[goldmine848]

Bone marrow biopsy - hip vs. sternum

by goldmine848 on Sat Sep 12, 2015 9:27 pm

My understanding is that bone marrow biopsies generally are taken either from the hip or the sternum. I have had three from the hip and all were fairly painful. Afterwords, the area was sore for at least several days.

I was wondering if anyone has experience with both the sternum and hip approaches and can offer some insight into the relative level of pain.

[tmcd]

Re: Bone marrow biopsy - hip vs. sternum

by tmcd on Sat Sep 12, 2015 11:24 pm

I had two bone marrow biopsies, one at the time of my diagnosis, and another to confirm my re­mission. Both from hip.

A numbing agent was applied and it was mighty effective. First one I barely felt, and simply hiked up my pants, walked out, and continued about my day.

Second one I noticed more, but after enduring perhaps two to three seconds of discomfort, it was over. Again, I walked out of the room with no effort, limp, pain, or discomfort.

I have been lucky throughout and have had few side issues.

[LynnMc]

Re: Bone marrow biopsy - hip vs. sternum

by LynnMc on Wed Sep 16, 2015 12:08 am

I have had 3 bone marrow biopsies from the hip and one from the sternum. None fun. The discomfort level does seem to depend on who is doing the procedure.

[PattyB]

Re: Bone marrow biopsy - hip vs. sternum

by PattyB on Wed Sep 16, 2015 1:09 pm

My husband has had five bone marrow biopsies all in the hip. The first two were the most painful for him as they were performed by individuals who do not do them everyday. The soreness was worse with the first two, too. The other three were performed at MD Anderson Cancer Center by medical professionals who perform them everyday. He said there was much less discomfort and soreness during and following the last three.

[Baileyj]

Re: Bone marrow biopsy - hip vs. sternum

by Baileyj on Thu Sep 17, 2015 7:10 pm

I've had 2 in the sternum and 6 in the hip over 4 years. The sternum hurt more. Partly because that's where my tumor was. It was more frightening but the interventional radiologist was so proficient it put me at ease. Plus I had an IV with fet tin all (phonetical spelling). I wouldn't of been able to sit still without it. I also saw the biopsy because I was prone. Sometimes the hip hurts more than others. I've been told it's all in the technique. But I've always been on my side during the biopsy and spared viewing the procedure. None of them are painless but it is quick and after 3 or 4 I kind of developeed a thick skin.