To wrap up our recent polls about bone marrow biopsies, this week’s question is about how painful bone marrow biopsies are.
A few clarifications:
First, this question is open to anyone with multiple myeloma, smoldering myeloma, or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) who has undergone a bone marrow biopsy. If you are a caregiver or family member of a patient, feel free to answer on their behalf.
Second, you may have undergone multiple bone marrow biopsies, some of which may have been more painful than others. Please answer based on your last bone marrow biopsy.
As always, feel free to post comments, thoughts, or feedback in the space below. They can be very useful to other readers.
Check out our other related polls:
How many bone marrow biopsies have you had so far?
https://myelomabeacon.org/forum/weekly-poll-number-of-bone-marrow-biopsies-2013-t2460.html
What approach was used during your last bone marrow biopsy to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with the procedure?
https://myelomabeacon.org/forum/weekly-poll-pain-management-for-bone-marrow-biopsy-2013-t2513.html
Forums
Re: Weekly Poll – Bone Marrow Biopsies And Pain - 2013
I found that the more Zometa treatments the harder your bones and the more painful the bone marrow biopsy. The older the person, and the softer the bones, the less pain when getting a biopsy. Take age and the number of Zometa treatments into consideration when conducting such a survey.
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quillerm
Re: Weekly Poll – Bone Marrow Biopsies And Pain - 2013
I had my first bone biopsies at Vanderbilit Medical Center, which offered anesthesia to put patients out. That was great and painless. After 3 years on Zometa, my bone biopsies became much harder to perform. Usually it took more than one attempt to dig out a piece of bone large enough for the sample. I used a different hospital that only offered a local pain killer, which was worthless, the pain associated with biopsies went up to the 9-10 level.
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quillerm
Re: Weekly Poll – Bone Marrow Biopsies And Pain - 2013
I knew I was in trouble when the Dr. who was to perform the bone marrow told me "this is going to hurt. we can numb the area a lot but we can't numb the bone and we need to take a little piece of it".
They told me because of my size / age (early 30's small female) they were going to do it slightly different and I layed on my stomcah flat out so they could get good access to the back of my pelvis and they would need to put extra pressure to break through the bone.
Seriously, the doctor had to use a lot of force, I have strong bones! But I agree with the poster above I'm sure alot has to do with age and health. (outside myeloma)
I was yelling, LOUD! it hurt, I was not expecting it.
I've only every had one done, and that was enough, thank you!
They told me because of my size / age (early 30's small female) they were going to do it slightly different and I layed on my stomcah flat out so they could get good access to the back of my pelvis and they would need to put extra pressure to break through the bone.
Seriously, the doctor had to use a lot of force, I have strong bones! But I agree with the poster above I'm sure alot has to do with age and health. (outside myeloma)
I was yelling, LOUD! it hurt, I was not expecting it.
I've only every had one done, and that was enough, thank you!
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lys2012 - Name: Alyssa
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2010, Toronto, Canada
- Age at diagnosis: 32
Re: Weekly Poll – Bone Marrow Biopsies And Pain - 2013
Someone I love is being treated for multiple myeloma now. He had an auto SCT in Feb 2013. So far, he is doing well overall. He suffers from uncertainty for his future as he is only 55 years old. I've heard his recollections on the bone marrow biopsies. I wish I could have been with him during the painful but necessary tests. From what I've read & hear, the test can be barbaric. Why do all patients not receive a twilight sedative for the biopsies? The one I love receives treatment at one of the top oncology hospitals in the Northeast. This hospital often is listed as a sponsor of The Beacon. For the life of me, I can't understand their lack of using adequate pain management. I've often said to people that those who administer the biopsies should have to go through the test themselves so they know how it feels. In my mind, a shot of local anesthesia just can't do the job of a twilight sedative. Why is this the only option given to patients. I've read about patient experiences at the Seattle oncology center (can't remember full name). They've mentioned how their experiences are not that painful due to the wonderful expertise of one particular administrator of the biopsy.
It sickens my heart & stomach every time the one I love has to endure the biopsy with only a local. He tells me the test takes about 15 minutes but feels much longer due to the pain. I've had surgeries where twilight anesthesia has been used vs general. I've come to very quickly and don't remember feeling any pain. The Cancer center my loved one is being treated at is world renowned; however, they don't take into account the fear and pain associated with a bone marrow biopsy. multiple myeloma is debilitating on its own. Why cause more grief & pain by not sedating biopsy patients? It completely baffles my mind. As I said, if the doctors and technicians administering the bone marrow biopsy were required to endure the test themselves as part of their training, I believe proper pain management would become a priority. I just feel the need to weigh in on this topic. No person should have to suffer if better options are available.
It sickens my heart & stomach every time the one I love has to endure the biopsy with only a local. He tells me the test takes about 15 minutes but feels much longer due to the pain. I've had surgeries where twilight anesthesia has been used vs general. I've come to very quickly and don't remember feeling any pain. The Cancer center my loved one is being treated at is world renowned; however, they don't take into account the fear and pain associated with a bone marrow biopsy. multiple myeloma is debilitating on its own. Why cause more grief & pain by not sedating biopsy patients? It completely baffles my mind. As I said, if the doctors and technicians administering the bone marrow biopsy were required to endure the test themselves as part of their training, I believe proper pain management would become a priority. I just feel the need to weigh in on this topic. No person should have to suffer if better options are available.
Re: Weekly Poll – Bone Marrow Biopsies And Pain - 2013
I relapsed this fall and had my first BMB in over six years. I remembered that they hurt, despite the anesthetic, but once they were over it was only a dull ache. So, no big deal. This time was different, because a recent minor fall had staged my back for going into spasms and because the lidocaine needle triggered Sciatica. I had serious mobility issues for close to two weeks. Next time, I'll be ready for that.
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JanInWloo - When were you/they diagnosed?: 2005
- Age at diagnosis: 51
Re: Weekly Poll – Bone Marrow Biopsies And Pain - 2013
My first and only so far BMB was with lidocaine only. Took 3 separate stabs and about 20 minutes. Really very little real pain. Some discomfort / pain while pushing hard into the bone. I was so tense and anxious during the procedure that after It was done my eyes weren't focused, couldn't sit up without support and my legs just didn't work right for about 20 minutes. Lucky my wife could drive us back home. Had some soreness for about a day.
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Waldopepper - Name: Wayne m
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: October 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 64
Re: Weekly Poll – Bone Marrow Biopsies And Pain - 2013
I have had multiple bone marrow biopsy's as most of us have. All without sedation and by different practitioners. One practitioner ( a physicians assistant) is able to do my biopsy with little to no pain at all. He does all of my biopsy's now, if he's not there, I'll come back. 
That being said, everyone's pain tolerance is different and we each need to be our own advocates. I know that sedation is an option at the NIH where I get my biopsy done at present. If I feel I need it, I just need to ask for it.
Each person has to weigh the risks and benefits of sedation. It's another med to have a side effect from or an allergic reaction to. It also means an appointment that may not be as convenient, you need someone with you to drive you home and the rest of the day you may feel groggy.
If your loved one feels he would like anxiety and/or pain control for his next bone marrow biopsy he should ask his provider. I know it can be done at your hospital, if they don't have a specific sedation area they do have an operating room that can provide this service.
That being said, everyone's pain tolerance is different and we each need to be our own advocates. I know that sedation is an option at the NIH where I get my biopsy done at present. If I feel I need it, I just need to ask for it.
Each person has to weigh the risks and benefits of sedation. It's another med to have a side effect from or an allergic reaction to. It also means an appointment that may not be as convenient, you need someone with you to drive you home and the rest of the day you may feel groggy.
If your loved one feels he would like anxiety and/or pain control for his next bone marrow biopsy he should ask his provider. I know it can be done at your hospital, if they don't have a specific sedation area they do have an operating room that can provide this service.
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mrsv118 - Name: Kate
- Who do you know with myeloma?: ME
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 7/19/12
- Age at diagnosis: 48
Re: Weekly Poll – Bone Marrow Biopsies And Pain - 2013
My first and only BMB I was taken into a surgery room and sedated, I was aware what was going on and felt a lot of pressure when taking the sample, I didn't feel any pain. I was lucky in that my doctor was not available otherwise the BMB would have been done in his office. This was pretty expensive for my insurance company and I had a small co-pay. My current doctor will want to do the BMB in her office, she informed me that she has had the procedure done three times on herself during medical school to earn quick bucks. So, she knows what it feels like, and told me it would be difficult to schedule the sedation at a local hospital. I feel lucky to have had sedation and think all of these BMBs should be done with sedation, if for no other reason that its probably easier for the doctor or technician to get a good sample if the patient is not squirming or SCREAMING....
Re: Weekly Poll – Bone Marrow Biopsies And Pain - 2013
I've had two bone marrow biopsies. The stories about how painful it can be scared the bejeewhiz out of me so I opted for sedation each time.
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Chaz62 - Name: Chuck
- Who do you know with myeloma?: me and more
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 46
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