You’ve done the hard part which is the physical act of the biopsy which I’ve always found exceedingly painful. I hope the results are favourable.
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Wow well done your doctor… When I had one the pain was definitely worse than child birth… And I know only too well how bad that can be I’ve had 4 children
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Hi everyone who so very kindly replied to my fear and concern about the bone marrow biopsy. I have only just had a very quick telephone call from my specialist.
The biopsy shows no progression to Myelofibrosis, which is what was feared by my consultant. For what I understood, that means that they are not allowed to prescribe the one drug that would help me with the awful itching that I have been suffering for months. It really affects my quality of life, as sometime the torment goes on for hours and there is nothing at all I can do to stop it.
On the other hand, apart from this itching and very dry skin on my legs and arms, I consider myself very lucky. I don’t have any other symptoms and I have been taking hydroxycarbamide for some months now, without any umpleasant effects.
However, my consultant was in a hurry, and I felt I could’nt ask any questions. My diagnosis is still not clear. She doesn’t know weather I have E.T. or V.T. This doesn’t give me a lot of confidence. She is going to send me to London for a second opinion.
I am sorry to go on and on…for so long. Let it it all out of my chest is of inmense help.
Thank you, my friends, thank you for your support. I appreciate it more than I can say.
Sorry for spelling mistakes. English is only my second language!!
oleconchi
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I’m really glad that it was a good railroad for you. However, it’s very frustrating that you couldn’t ask all of your questions. I’d feel exactly the same. How long will you have to wait for a second opinion. If it’s to long I wonder if you could request a call so that you can ask your questions?
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Hi @oleconchi never worry about spelling mistakes. My fingers have a life of their own on here.
Oh, I hate it when I feel rushed during a phone call, I get flustered and I cannot ask the questions I wanted to.
I also find it helps me so much to let it all out and get it off my chest on here, it is something about typing it on here, I cannot quite explain it.
Anyway I am always one for a second opinion and I hope that comes quickly for you and we look forward to hearing how it goes.
Please keep posting and be kind to yourself
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Hi,
I had my biopsy and trepin on 01 Sept 2020 and like you I had my worries, but they where totally eased by the highly skilled people who performed the biopsy, after I had no pain and never felt any discomfort during and after the procedure.
I hope that this eases your worries and good luck.
Kevin
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Great to be able to share your experiences. How are things for you at the moment?
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I hated all of the bone marrow biopsies I’ve had. They were professionally done but hurt something terrible. Fortunately there was a positive outcome from all of them and I haven’t had one for a couple of years.
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Same here @Franko! I have had numerous bone marrow and trephine biopsies over the years. The first one was the worst and everybody has been very kind and tried to make it the least traumatic that it could be. However, like you, each one has been very painful, but necessary. Warm wishes. Willow X
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Easy peasy eh !!! 
Well done for getting through it. The next one will be easier.
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I am pleased to read that you acknowledge how horrible this procedure is, I am having my 6th this week (first end July 2021) and can feel my blood pressure rising already! I know I will get through it but I really find it very unpleasant!
Sue
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Yes, @Suey the procedure is horrible, I try and concentrate on thinking that I only have to get through this for so long before it is over. As for trying to relax and that will make it easier, I am sorry I find that really difficult.
Hang in there @Suey.
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Reading the posts on this subject, it’s really strange that some people find it fine and others really painfull, I wonder why that is, sadly I’m in the latter category. I’d love to know the secret of a less painfull bone marrow biopsy. They always do mine in my right hip and I do get sciatica in that side. I always think I’ll ask them to do it in the otherside but pillows trolleys ect. always set for right side, need to be a bit more assertive maybe. When I have mine they seem to be digging around in there for ages and it does bring tears to my eyes 
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Yes, @Lyn99 we are all so individual aren’t we and it can be such a really, really painful experience.
I have definitely learnt to be much more assertive over the years and perhaps saying your preference as you walk in the room might help, psychologically I feel better the quicker I say my needs, then I can relax more, yet being tense and nervous because of the procedure that is coming, if you know what I mean.
I find it helps if I also say how painful I find the procedure to my medical team too…
Hang in there and I find it helps if I think that in so long it will be over.
Look after yourself
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I wish I wasn’t on the painful side to! I’ve only had one but really was the hardest part of my journey!
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Another one here who finds them painful. I have 10 under my belt now and no 11 is looming. I think the fact i count them says it all. Each one is an accomplishment in my book.
@Lyn99 I am usually asked which side I prefer and would normally alternate definitely ask next time.
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I will next time round, I think like @erica says you get nervous and just want it to be over with so I go a bit mute! I need to work on being more assertive 
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Hi @Lyn99 I havent had experience of a bone marrow biopsy but I can appreciate the experiences of others and totally understand where you are coming from also @Erica for learning to be more assertive.I have had a few "invasive"procedures over the years
And opted for the sedation for gastroscopy which helped a bit but
Its the "grovelling "around which is unpleasant .What I have learnt us that I have prayer or a mantra that i repeat over and over ,it takes your thoughts on to a different level ,also do the 4/7/8 breathing,its just my littke package which helps me, esp being in an MRI scanner for 40 mins !!I do wish you all the best and maybe you could make a plan how to keep yourself as comfortable as poss .Hope this helps.
Bannanacake
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Hi @Bannanacake prayers and mantras sound a really good idea to me. Look after yourself
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Hi all, hope everyone is keeping well.
I’ve only had the one BMB (4 year anniversary next month!) and I have to say that during the procedure the discomfort was bearable, just, but afterwards the pain was much worse. I was able to walk out of the hospital, supported by two of my daughters, but was unable to get out of the car without assistance once back home. Changing the dressing on my back was a challenge (I live alone) and it took 4 days for the blood to stop flowing. I imagine that I will have to undergo another one at some point but I’m most definitely NOT looking forward to that.
But having said all that, if it something that we, as The Special Ones, need to undertake than we just need to get on with it, smile and say “Thank You” to the nice drillers before shouting out loud in the privacy of our own mind!
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