Well, thanks for checking that out, Jim! Maybe it went generic, then? I do know that there are potentially dangerous side effects with midazolam, and one is legally impaired for driving afterwards too. Probably that is why, when it comes to procedures such as the BMB, some patients will still go with just the anaesthetic.
I have heard that some people can also be allergic to midazolam. I think it is used in Canada still. I will ask about that.
Forums
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Nancy Shamanna - Name: Nancy Shamanna
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self and others too
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2009
Re: Where to get general anesthetic for bone marrow biopsy?
One of the Beacon's columnists, Lou Ganim, wrote an entire article about his experience with Versed. Here's a link to it:
Birds In Spring: Versed – Forgetting Surgical Unpleasantness And Everything Else
Birds In Spring: Versed – Forgetting Surgical Unpleasantness And Everything Else
Re: Where to get general anesthetic for bone marrow biopsy?
I had my last one done by the Colorado Blood Cancer Institute. Since they are associated with Presbyterian St. Luke's Hospital here in Denver, that's where they do them. I believe they use a combination of fentanyl and Versed. There's no pain, and you sleep through it. When you wake up a few minutes later, you feel great. Best of luck to you. I too have had them with and without sedation, and sedation wins out by a hundred miles!
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Katlyn in Denver
Re: Where to get general anesthetic for bone marrow biopsy?
Hi I am new to myeloma and this forum. I have had two bone marrow biopsies. The first one back in (December 2013) hurt like *****. On a scale of 1-10, it was about a 18. I was not looking forward to my second one (March 2014). I was very nervous. Even contemplated driving 2 hours to my specialist in LA. But in the end didn't.
I don't know what was different the second time (perhaps the magic white pill they gave me), but on a scale of 1-10, the pain was about a 3. Worst part felt like a bee sting.
I don't know what was different the second time (perhaps the magic white pill they gave me), but on a scale of 1-10, the pain was about a 3. Worst part felt like a bee sting.
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aussiegirl
Re: Where to get general anesthetic for bone marrow biopsy?
I have had 8 bone marrow biopsies. 4 different doctors. I never found them to be too bad. Always got through it without any hassle ... just figuring, well it has to get done.
In my view, the experience of the doctor performing the procedure DOES make a difference. The last one I had, was done by the assistant. My doctor was instructing her , and let me tell you ... when it got to that second part where the bone sample is collected ... DAMN!! I nearly jumped off the table!! I've had a broken neck, cervical spine surgery, and have always had a high tolerance for pain ... This time was bad.
I said that I will not do this again without being put out. There is no reason in the world, in this advanced age of modern medicine, why patients need to be put through that kind of pain. Especially with dealing with emotional, and financial strain, plus the side effects of the disease itself, and the treatments that must be administered.
This should be treated just like a colonoscopy, or any outpatient procedure like that. Additionally, even my doctor says that that is NOT the best test for accuracy. You may get an erratic result depending on where the needle goes. So, if there is question on the accuracy of this test, why put the patients through it, other than for diagnosis?
I have several people in my support group who refuse to have that done to them again. There are many other test for monitoring, and NONE of them are foolproof anyway.
In my view, the experience of the doctor performing the procedure DOES make a difference. The last one I had, was done by the assistant. My doctor was instructing her , and let me tell you ... when it got to that second part where the bone sample is collected ... DAMN!! I nearly jumped off the table!! I've had a broken neck, cervical spine surgery, and have always had a high tolerance for pain ... This time was bad.
I said that I will not do this again without being put out. There is no reason in the world, in this advanced age of modern medicine, why patients need to be put through that kind of pain. Especially with dealing with emotional, and financial strain, plus the side effects of the disease itself, and the treatments that must be administered.
This should be treated just like a colonoscopy, or any outpatient procedure like that. Additionally, even my doctor says that that is NOT the best test for accuracy. You may get an erratic result depending on where the needle goes. So, if there is question on the accuracy of this test, why put the patients through it, other than for diagnosis?
I have several people in my support group who refuse to have that done to them again. There are many other test for monitoring, and NONE of them are foolproof anyway.
Re: Where to get general anesthetic for bone marrow biopsy?
I had two biopsies done today, one in each hip. I have had one other biopsy before.
The first one seemed not so bad and was only done with a local. Today was worse and I had been given Ativan and fentanyl. Why was it worse? I don't know -- maybe I psyched myself out. One hip was worse than the other. The nurse suggested next time I should think about having some IV sedation. I don't know what kind, but she was concerned with my pain.
The first one seemed not so bad and was only done with a local. Today was worse and I had been given Ativan and fentanyl. Why was it worse? I don't know -- maybe I psyched myself out. One hip was worse than the other. The nurse suggested next time I should think about having some IV sedation. I don't know what kind, but she was concerned with my pain.
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kjpoppit - Name: Kim Nelson
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Sept. 19th, 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 47
Re: Where to get general anesthetic for bone marrow biopsy?
I asked for general anesthesia for both of the bone marrow biopsies I have had. Didn't seem to be an unusual request and it was set up for me with no problem. Both times it was done as outpatient at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville. Woke up with a bandaid and no pain or memory of what had happened. Definitely not something I would want to be awake for, though.
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BobTN - Name: BobTN
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 54
Re: Where to get general anesthetic for bone marrow biopsy?
I have had two BMBs. The first time conscious sedation (Versed [midazolam] and fentanyl) did not work and I couldn't stay still to complete the procedure. Finally, they called an anesthesiologist who administered propofol. They had to call my next of kin (who was at the hospital) to get his consent to give me the propofol, as I had already been given so much of the pain and anxiety medication that the doctors felt like I could not give my own consent. I have no recollection of anything after the propofol was given and woke up feeling fine.
Last week, I had my second BMB. I was given larger doses of Versed and fentanyl (due to my first experience) and then propofol again. I was given a choice of general anesthesia (with a breathing tube), but I declined. However, as they were beginning to start, one of the nurses noticed that I was shaking with anxiety and I was helping them move my gown out of the way, responding to the doctor's requests even though I was supposed to be "out". They determined that I was not asleep even though my eyes were closed. I was given more propofol. The doctor said that adrenaline can block the uptake of the meds and they never have had to give the amount of medication that they had to give to me.
I had both procedures in a Northern Virginia hospital. All the doctors and nurses said that they would not have a BMB without sedation of some sort as it does hurt. You are sore for a few days after, but not too bad.
Also, the first BMB was taken from my back hip and the second was taken from my front hip. The front hip hurt a LOT more. So, if you have a choice, choose from the back hip.
Last week, I had my second BMB. I was given larger doses of Versed and fentanyl (due to my first experience) and then propofol again. I was given a choice of general anesthesia (with a breathing tube), but I declined. However, as they were beginning to start, one of the nurses noticed that I was shaking with anxiety and I was helping them move my gown out of the way, responding to the doctor's requests even though I was supposed to be "out". They determined that I was not asleep even though my eyes were closed. I was given more propofol. The doctor said that adrenaline can block the uptake of the meds and they never have had to give the amount of medication that they had to give to me.
I had both procedures in a Northern Virginia hospital. All the doctors and nurses said that they would not have a BMB without sedation of some sort as it does hurt. You are sore for a few days after, but not too bad.
Also, the first BMB was taken from my back hip and the second was taken from my front hip. The front hip hurt a LOT more. So, if you have a choice, choose from the back hip.
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BMB
Re: Where to get general anesthetic for bone marrow biopsy?
Hello Carlrob3,
I can answer your question. I had my last bone marrow biopsy in October at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa Florida. They do bone marrow biopsies using propofol and I was completely "out" during the short procedure. The procedure was done by a physician assistant as part of my work up prior to the transplant. My biopsy was covered by my insurance, so I don't have any idea what the "cash" price might be.
I think the world of Moffitt Cancer Center, and you will not be disappointed with the care you receive there. I would you suggest you contact Moffitt and ask about making arrangements for a bone marrow biopsy, and ask about the price. Tampa airport (TPA) is an easy 30-minute drive to Moffitt, and there are many hotels near the center.
Good luck.
I can answer your question. I had my last bone marrow biopsy in October at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa Florida. They do bone marrow biopsies using propofol and I was completely "out" during the short procedure. The procedure was done by a physician assistant as part of my work up prior to the transplant. My biopsy was covered by my insurance, so I don't have any idea what the "cash" price might be.
I think the world of Moffitt Cancer Center, and you will not be disappointed with the care you receive there. I would you suggest you contact Moffitt and ask about making arrangements for a bone marrow biopsy, and ask about the price. Tampa airport (TPA) is an easy 30-minute drive to Moffitt, and there are many hotels near the center.
Good luck.
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Dano - Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Jan 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 65
Re: Where to get general anesthetic for bone marrow biopsy?
I got deep sedation at City of Hope hospital in Duarte California.
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ethomas - Name: Emmanouel Thomas AKA Amo
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Yes
- When were you/they diagnosed?: August 14, 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 65
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