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Passing out during a bone marrow biopsy?

by SJC_89 on Mon May 18, 2015 1:07 am

Hey guys,

Apologies if this is in the wrong discussion group.

I don't have a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, but had a bone marrow biopsy (BMB) today to figure out why I have a fever of unknown origin (in addition to a persistently elevated creatinine, ongoing back pain, and a mild lymphocytosis). I don't have any paraprotein spikes in my blood, but my urine hasn't been tested. My haematologist has run every blood test under the sun and is pretty perplexed by my fever and occasional rigors, so just ruling out anything major.

My question relates to the bone marrow biopsy I had today. I was calm, had no pre-meds or sedation, and tolerated the local anaesthetic and aspiration really well. I have a good pain tolerance and barely felt either. However, I then started to feel really light headed and started losing consciousness. I drifted in and out of consciousness, incoherent, and being given supplemental oxygen etc. for the biopsy, before having an episode of shaking (not full-blown rigors, nor a seizure either).

It took me a good half hour to be able to get up and leave, and even then I needed support to walk as I was very unsteady on my feet and couldn't focus my eyes properly.

I was wondering if anyone else has had something similar happen? It was really weird and unexpected!

Thanks :)

SJC_89

Re: Passing out during a bone marrow biopsy?

by Eric Hofacket on Mon May 18, 2015 10:35 am

It sounds like you may have had a vasovagal response. I have seen people have this response when having and IV done.

Eric Hofacket
Name: Eric H
When were you/they diagnosed?: 01 April 2011
Age at diagnosis: 44

Re: Passing out during a bone marrow biopsy?

by lys2012 on Mon May 18, 2015 9:13 pm

I've fainted a few times from blood tests. Sounds similar to what you describe. Did you eat something or drink something before leaving (juice, etc)? It usually helps regulate the blood pressure again. I tell them now when I start seeing stars, and I lay back and can usually avoid actually passing out.

lys2012
Name: Alyssa
When were you/they diagnosed?: 2010, Toronto, Canada
Age at diagnosis: 32

Re: Passing out during a bone marrow biopsy?

by Jean Ruth Howard on Mon May 18, 2015 10:46 pm

My husband never fainted during a bone marrow biopsy or afterward, but he did experience his body shaking during the procedure and a bit afterward.

Jean Ruth Howard
Name: Jeannie
Who do you know with myeloma?: husband
When were you/they diagnosed?: November 2012
Age at diagnosis: 47

Re: Passing out during a bone marrow biopsy?

by JBarnes on Tue May 19, 2015 10:29 pm

I've fainted several times after a BMB and blood draws. I don't know why, it just hits me. Doc says it's bad for business when I do that. Did it once at the door to the office – really backed up traffic!

JBarnes
Name: Jerry Barnes
Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
When were you/they diagnosed?: Aug 17, 2012
Age at diagnosis: 54

Re: Passing out during a bone marrow biopsy?

by Toni on Tue May 19, 2015 11:01 pm

Only time I really passed out was a year ago when I had a regular optometrist / eye exam. It's not quite as unusual as you think, especially during medical exams/procedures, but you should always make sure you discuss something like this with your physician.

Toni
Name: Toni
Who do you know with myeloma?: self - MGUS
When were you/they diagnosed?: April 2014
Age at diagnosis: 51


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