This week’s question is about approaches for managing pain during bone marrow biopsies.
A few clarifications:
First, this poll is open to all myeloma, smoldering myeloma, and MGUS patients. If you are a caregiver or family member of a myeloma patient, feel free to answer on their behalf.
Second, you may have undergone multiple bone marrow biopsies, several of which may have used different approaches for pain management. Please answer based on the approach used during your last bone marrow biopsy.
In the space below, please describe in more detail the approach or approaches you and your health care provider have used to manage your pain during bone marrow biopsies.
Forums
10 posts
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Re: Weekly Poll – Pain Management For Bone Marrow Biopsy - 2
My first BM BX was during an office visit. I had NO CLUE as to what it involved. The Doctor used a "LOCAL" in the office. IT WAS THE WORSE PAIN I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED! (And I have given birth 3 times naturally. ) OMG! I cried like a baby.
I have had several since then as an out patient with Versade sedation & a local. Much...much better. Do not suffer get the sedation!
I have had several since then as an out patient with Versade sedation & a local. Much...much better. Do not suffer get the sedation!
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Sistagirl
Re: Weekly Poll – Pain Management For Bone Marrow Biopsy - 2
I've had 3 BMBx - all with local anesthesia. The first and second ones were painless, and the 3rd time took three tries and was also painless but I did feel some pressure.
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Kay - Name: Kay Wilson
- Who do you know with myeloma?: SMM
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 72
Re: Weekly Poll – Pain Management For Bone Marrow Biopsy - 2
My one and only biopsy was done in the office under local anesthesia; and was absolutely painless
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coachhoke - Name: coachhoke
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Apri 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 71
Re: Weekly Poll – Pain Management For Bone Marrow Biopsy - 2
Have had 2 so far with just local. Going for 3rd next month. Had no pain while it was being done and none after. Did feel pressure but that was it.
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morrow1022
Re: Weekly Poll – Pain Management For Bone Marrow Biopsy - 2
I like Sistagirl had my first BB done in the office WORST PAIN EVER 
and it was done with general anesthesia. I have had several since then at UAMS and it has been pain free just a little pressure. I now know that there are people who clearly are much more experienced at doing this procedure. 
and it was done with general anesthesia. I have had several since then at UAMS and it has been pain free just a little pressure. I now know that there are people who clearly are much more experienced at doing this procedure. -
Amelia - Name: Amelia
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: December 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 52
Re: Weekly Poll – Pain Management For Bone Marrow Biopsy - 2
When myeloma medical director recommended bone marrow aspiration & biopsy in 2007,
I said I would undergo procedure if deep sedation was given.
Best request I ever made.
Departments of Anesthesia and Oncology at major midwest teaching medical center
worked together on my behalf.
Procedure was done in ambulatory operating room rather than office-based environment.
Mayo Clinic Department of Anesthesia research shows 1) deep sedation provides excellent pain management for this test with 2) lower level of patient bleeding complication after.
Health insurance covered 1) OR day surgery cost, 2) oncologist cost, 3) anesthesiology expense.
I said I would undergo procedure if deep sedation was given.
Best request I ever made.
Departments of Anesthesia and Oncology at major midwest teaching medical center
worked together on my behalf.
Procedure was done in ambulatory operating room rather than office-based environment.
Mayo Clinic Department of Anesthesia research shows 1) deep sedation provides excellent pain management for this test with 2) lower level of patient bleeding complication after.
Health insurance covered 1) OR day surgery cost, 2) oncologist cost, 3) anesthesiology expense.
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mpb
Re: Weekly Poll – Pain Management For Bone Marrow Biopsy - 2
My first BMB was local only ... painful, but I could handle it. I did NOT enjoy the experience.
My second, and latest, one was -- how did another poster put it -- "THE WORST PAIN EVER."
I too have given birth, had broken bones, dealt with bone on bone arthritis for which I had knee replacements. None of 'em hurt like that BMB did. The only 'good' thing about it was that it 'only' hurt for the 20 minutes the doc was trying to get through the bone to get the marrow and the bone sample.
I, too, cried.
A LOT, and I'm not ashamed of it.
The next time I have one of those things, I'm doing it under sedation, or I ain't doing it. I fail utterly to see why, given everything else we multiple myeloma patients have to put up with, that we should be expected to 'suck it up' for something they can fix.
Diana
My second, and latest, one was -- how did another poster put it -- "THE WORST PAIN EVER."
I too have given birth, had broken bones, dealt with bone on bone arthritis for which I had knee replacements. None of 'em hurt like that BMB did. The only 'good' thing about it was that it 'only' hurt for the 20 minutes the doc was trying to get through the bone to get the marrow and the bone sample.
I, too, cried.
A LOT, and I'm not ashamed of it.
The next time I have one of those things, I'm doing it under sedation, or I ain't doing it. I fail utterly to see why, given everything else we multiple myeloma patients have to put up with, that we should be expected to 'suck it up' for something they can fix.
Diana
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dianaiad - Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Officially...March 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 63
Re: Weekly Poll – Pain Management For Bone Marrow Biopsy - 2
Can anyone share the name of the centers or doctors that provided anesthesia for the bmb? Many thanks!
Re: Weekly Poll – Pain Management For Bone Marrow Biopsy - 2
The Colorado Blood Cancer Institute, located in Denver, Colorado, in partnership with Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital, gives Versed and fentanyl when doing bone marrow biopsies. I've had them without anesthesia and with anesthesia, and it's much better with!
Good luck.
Good luck.
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Katlyn in Denver
10 posts
• Page 1 of 1