Versed (midazolam) doesn't get discussed too often here in the forum. When I saw it mentioned in this thread, it reminded me of this article from a while back.
Lou Ganim, "Birds In Spring: Versed – Forgetting Surgical Unpleasantness And Everything Else", The Myeloma Beacon, Jan 18, 2011
Some may find the information in it useful.
There's also a discussion very similar to this one that took place about a year ago. It is long and has a lot of links and perspectives people also may find helpful:
"Bone marrow biopsy with conscious sedation - options?" (started Aug 2, 2014)
Forums
Re: Bone marrow biopsy with conscious sedation?
I agree with dianaiad, root canal way worse. Have had 2 non sedated, 2 sedated. Pain sensation is short in total (10 seconds?). Prefer sedated, but I do that at the Mayo Clinic, so have to fly there and spend 1-2 nights given flights / schedule, so haven't decided what to do next time. However, FISH was misdiagnosed locally given the lab they sent the specimen to; they today changed to sending to Mayo. Bone marrow biopsies seem critical for gene diagnosis and biology progression, so a necessary procedure.
Good luck.
Good luck.
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Rick R
Re: Bone marrow biopsy with conscious sedation?
I have had 2 bone marrow biopsies done. I was given midazolam (Versed), which is a member of the Valium family. You remain conscious, but relaxed. You are given a local and they do the biopsy. It is uncomfortable at the time they take the biopsy, but not excruciating. You could always ask for nitrous oxide (laughing gas) too.
General anesthetic puts your body under a lot of stress, and considering what we have, stressing the body is not a good idea.
Not pleasant, but equally not horrible. It does not take long – and as with ALL things, it is the anxiety leading up to it that is the worst, NOT the actual procedure.
General anesthetic puts your body under a lot of stress, and considering what we have, stressing the body is not a good idea.
Not pleasant, but equally not horrible. It does not take long – and as with ALL things, it is the anxiety leading up to it that is the worst, NOT the actual procedure.
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Salzmav - Name: Salzmav
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2010
- Age at diagnosis: 52
Re: Bone marrow biopsy with conscious sedation?
Hi!
I would like to reply to Salzmav.
In my experience, when I undergone bone marrow biopsy, I was awake and well alert. My doctor just injected a local anesthesia in my skin, the area where he took the biopsy. He advised me not to drive back home for I might feel uncomfortable from the area.
Option: If you are nervous and terrified, then I think it's better to have some relaxant meds.
Have a nice day.
I would like to reply to Salzmav.
In my experience, when I undergone bone marrow biopsy, I was awake and well alert. My doctor just injected a local anesthesia in my skin, the area where he took the biopsy. He advised me not to drive back home for I might feel uncomfortable from the area.
Option: If you are nervous and terrified, then I think it's better to have some relaxant meds.
Have a nice day.
Re: Bone marrow biopsy with conscious sedation?
Been there, done that. Everyone has their own opinion. My 2 cents – take someone with you to drive you home and don't be a hero. Take all the sedation you can get in whatever form it is available, and you will do fine. At this point in life and with this disease, it doesn't hurt to ride the Big White Horse now and then.
Charlie
Charlie
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Grizlump - Name: Charlie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 67
Re: Bone marrow biopsy with conscious sedation?
I've had three bone marrow biopsies. One with fentanyl and midazolam, and two with propofol. I was awake during the fentanyl / midazolam bone marrow biopsy and had minimal discomfort, but a fair share of anxiety. I would recommend you look for a center that uses propofol and eliminate the pain, discomfort and anxiety completely.
The bone marrow biopsy issue arises regularly in this forum and the remarks and comments range from a painless procedure to the worst pain ever. I think much of the outcome is dependent not only upon the sedation used but also the skill of the practitioner. I consider myself lucky to be able to receive treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, where bone marrow biopsies are done routinely by practitioners using propofol.
The bone marrow biopsy issue arises regularly in this forum and the remarks and comments range from a painless procedure to the worst pain ever. I think much of the outcome is dependent not only upon the sedation used but also the skill of the practitioner. I consider myself lucky to be able to receive treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, where bone marrow biopsies are done routinely by practitioners using propofol.
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Dano - Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Jan 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 65
Re: Bone marrow biopsy with conscious sedation?
I have looked extensively at bone marrow biopsies and when (who) feels intense pain. I have had 5 or 6 biopsies myself. For me, as long as the doctor has deadened my flesh with lidocaine and waited an appropriate length of time, there is very little pain. There is an uncomfortable suction feeling when they extract the bone marrow, but no real pain.
However, some people feel intense pain when the marrow is extracted. I believe them. If you are someone like me, there is no problem with bone marrow biopsies. If you are like those other people, I recommend conscious sedation. I do not know the fraction of people like me or like those who have pain. I suspect that an oncologist who does this frequently could quantify the probability of feeling intense pain.
However, some people feel intense pain when the marrow is extracted. I believe them. If you are someone like me, there is no problem with bone marrow biopsies. If you are like those other people, I recommend conscious sedation. I do not know the fraction of people like me or like those who have pain. I suspect that an oncologist who does this frequently could quantify the probability of feeling intense pain.
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John Y
Re: Bone marrow biopsy with conscious sedation?
My husband's first biopsy was without conscious sedation and it was horrible. He said he would rather be shot. He has now had two with conscious sedation, and it has been a breeze. Just remember, it does take a day out of your schedule.
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Jmiller - Name: Harleygirl
- Who do you know with myeloma?: My husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: January 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 57
Re: Bone marrow biopsy with conscious sedation?
Well, I've never BEEN shot, so I can't say that.
I have, however, given birth, had all my teeth yanked out, broken bones, dealt with the sort of arthritis that causes knee replacements, fallen out of trees ...
All of which I would prefer to being awake for my next bone marrow biopsy.
And ladies and gentlemen?
I am NOT a wuss.
So ... maybe I would rather be shot.
I have, however, given birth, had all my teeth yanked out, broken bones, dealt with the sort of arthritis that causes knee replacements, fallen out of trees ...
All of which I would prefer to being awake for my next bone marrow biopsy.
And ladies and gentlemen?
I am NOT a wuss.
So ... maybe I would rather be shot.
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dianaiad - Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Officially...March 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 63
Re: Bone marrow biopsy with conscious sedation?
I don't know how many biopsies I have had. But, I have never had the conscious sedation. In fact, I had never heard of it.
The first biopsy I had was completely painless. The rest have been hit and miss. There is the real factor of technician skill and procedure. I drew the same tech for two go 'rounds. The biopsies were nearly screamers. Ninety days later, I drew the same tech. I discretely told the lady up front, "No, ma'am. We ain't going here no more!" After explanation, I was assigned a different tech. No pain. I was told that some people actually ask for the tech who couldn't get it right with me. I now ask for anyone but her.
They don't use the "cocktail" any more at MIRT. There is one last thing. If you don't get any sedation, you can come and go unaccompanied. I also recommend anticipating a pain-free procedure. That seems to help.
Best wishes!
The first biopsy I had was completely painless. The rest have been hit and miss. There is the real factor of technician skill and procedure. I drew the same tech for two go 'rounds. The biopsies were nearly screamers. Ninety days later, I drew the same tech. I discretely told the lady up front, "No, ma'am. We ain't going here no more!" After explanation, I was assigned a different tech. No pain. I was told that some people actually ask for the tech who couldn't get it right with me. I now ask for anyone but her.
They don't use the "cocktail" any more at MIRT. There is one last thing. If you don't get any sedation, you can come and go unaccompanied. I also recommend anticipating a pain-free procedure. That seems to help.
Best wishes!
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Gdadpreston
26 posts
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