That’s fantastic news. It’s a weight lifted when someone listens.
I did have a bmb and I was very nervous for it but I had entonox. It helped massively and I wouldn’t be frightened if I had to have another one. It’s a weird feeling and u might get a sensation that goes to your ankle but I didn’t find it overly painful.
I think we are all in the same boat with wanting to get to the bottom of it. It’s hard for me to think that this is probably my new normal. But on the other hand it could be so much worse.
please keep in touch. Always here if you want to chat xx
I would like to say that I had a BMB last month, I had been so nervous! There is a thread here about BMBs you can look up, I found people’s experiences were very mixed, so it didn’t help me with what to expect (though it was very informative to read). I particularly remember someone mentioning their experience had been OK and they went for coffee and cake afterwards, which calmed me a lot.
In My experience, I felt nearly nothing, just the initial local anaesthetics, which only lasted about 2-3 seconds.
The nurse was very good, telling me what she was going to do next and what I could expect (the sensation down the legs, a sucking feeling ) but I didn’t even feel that. At the start she had already told me that I wouldn’t feel pain, as there are no nerves in the bones (this calmed me too). At the end she said I would probably need painkillers for when I went to bed at night, but I didn’t even need that. I had gas and air though, and would recommend it.
Hi @Nichola75 and everyone. I am going for my BMB today. Not looking forward to it but I know it has to be done. What is the usual wait time for results?
Usually 2-3 weeks - I found the build up much worse than the actual procedure, so try not to work yourself up - and remember the practitioners do this thing many times in a day so try and absorb some of their calm!
Just popping in to say I’m thinking of you today. You’ve got a lovely group in your corner on this thread, and it’s really nice to see @jsc123 passing on what helped him, having started this thread feeling so cut off himself.
On the results, jsc123’s experience is a good guide, but how long it takes can vary, and your team will be the best people to tell you. If you get a chance while you’re there, it’s worth asking them when and how you’ll hear, whether that’s a phone call, a letter or a follow-up appointment. That way you know what you’re waiting for.
You said before that it’s the uncertainty that gets you overthinking, and the wait can be one of the hardest parts - you are always wwelcome to post here with whatever is on your mind!
Do let us know how you get on.
Take care,
Ceri - Blood Cancer UK Support Services
I hope you’ll feel reassurance to hear that many of the feelings you have described are exactly the way I felt when I was diagnosed two years ago. … and still have days when I feel overwhelmed now. I am certainly more anxious than I used to be and even more aware of how important it is to be as physically active as possible even if it’s just a short walk - and how it’s important to be socially active even if you don’t always feel like it! I would also advise you to get your B12 levels checked - mine dip regularly now since being on Hydroxy treatment and low B12 can add to feelings of anxiety and fatigue and general feeling of weakness - I only found this out after a few months of feeling absolutely wiped out and just assumed it was the hydroxy side effects - but now with B12 supplement I’m doing much better so just something to bear in mind. Finally this forum is a great source of support - I certainly don’t know of anyone who has my strain of blood cancer and that can feel quite isolating so seeing other people’s comments and feelings on here is often helpful.
Thank you for replying Anne Marie, that is reassuring.
This week I had the letter for my first check up appointment with the consultant next month, brought a lot of nasty feelings up I was in the process of parking, but it’s something I have to get used to. I can deal with the fatigue, it’s just the brain fog and confusion I get sick of, like I’m unable to process more than one thing at at a time all of a sudden!
A great thing this forum, and my reminder letter has led me here once more. Thanks for the tips on B12, I’ll look into it and ask about it next month
It was ok, wasn’t as bad as I expected. It’s just the waiting now. Hopefully it won’t be too long. It can take up to 4 weeks! Than you for your message. Take care, Jenny.