I’ve got my bone marrow biopsy coming up on Tuesday and I’m wondering if I’ll be alright to go about my day as normal afterwards? I should be out that evening doing a fair amount of walking, am I likely to be up to it?
4 Likes
Hi @Loopykat. I think it varies for each individual. I felt sore afterwards and a bit ropey but was ok. I don’t think I would’ve been out and about as it drained me emotionally as well. Some don’t think anything off it and say it’s a breeze. Hopefully others can share their experiences with you. Please let us know how you get on 
4 Likes
Hi@Loopycat and welcome to the forum.@Nichola75 has given her experience of having a BMB and I can relate to that from previous procedures although I havent had a BMB.I have MGUS IgG kappa and I expect it may come one day as my paraproteins are rising.
To answer your question it depends how fit you are and what your coping strategies are .Walking is great Its one of my strategies but I think I would have a plan B in case youre not up to it.
BMB is an invasive procedure and your body will need to recover at least 24 hrs I would think.
I am a bit boom and bust myself then I get fed up because I have overdone it although I should know better given my age 
@Erica gives wonderful advice on looking after yourself so Im more mindful of that now and there are really good breathing exercised to follow on the BCUK website.
@Loopycat do take care and I hope all goes well for you and that you can let the Team know about your “bit of a needle phobia”
3 Likes
@Loopykat I cannot better @Nichola75 reply.
All I would say is if you are anxious, I always am at the unknown, then tell the medical staff, also ask for pain relief if you would like or need it.
Relax (if you can) and please report back as all experiences are useful to others.
@Nichola75 did make a very good point that the emotional side and practical side always take their toll on me too.
Take care
3 Likes
Hi @Loopykat
I have driven myself to and from BMB
First one I had local anaesthetic which was very painful and opted for gas and air for my next couple
Once done I had a cup of tea and a biscuit waited a while then drove home
I know some people have sedation if that’s the case someone will need to be with you
Top of my hip area was bruised and sore to touch paracetamol helped
Can’t remember if they tell you to rest for the first 24hrs
The site may bleed a tiny bit but it will be covered with a dressing
It is emotionally draining also
I cry like a baby after gas and air just my reaction to it
4 Likes
I have only ever had local anaesthetic injected before the biopsy needle went in and this has always worked for me long enough to walk home. I have had occasions where i have found it difficult to do a full days work sitting at a desk the day after too. It felt very bruised as if i had been kicked by a horse. But i have heard of people having no pain at all so i think it may be best to play it by ear and see how you feel an hour after it has been done.
All the best xx
4 Likes
Hi @Loopykat
I’ve had four bone marrow biopsies, and I felt bruised for a few days afterwards (couldn’t lie on that hip at night, or sit in one position for too long) but other than that, I was physically fine. As @Nichola75 says, it can be an emotional time - the worry before and after of what it might find. I was fortunate in that my results always came back quite quickly.
Best of luck with it, and hope you feel ok afterwards. X
4 Likes
Thank you everyone, I’m going to cancel all my plans tomorrow. I tend to be a delicate flower and I’m nervous so I think it will be best to relax after! I also had a call from a haematology nurse this morning who said I’d be best taking it easy if I can. I’m part dreading it and weirdly part looking forward to it. It’s a step closer to a diagnosis and knowing what’s going on.
7 Likes
Ive had two bone biopsies and i wouldnt have been able to go anywhere for a couple of days, but a friend never felt a thing when she had one. Good luck and play it by ear.
5 Likes
Hi @Loopykat please do let us know how you get on, fingers and toes crossed for you.
Please do tell your haematologist how you are feeling,
Thank you so, so much for being honest and saying that you are part dreading it and part looking forward to it. You have made me think and I believe I often feel like that before medical procedures, and other occasions, but have not owned those conflicting feelings.
I learn something every day.
I will be thinking of you and please let us know how you get on, be kind to yourself
4 Likes
Well that was fairly horrific 
had to have a consultant do it in the end and he didn’t hang about, I’m already feeling sore. I’m definitely not up to doing much walking! Once it was done it was a big relief and they seemed to have got good samples. Just got to wait for the results/diagnosis now…
8 Likes
I agree with the horrific
I didn’t want to make you feel more anxious than you were
My first time round I had to have 5! Locals because it was just so painful and the experienced nurse struggled
It took forever and the samples turned out useless so I had to go back a second time with gas and air and the consultant did that one thankfully she got what she needed
Not my favourite pastime I have to say
Don’t be shocked if you have a lot of bruising when you take the covering off
6 Likes
It was probably one of the hardest things I had done but as you said, it’s a step closer. Well done for getting through it, although I know we don’t have a choice. Rest up and take it easy
4 Likes
I sobbed when they were taking the samples! I felt silly after but it helped at the time. Thank you so much everyone, I really appreciate your support. It definitely helped to clear my calendar the day before so I didn’t have to worry about it today.
6 Likes
I didn’t reply before, I have had 8 biopsies and found the first 6 quite traumatic, especially the first and yes, sobbed throughout the whole procedure. The most recent 2 were at a different hospital where gas and air is used, still unpleasant but easier. Hope the results are good news, I had my first biopsy on a Wednesday morning and had a diagnosis Friday lunchtime.
5 Likes
It’s hard being brave during a bone marrow biopsy. I’ve only had one but it’s not something I’d ask for again! I know they are important but I found the procedure uncomfortable, and had quite a bruise afterwards. Resting and taking painkillers afterwards seems to be the best option. After all it’s quite invasive and a shock to the body. As everyone else has said, take it easy and you will soon be back to whatever you usually do.
4 Likes
Ah, sorry it was bad for you @Loopykat. It seems some people can tolerate it, and others find it deeply horrible. Am glad you’ve got the day off. Everything crossed for the results back soon. X
2 Likes
Oh @Loopykat and @Suey I think when I start sobbing during a procedure or test it is mainly the pain but also my pent up emotions mixed in.
@Loopykat be ever so kind to yourself and look after yourself
1 Like
Must admit I’ve had several and no distress (tough or thick - over to you?) but I feel its more the mind than the bum that leads on this.
We must respect ourselves as the individuals we are. What’s hanging onto this "boring’ test carries so much weight.
Keep strong folks!
2 Likes
When I had mine, the consultant said to rest for that day but tomorrow would be fine. I did this and everything was ok. Ask your consultant on the day. Good luck. Xxx
2 Likes