[MontanaGal]

Re: Bone marrow biopsy with conscious sedation - options?

by MontanaGal on Wed Aug 06, 2014 7:01 pm

I have had it done, since 2012, with being put under quick anesthesia, for just a few minutes, on several occasions, in a major cancer hospital, which is so compassionate. I also had one without, just local, and it was not fun, and it is not my cup of tea, even with morphine and lidocaine.

Traumatized by the feeling and we should all complain mightily to have the option to knock us out, It's just for 5 minutes. I dislike that some facilities that don't let you get a quick "knock-out" and wake up with it done. They do need an anesthesiologist, which complicates things, but screw it, Let them get this done to them and then see how quickly they would change their tune.

Also, get a port a cathether quickly for various procedures, unless you love big IV's in your arms on a regular basis. Another compassionate thing to do for yourself.

[Baranski]

Re: Bone marrow biopsy with conscious sedation - options?

by Baranski on Wed Aug 06, 2014 7:08 pm

Like many here I have had many bone marrow biopsies since diagnosed 7/2010. Though UAMS prefers to do them with local only, after the first 7 I started requesting conscious sedation. Even though the pain only lasts a minute or so, it caused me a great deal of anxiety. I have been sedated for the last 15. Since insurance covers mine I have chosen sedation to avoid the pain and anxiety.

Best luck,
Ron Baranski.

[DanielR]

Re: Bone marrow biopsy with conscious sedation - options?

by DanielR on Wed Aug 06, 2014 7:45 pm

I have two distinctly different responses here. The first pertains directly to your question, but the second takes a very different tact.

So first off, BMBs (I've had 4) are not pleasant. However, a combination of lorazepam [Ativan], a local, and very slow aspiration -- do not be shy! Request this up front! Makes it very tolerable.

My second thought here pertains more to the necessity, or lack thereof, for a BMB. Since your doctor will admit, if you ask, that the usefulness of BMBs are sketchy, at best, is it really necessary? For example, if you get a BMB in the left hip, and then get a BMB in the right hip, the results may be light years apart. That being the case, how much diagnostic importance should be placed on BMBs?

As is usually the case with myeloma, the answer to this question is not as obvious as it appears. Much depends on your overall diagnosis. In some cases it really is the best diagnostic tool. Often, however, it is not, but it has just become a "default" test. Talk to your doctor about this.

Best of luck
and Aloha
DR

[Castaway]

Re: Bone marrow biopsy with conscious sedation - options?

by Castaway on Wed Aug 06, 2014 7:48 pm

Hello,

I just wanted to give my experience with the BMB. I had an appointment to have mine done a few weeks out from one of my doctor visits. The very next day, the nurse called me and said we have a cancellation would you be available to have it done today around 11:00 a.m. I said sure.

I really didn't have too much time to think it over and that probably helped. They basically did a local near my hip. Waited a few minutes and he did a little check to see if I was numb. After that I didn't feel any pain or discomfort in that area. During the procedure, I could feel a little tugging.

I had to wait in his office for 1/2 hour to check for any excess bleeding after the procedure. There was minimal. I told my oncologist I would rather have a BMB than go to the dentist and get several shots in my mouth to have work done.

I think it has a lot to do with the person doing the procedure. My oncologist and his nurse are very compassionate. They said they would ask me several times during the procedure if I had any discomfort. Which they did. But i had none.

Castaway

[Joni B]

Re: Bone marrow biopsy with conscious sedation - options?

by Joni B on Thu Aug 07, 2014 8:53 am

I have had 2. Both with a local. I was offered anesthesia at the second but declined. I didn't want to be goofy the rest of the day. The difference was one was done with a drill! Much easier and no bruising or pain afterwards. Just breathe during aspiration! Minor discomfort not really pain.

[Krlease]

Re: Bone marrow biopsy with conscious sedation - options?

by Krlease on Thu Aug 07, 2014 10:58 am

It all depends on your pain tolerance. My BMBs were always very painful even with the pain meds doubled. I now do conscious sedation at UAMS in the one day surgery center. I wouldn't trade it! There is enough suffering with this disease, so don't endure pain you don't have to!

[levitz58]

Re: Bone marrow biopsy with conscious sedation - options?

by levitz58 on Thu Aug 07, 2014 5:38 pm

I cannot imagine not being sedated for a biopsy.

I have had 3 bone marrow biopsy's in the past year. The first was done by my oncologist and the last 2 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota. All done while being sedated. A piece of cake. The only way in my mind to have it done. My hip was a bit tender after the procedure, but with help from Tylenol [paracetamol, acetaminophen], it was fine.

Hang in there! And hugs to all my multiple myeloma comrades.

[Pootren]

Re: Bone marrow biopsy with conscious sedation - options?

by Pootren on Thu Aug 07, 2014 7:47 pm

My dad just had it the bone marrow biopsy the other day. He said he didn't feel anything at all really.I guess it affects everyone differently. They just gave him a 'local' and the freezing didn't wear off until much later in the day. He said it hurt a bit after the freezing wore off but nothing he couldn't handle.

[Nikkitalcal]

Re: Bone marrow biopsy with conscious sedation - options?

by Nikkitalcal on Thu Aug 07, 2014 9:00 pm

Just wondering if anyone here who has has conscious sedation is from the New York / Tristate area? Seems like everyone is offered sedation lives in a state so far from me.

Thanks!
Nikki

[Toni]

Re: Bone marrow biopsy with conscious sedation - options?

by Toni on Fri Aug 08, 2014 10:27 pm

I just had a BMB done today with conscious sedation. I would do it again and I'd consider taking a mild sedative instead of conscious sedation (I ended up sleeping most of the rest of the day!).

I just had very mild discomfort. She did an excellent job using local anesthetic on the skin, muscle and surface of the bone. I went to a very large teaching hospital in a major U.S. city and I don't think enough can be said for having someone who does these procedures very frequently.

Just wanted to share my positive experience. Initially I was scared to pieces about having it done, but I was glad this topic was posted and well responded to because it made me much more relaxed about having it done. I knew there was a possibility of having pain, but I just decided to be relaxed and open minded.

So thank you all for your encouragement!