Hi @Sue66
I have had 2 BMB to get my diagnosis of myelofibrosis. Whilst not the greatest thing to have done it’s over very quickly and I had gas and air. It doesn’t hurt but it’s a weird sensation that’s how I would describe it.
I took my husband in with me. The whole procedure was about 20 mins for me but the actual procedure takes about 20 seconds. I agree the thought is worse than the actual procedure.
Hope that helps. All the best Nicki
Hi @Sue66
I had a bone marrow biopsy and trephine when I was getting diagnosed with Essential Thrombocythaemia last year. This is the best way to get a definite diagnosis, as they can examine the blood cells and identify exactly what is going on. The procedure was ok- can’t say I enjoyed it, but it was not bad. It really helps to relax. You can have something to help you relax, but I find wiggling my toes- just a little, not moving too much! helps. Ask the people doing the biopsy any questions you have- they should be happy to tell you what’s going on. They get you into the best position, which I didn’t find particularly uncomfortable, even with knee arthritis. I told them I wasn’t very bendy and they helped me get into a good position for the biopsy, without having to bend my knees too much.
Having the bone marrow biopsy is a good thing, it will help get you a diagnosis, and the right treatment.
Good luck, hope it goes well.
So blood results still show high platelets and dr wants to do a bone marrow biopsy on 30 th September, I am worried about this, she has also seen my ct scan results and is now looking into a adrenal adenoma also , there’s too much to take in
Just to add whether this is connected I have a blocked artery which causes a lot of pain to move around, my leg and ankle swell up, I’ve been waiting months to see vascular team, this worries me if I have thrombocytosis
It really must be hard to take in and a worrying time for you @Sue66 just the medical language get’s me, I just glaze over.
Perhaps ask her if she thinks there is any connection with your blocked artery and see if she or your GP can chase up your vascular team for you.
Please do let us know how you get on
Take lots of special care of yourself
Hi so I went in for bone marrow biopsy, had local anaesthetic, I had so much pain while she did the aspiration, then when she went to get bone marrow the pain was so intense going down my leg I was crying, I’ve never had such pain, she now wants me to go back in 2 weeks to try again with local anaesthetic and gas and air, but I don’t know if I can go through it again .
Dear @Sue66,
I am so sorry to hear to hear how much pain you went through whilst having your biopsy. No wonder you are feeling that you can not go through it again. Have you spoken to any of the team at the hospital to let them know how you are feeling? If you have Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) I would suggest reaching out to them and discussing your worries with them.
There are tips that we suggest that can often make the procedure less painful. Having gas and air is commonly used and will help you to manage the pain. It might be worth asking if you can have a tablet beforehand to relax you and make you a little sleepy. It might also be a good idea to ask someone to come with you on the day or ask if one of the nurses can come in with you to keep you company and try and take your mind of what is happening.
We would be very happy to talk to you over the phone and offer further support. Our support line number is 0808 2080 888.
Take care
Fiona (support services nurse)
I found my bone marrow biopsy excruciating with 5 local anaesthetics!!! I could feel everything it was agony. The biopsies taken weren’t conclusive so I had to have another a week later and I had gas and air and I was so high I didn’t feel a thing just a bit of tugging.
My CNS sat with me telling me to breath fast/slow when needed
Thankyou o do hope has air works
Hi
I had biopsy with gas and air and it made a huge difference, Thankyou for your support, now wait for the results
Great news @Sue66 I am all for a bit of gas and air, it stops me tensing up as well.
Please do let us know when you get your results.
Look after yourself