[Beacon Staff]

Weekly Poll - Number Of Bone Marrow Biopsies - 2013

by Beacon Staff on Wed Oct 30, 2013 10:32 am

This week's poll is about how many bone marrow biopsies / aspirations you have had.

A few clarifications:

First, feel free to count biopsies or aspirations, but if you had both done during the same procedure, only count that as one. In other words, how many times have you gone to the doctor's office for a bone marrow biopsy and/or aspiration.

Second, if you are a caregiver or family member of a myeloma patient, feel free to answer on their behalf.

As always, feel free to post comments, thoughts, or feedback in the space below. They can be very useful to other readers.

Also, feel free to check out a few of our previous related weekly polls:

2012 version of the same poll:
https://myelomabeacon.org/forum/weekly-poll-number-of-bone-marrow-biopsies-t1387.html

On a scale of 0 to 10, how painful would you rate your last bone marrow biopsy?
https://myelomabeacon.org/forum/weekly-poll-bone-marrow-biopsies-and-pain-t944.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-biopsies-t933.html

[kaygcromie]

Re: Weekly Poll - Number Of Bone Marrow Biopsies - 2013

by kaygcromie on Mon Nov 04, 2013 4:01 pm

I have had 13 bone marrow biopsies, I was diagnosed in Nov. of 2003.
On a scale of 0-10, my last biopsy was a 2.
When I started having them I would get lorazepam to relax me, now I don't get anything, except the drugs to numb the site. I don't have any problems with biopsies at all. I have extremely hard bones and sometimes it takes a while to get the sample, but believe it or not, I have actually learned how to relax and put my mind and body in a different place. I also find using some of the breathing exercises that I have learned for stress, help quite a bit too.

[terryl1]

Re: Weekly Poll - Number Of Bone Marrow Biopsies - 2013

by terryl1 on Mon Nov 04, 2013 5:46 pm

Going for my fifth one on 11/18. The thought of it for me is much worse than the actual procedure. I take a Xanax before and it really helps. My last three were done at the NIH by an officer of the US Public Health Service who is incredibly fast and skilled. I am hoping he's working on the 18th!

[LibbyC]

Re: Weekly Poll - Number Of Bone Marrow Biopsies - 2013

by LibbyC on Mon Nov 04, 2013 8:53 pm

My first BMB was pretty awful, the doctor taking the sample said that there was no need for pain relief as there were no pain receptors in bone. HAH - he obviously hasn't had one. Since then I have had sedation with all.

For some of my biopsies I have had the same anaesthetist who usually gives me a bit more sedative . My last one however he wasn't there I did tell his replacement that I normally have a bit more juice - I dont think she believed me. I could feel enough to let out a "holy #$%@" when they were taking the sample. They quickly said that they would give me a top up - I said "Don't bother the worst is over". Unfortunately the sample was not enough to work with, they apologized and told me they had to go back in. My reply "Give me the top up".