[MarybParticipant]

I had a bone marrow aspiration about two months ago, and I know more will be coming up the road. I know this procedure is not pleasant by any means, but the person doing mine clearly could not get the sample she needed, which I know can happen sometimes, but after about an hour and a half of poking around inside me she eventually called someone else to do it. It was clearly difficult to get the samples, and in the end one of them was not sufficient. I may not be the most stoic of people, but I don't really think I'm a complete wimp but I am absolutely dreading another one. I know I cannot avoid having one soon but does anyone know if you can ask for anything else to have which would help. Are these given under general anaesthetic, or some sort of tranquiliser which would help???

Mary B

[EvaParticipant]

Dear Mary,
You can ask for sedation, but this must be arranged beforehand. The sedation lasts long enough for the prodecure: the person doing the biopsy can top it up if necessary. Afterwards you may feek groggy for half an hour or so, perhaps you might need to have a rest or have someone travel with you.
Eva

[meganjaneParticipant]

Hi Mary,

Phil has had three bone marrow biopsies so far with the second one being the worst. You can get sedation at Bart's but you do need to let them know in advance and take someone with you. Phil has not done this yet but he may for the next one 🙂

Megan

[Anonymous]

Hi Mary

My first BMB was also awful, and encredibly painful and mentally traumatic. That one was carried out in my local hospital in Chelmsford, and left mental scars, so like yourself, when I new I was due for another one, I was truely dreading it.

The second one however, was carried out at Bart's, as I'm also under Prof Cav.

I won't bore you with my anguish building up to having it done, but what I can say, is that it was nothing, and I mean nothing like the first one. All of the pain I felt was in my head, due to my first experience, as the procedure itself was relatively easy.

I couldn't believe the difference between the two.

I will refuse to have another in Chelmsford, and will insist on having it done in bart's.

You didn't say where you were having it done.

Regards

Terry

[MarybParticipant]

Many thanks indeed for that. My first one was at Whipps X but now I am under Barts I assume it will be there I will certainly ask for it to be there.
Mary B

[MarybParticipant]

Many thanks to you all for your replies. They gave made me feel a lot better about this I must say
Mary B

[adminKeymaster]

Hi Mary

Definitely ask for sedation next time. I had a fairly traumatic first BMB at my local hospital – at a time when everything was bewildering. I think my doctor caught some nerves as it felt how I would imagine a series of electric shocks from my hip to my toes might! Even worse, I was in a room just off a packed waiting room. I don't think I'm a wimp, but I was pretty vocal in my pain. To my horror, as I walked out afterwards,I just knew from people's faces that everyone had just heard what had gone on.

My second BMB was at UCH. Yes, I was there from 10am until 3pm and had to wait around a lot, but the difference was startling. Minimal pain, which you forget about as you immediately fall asleep afterwards. It was a weird sensation – like having drunk several glasses of wine in quick succession. I am convinced I was awake the whole time, but my husband and the nurses are adamant that I was asleep for around 45 minutes immediately after it was finished!

Tracey x

[eveParticipant]

Hi Everyone

My husband has just had his 7 BMB,mainly for the reason,it's the only way to tell how the Myeloma is going!!!!!

Most of the time he has had a young doctor who has now returned to Malaysia 🙁 she was good, the last time ,Slim said never again,we are waiting to have another BMB,he is refusing to have the same doctor,and wants some relieve,that's says it all,it's not the procedure it's the person who carries out the procedure;-)

Take note I am on Slims case Eve

[MothasParticipant]

An hour and a half of poking. Yikes, the two I've had have taken about half an hour.
I'm due one in around 3 weeks time and I'll be having sedation this time.

The person doing it has to be pretty strong as they need to dig deep into the bone.

[jillsParticipant]

Hi Mary,

My Mum, age 84, had one on Wednesday this week. No sedation but had a local anesthetic. She said it was uncomfortable but it helped that she had a good looking male nurse there to hold her hand! I think it is down to the skill of the person doing the job and she was also first on the list which probably helps as it is hard work for the doctor doing the work. Afterwards she was fine, bit of discomfort but manageable with a couple of paracetamol.
Mainly just glad it is over I think!

All the best, Jill

[BillyParticipant]

Hi there i had two in one day it was awful sedation for me in future

Regards Billy

[BillyParticipant]

Hi there i had two in one day it was awful sedation for me in future

Regards Billy

[Author]

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