Any one share their bone marrow biopsy experiences?
Discussion
I'm sorry about posting this and leaving a lot out for legitimate reasons.
I'm becoming increasingly anxious, almost terrified about the biopsy that is fast approaching.
In about a weeks time, I'm going to be having a bone marrow biopsy from my right hip/pelvis.
The consultant has informed me that it is really going to hurt, even with the local anaesthetic.
I've not had a chance to actually talk to anyone that has had it done to either calm myself or prepare for it by knowing what to expect.
I've had bloods taken plenty of times, injections from the dentist into my pallet for dental work (those hurt), eyebrow piercing.
Yes I'm sure you're going to question why, if I'm panicking, would I wish to hear horror stories?. I just want to have some form of idea of what to expect such as the most unpleasant part.
I suppose talking about it on here with those who know, might prepare me.
Thank you.
I'm becoming increasingly anxious, almost terrified about the biopsy that is fast approaching.
In about a weeks time, I'm going to be having a bone marrow biopsy from my right hip/pelvis.
The consultant has informed me that it is really going to hurt, even with the local anaesthetic.
I've not had a chance to actually talk to anyone that has had it done to either calm myself or prepare for it by knowing what to expect.
I've had bloods taken plenty of times, injections from the dentist into my pallet for dental work (those hurt), eyebrow piercing.
Yes I'm sure you're going to question why, if I'm panicking, would I wish to hear horror stories?. I just want to have some form of idea of what to expect such as the most unpleasant part.
I suppose talking about it on here with those who know, might prepare me.
Thank you.
I suppose it isn't so much the pain that is bothering me. Hospitals in general make me feel uneasy.
I think I'm just trying to find out how it was for others. The type of feeling. A burn, sharp ache, throb, jolt, if it's 10 - 20 minutes of continuous agony or some points were fine-ish.
There isn't anything I can do about it and I am going ahead with it obviously.
There isn't much to go on. I just wanted to know how it was for other people. The general descriptive feeling.
It's because it's an unknown.
Thank you for the reply by the way.
I think I'm just trying to find out how it was for others. The type of feeling. A burn, sharp ache, throb, jolt, if it's 10 - 20 minutes of continuous agony or some points were fine-ish.
There isn't anything I can do about it and I am going ahead with it obviously.
There isn't much to go on. I just wanted to know how it was for other people. The general descriptive feeling.
It's because it's an unknown.
Thank you for the reply by the way.
Thank you for the reply. 
My procedure will be done with no sedative, just local anaesthetic injections around the skin/soft tissue where the needles will enter.
My fear is from various experiences. "Sharp scratch" as a blood sample is taken can be a nasty pinch to not feeling it at all.
I had a colonoscopy a few years ago and was told to expect weak/mild discomfort with the air they pump into your bowel. They said I'd not remember a thing. I'm a big chap and was given enough medazilam to sedate a mouse. The pain/discomfort 2/3 of the way through inflation became unbearable and to this day I remember every second of the procedure.
So my concern really is the description given. Weak/mild discomfort being vastly incorrect of the colonoscopy leads me to worry when I'm being told the biopsy will really hurt. If past experience is anything to go by, "really hurt" to me translates as torturous agony.
Again, there's no suger coating it and I'm sure it will hurt, lots, but my question on experiences is to find out how others have found the procedure and what to expect.
My procedure will be done with no sedative, just local anaesthetic injections around the skin/soft tissue where the needles will enter.
My fear is from various experiences. "Sharp scratch" as a blood sample is taken can be a nasty pinch to not feeling it at all.
I had a colonoscopy a few years ago and was told to expect weak/mild discomfort with the air they pump into your bowel. They said I'd not remember a thing. I'm a big chap and was given enough medazilam to sedate a mouse. The pain/discomfort 2/3 of the way through inflation became unbearable and to this day I remember every second of the procedure.
So my concern really is the description given. Weak/mild discomfort being vastly incorrect of the colonoscopy leads me to worry when I'm being told the biopsy will really hurt. If past experience is anything to go by, "really hurt" to me translates as torturous agony.
Again, there's no suger coating it and I'm sure it will hurt, lots, but my question on experiences is to find out how others have found the procedure and what to expect.
I've never had one so I can't say, however I don't think there is any excuse for any medical procedure to 'really hurt' these days, not with all the pain management options available. Likewise with the anxiety you describe undergoing the colonoscopy, I just think it is inexcusable that they did not adjust the meds to your individual requirements.
I get where you are coming from though, I had surgery recently and the pain management post op on the ward was not ideal and then I was discharged without the right pain killers. I had to throw a bit of a hissy fit and email the consultant directly to get a proper prescription issued in the end - he was not impressed.
Could you ask your GP about taking some pain killers before the procedure, maybe they could issue a couple of strong pills and a Valium to calm your nerves?
I get where you are coming from though, I had surgery recently and the pain management post op on the ward was not ideal and then I was discharged without the right pain killers. I had to throw a bit of a hissy fit and email the consultant directly to get a proper prescription issued in the end - he was not impressed.
Could you ask your GP about taking some pain killers before the procedure, maybe they could issue a couple of strong pills and a Valium to calm your nerves?
Edited by VolvoT5 on Monday 25th January 13:44
I have had four of them, so something of an expert!
They get you settled on your side with knees bent and your trousers down a few inches.. A bit of gel goes on, then the biopsy takes place. I have found the key to making it bearable, almost pleasant, is to ask for the gas and air and get puffing on this 30secs before they get going. You can't drive home after this, but it is much better than without. Some departments may offer a TENS machine in addition, use both if they offer.
I have done one without pain relief and got through it but would seriously not recommend it.
You get a dressing put on which you take off the next day, it just feels like a big bruise and not especially bad for a day or two.
Do PM me if I can be of any help before or in future.
Good luck!
They get you settled on your side with knees bent and your trousers down a few inches.. A bit of gel goes on, then the biopsy takes place. I have found the key to making it bearable, almost pleasant, is to ask for the gas and air and get puffing on this 30secs before they get going. You can't drive home after this, but it is much better than without. Some departments may offer a TENS machine in addition, use both if they offer.
I have done one without pain relief and got through it but would seriously not recommend it.
You get a dressing put on which you take off the next day, it just feels like a big bruise and not especially bad for a day or two.
Do PM me if I can be of any help before or in future.
Good luck!
Is there a good reason they cannot at least dope you up?
I second Volvo, "it's gonna hurt like f
k, sorry" isn't exactly a reasonable management plan and being very anxious about it is a real factor that needs taking seriously. Never had a BMB or anything like that, but did have a gastroscopy that I can remember the first 5 minutes of in crystal clarity, hands being restrained by a nurse and all. Consultant has agreed that if I ever need another they will actually render me properly unconscious because my anxiety about a repeat is such that I actually do not think I could consent/cooperate with another try otherwise.
I second Volvo, "it's gonna hurt like f
k, sorry" isn't exactly a reasonable management plan and being very anxious about it is a real factor that needs taking seriously. Never had a BMB or anything like that, but did have a gastroscopy that I can remember the first 5 minutes of in crystal clarity, hands being restrained by a nurse and all. Consultant has agreed that if I ever need another they will actually render me properly unconscious because my anxiety about a repeat is such that I actually do not think I could consent/cooperate with another try otherwise.Meant to reply in more detail earlier about my experience.
I had one just before I started my chemo a few years ago and yes it hurt like fk!!
There was no pain relief or gas/ air anything like that as "that's just how it's done " so I was told.
I was lying on my side and had an anaesthetic injection deep into the skin that smarted a bit. Unfortunately being an inquisitive guy I had asked what is done and how they do it and when I seen the tool they use it was pretty scary looking.
Anyway he basically pushed and twisted this corkscrew tool into my hip and it was rather sore and then he stopped and said you have some hard Scottish bones so we need to brace you a bit better!!!!!
So I was then braced against the railings on the bed with the pillow ending up in my mouth to bite down on as the pain was just awful, nothing like it before or since. The pain was like an incredible intense pressure that felt like an elephant wearing a stiletto shoe was standing on you and maybe lasted a minute.
Not what you want to hear but maybe I was being a bit wimpy and you will cope with it a lot better.
He then presented me with what looked like an inch long bit of bone in a jar which looked like a bit of straw from a kids juice carton floating around!
I was sore for a couple of days but nothing too bad.
Sorry to be brutal but I wouldn't, couldn't ever do that again without some serious drugs!
I had one just before I started my chemo a few years ago and yes it hurt like f
k!! There was no pain relief or gas/ air anything like that as "that's just how it's done " so I was told.
I was lying on my side and had an anaesthetic injection deep into the skin that smarted a bit. Unfortunately being an inquisitive guy I had asked what is done and how they do it and when I seen the tool they use it was pretty scary looking.
Anyway he basically pushed and twisted this corkscrew tool into my hip and it was rather sore and then he stopped and said you have some hard Scottish bones so we need to brace you a bit better!!!!!
So I was then braced against the railings on the bed with the pillow ending up in my mouth to bite down on as the pain was just awful, nothing like it before or since. The pain was like an incredible intense pressure that felt like an elephant wearing a stiletto shoe was standing on you and maybe lasted a minute.
Not what you want to hear but maybe I was being a bit wimpy and you will cope with it a lot better.
He then presented me with what looked like an inch long bit of bone in a jar which looked like a bit of straw from a kids juice carton floating around!
I was sore for a couple of days but nothing too bad.
Sorry to be brutal but I wouldn't, couldn't ever do that again without some serious drugs!
Edited by nessiemac on Thursday 28th January 04:26
Thank you very much for the replies. I really mean that.
Yes, I've been told there will be no pain relief for it other than the injection to numb the area.
Don't apologise for being blunt. It's what I wanted and what I've sought. It's easy to say, as the doctor has said, that it'll be painful but that does nothing to prepare me.
Your experiences at least give me an idea of what to expect, not that you can really prepare for an unknown sensation. Either way, thank you very very much.
Mine is on the 1st of February. I'm sure you'll all hear me.
Again, thank you for sharing.
Yes, I've been told there will be no pain relief for it other than the injection to numb the area.
Don't apologise for being blunt. It's what I wanted and what I've sought. It's easy to say, as the doctor has said, that it'll be painful but that does nothing to prepare me.
Your experiences at least give me an idea of what to expect, not that you can really prepare for an unknown sensation. Either way, thank you very very much.
Mine is on the 1st of February. I'm sure you'll all hear me.
Again, thank you for sharing.
Well, just thought I'd update this thread. Hopefully if someone was to search, they'd find this thread too with a few biopsy reviews.
I had my biopsy at 0930 today. Anxious right up until it began.
My doctor explained the process prior to it starting.
The numbing local anaesthetic is slightly stingy, not to dissimilar to a sharp pinch.
She allowed for the anaesthetic to work and then tested for sensation. There was a slight sting but nothing to shout about.
She then told me she was inserting the needle used to pierce the bone to aspirate. This started to sting and I felt a stinging pressure sensation.
For anyone having this procedure, slow and deep breathing is a good way to deal with the discomfort.
With the breathing and pain, you lose track of time and you concentrate on the next breath. When she hit the sweet spot, it stung quite a lot. She tried to aspirate but found my bone marrow unwilling to produce nearly anything. This meant that she had to push further.
The aspiration sensation felt like the pain spread out slightly but also created the sensation of a really odd suction, almost like someone sucking on your skin but obviously deeper and with pain, not unbearable though.
Once the 5 - 10 seconds of pain from aspiration was over, the bigger needle for the core sample began.
As I've already been told, my young age and naturally dense bone causes issues, even with dentistry work.
She spent about 15 minutes of boring in with the thing. It took time but she got to the point where enough of a core sample was in the needle/tube. This took her another 10 minutes to loosen it.
The sensation and sharp pain reoccur with each movement. It's like having a concentrated electric stab that you can feel around your hip and toward your groin.
Once the sample was taken, she put a dressing on the site and had me lay on my back. I had a coffee made and spent 15 minutes on my back, then slowly got up.
It's been a while now and you feel sore all around that hip and inner groin area.
If I had to have it again, I would and I wouldn't feel nervous the next time.
It's an individual experience. Pain thresholds, practitioner experience and your own biological make up, will have some bearing on your experience.
For anyone going in for this, first time, just go in and deal with whatever sensation you have as and when it comes. You are made to feel comfortable and will be told throughout, where they are and what is about to occur. Breathing is key, at least in my experience.
Slow deep breath in, hold it slightly and release slowly.
Thank you to those of you who posted here. I wish you all the best.
I had my biopsy at 0930 today. Anxious right up until it began.
My doctor explained the process prior to it starting.
The numbing local anaesthetic is slightly stingy, not to dissimilar to a sharp pinch.
She allowed for the anaesthetic to work and then tested for sensation. There was a slight sting but nothing to shout about.
She then told me she was inserting the needle used to pierce the bone to aspirate. This started to sting and I felt a stinging pressure sensation.
For anyone having this procedure, slow and deep breathing is a good way to deal with the discomfort.
With the breathing and pain, you lose track of time and you concentrate on the next breath. When she hit the sweet spot, it stung quite a lot. She tried to aspirate but found my bone marrow unwilling to produce nearly anything. This meant that she had to push further.
The aspiration sensation felt like the pain spread out slightly but also created the sensation of a really odd suction, almost like someone sucking on your skin but obviously deeper and with pain, not unbearable though.
Once the 5 - 10 seconds of pain from aspiration was over, the bigger needle for the core sample began.
As I've already been told, my young age and naturally dense bone causes issues, even with dentistry work.
She spent about 15 minutes of boring in with the thing. It took time but she got to the point where enough of a core sample was in the needle/tube. This took her another 10 minutes to loosen it.
The sensation and sharp pain reoccur with each movement. It's like having a concentrated electric stab that you can feel around your hip and toward your groin.
Once the sample was taken, she put a dressing on the site and had me lay on my back. I had a coffee made and spent 15 minutes on my back, then slowly got up.
It's been a while now and you feel sore all around that hip and inner groin area.
If I had to have it again, I would and I wouldn't feel nervous the next time.
It's an individual experience. Pain thresholds, practitioner experience and your own biological make up, will have some bearing on your experience.
For anyone going in for this, first time, just go in and deal with whatever sensation you have as and when it comes. You are made to feel comfortable and will be told throughout, where they are and what is about to occur. Breathing is key, at least in my experience.
Slow deep breath in, hold it slightly and release slowly.
Thank you to those of you who posted here. I wish you all the best.
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