Nikkitalcal, it is important to get a bone marrow biopsy so your oncologist knows exactly what is going on in your marrow. It is not pleasant but it is not really horrible. I've had six or seven over the past five years. The first was the worst because of the unknown factor, but now that I know, I am ready for it. The lidocaine really helps but it burns briefly as it is being injected. (I don't want to scare you, but you should know about it.)
One other thing -- let the doctor know if you have osteopenia. I have it in my left hip, and I've only had one biopsy there. Because the bone is weak, it was hard getting the needle through and very hard to get a bone sample.
Good luck and let us know how you are doing.
Dana A
Forums
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darnold - Name: Dana Arnold
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: May 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 52
Re: First bone marrow biopsy - scared to death
I was pretty nervous about getting my first bone marrow biopsy too. I didn't receive any sedation but my skilled physician made it very tolerable with local anesthesia. I have had 3 in 18 months and he has been just great each time being sure I was ok each step of the way.
Don't refuse the biopsy, it is the best tool for diagnosis. Find a doctor you can trust and that will treat you with gentleness and respect.
I would prefer a bone marrow biopsy over dental work any day.
Don't refuse the biopsy, it is the best tool for diagnosis. Find a doctor you can trust and that will treat you with gentleness and respect.
I would prefer a bone marrow biopsy over dental work any day.
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WeatherNurse13 - Name: Gracie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 10/2012
- Age at diagnosis: 49
Re: First bone marrow biopsy - scared to death
Hi stann,
Although not common, there is a small chance of an "uncoupling" between bone marrow results and blood/lab results - as some of the labs could be considered semiquantative or the disease is presenting in a nonsecretory form, a bone marrow biopsy could determine if this discordance exists. This may be one of the reasons multiple myeloma specialists prefer BMB's even at the MGUS stage.
Dana H
Although not common, there is a small chance of an "uncoupling" between bone marrow results and blood/lab results - as some of the labs could be considered semiquantative or the disease is presenting in a nonsecretory form, a bone marrow biopsy could determine if this discordance exists. This may be one of the reasons multiple myeloma specialists prefer BMB's even at the MGUS stage.
Dana H
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DanaH - Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself, SMM as of 1/2012
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 1/2012
- Age at diagnosis: 54
Re: First bone marrow biopsy - scared to death
I'd like to thank everyone for the responses. In truly appreciate each one.
I guess is safe to say no one really is offered sedation other than a local. I was thinking about going to the dentist like someone mentioned. I know I can have sedation tomorrow at any number of dentists for procedures much less serious or important than the bmb.
I've read online that I'm clearly not the only person anxious about this procedure. I just don't understand why this is such a difficult thing for the doctor to provide.
Well just thinking out loud.thank you for listening and for the feedback.
I guess is safe to say no one really is offered sedation other than a local. I was thinking about going to the dentist like someone mentioned. I know I can have sedation tomorrow at any number of dentists for procedures much less serious or important than the bmb.
I've read online that I'm clearly not the only person anxious about this procedure. I just don't understand why this is such a difficult thing for the doctor to provide.
Well just thinking out loud.thank you for listening and for the feedback.
Re: First bone marrow biopsy - scared to death
Good luck Nikkitalcal,
Hope you have a good experience and hope you are able to get some clear answers. All the best to you. Let us know how you make out.
Dana H
Hope you have a good experience and hope you are able to get some clear answers. All the best to you. Let us know how you make out.
Dana H
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DanaH - Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself, SMM as of 1/2012
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 1/2012
- Age at diagnosis: 54
Re: First bone marrow biopsy - scared to death
I don't understand what the problem is with sedation. I know one hospital here puts you to sleep and another will just make ya loopy so you don't care. We have a friend who is an RN and she works in a department that does them all of the time. I have had neither but have had 4 bmb's. My wife is getting ready to have her 3rd and has requested to be knocked out. They said it wasn't a problem at all. I don't understand why they are reluctant to do so.
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Guitarnut - Name: Scott Hansgen
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Sept 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 47
Re: First time bone biopsy help needed please
Anytime you sedate someone there can be consequences even if it is rare. The actual pain occurs with the shots, as is always the case with lidocaine, and the aspiration. The aspiration takes less than 10 seconds. The doctor who has done 2 on me always counts in a less than one second cadence and she counts to 7.
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Wayne K - Name: Wayne
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself, my sister who passed in '95
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 03/09
- Age at diagnosis: 70
Re: First time bone biopsy help needed please
People are sedated everyday for BMB's where our RN friend works. People have different tolerances for pain. My wife's lymphoma is back for the 3rd time and this time she is getting sedated for the BMB. She has suffered enough with pain from her battle and if sedation can eliminate some of that for her, then I'm all for it. I'm all for it for anyone. The risk is negligible in the scheme of things.
We risk things everyday. It's part of life. One of the riskiest things we do is to drive a car yet most all of us do it everyday. We need to keep it in perspective.
We risk things everyday. It's part of life. One of the riskiest things we do is to drive a car yet most all of us do it everyday. We need to keep it in perspective.
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Guitarnut - Name: Scott Hansgen
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Sept 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 47
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