smugly thought I would escape all these old age related illnesses. Then PMR. After 1 yr I still have to explain to people why I have limited energy levels etc. However things could be worse as I am able to garden and have planted lots of Roses and perennials and they are all about to bloom. Life is much better for me than a lot of people, Take care, Cheryle

[Jamie345]

Hi chesney thank you for giving me a your knowledge and info, I have lots of pain in my right hip even if I just do a very short walk I have to sit down, as it is continuous I expect I will need a hip replacement, that is spoiling my getting about mostly, my legs are not good either I think caused from polymyalgia but I'll know after the results from the bone marrow come back? The rheumy thinks it's something else and not PMA/GCA . That's lovely that you can tend to your garden and see the results of your work when they bloom, I have no garden but I can look at the communal gardens which are beautiful thru all my windows, it gives me a lovely feeling just looking at them. Take care regards to you x