I don't post often but I really enjoy reading the discussions and I find a wealth of information for all of you. I am scheduled for a bone marrow biopsy on June 7th and to say I am petrified is putting it mildly. Has anyone experienced this procedure and could you provide some input? I would perfer honest comments as I have heard it is a very painful procedure. How long does the procedure take? What do they do? What should I expect? The Hematologist gave me scripts for valium and a pain med. percocet. I'm just not sure what to expect...I may have ulcers before June 7th with all the stress. Thanks!!
I donated my bone marrow for research. I did not take any pain meds. They will deaden the spot with a local. The entire procedure takes about. 20-30 min. You will be on your stomach so they can extract from your iliac bone through your upper back hip area. Most of the time you feel the pressure of the instrument. This is not painful just a dull sensation The actual pain occurs when they are pulling the bone marrow specimen out. They will warn you and coach you through it by suggesting you take a deep breath and exhale. This will last to the count of about 5 seconds.
It is a unique pain and sharp. I imagine it is like the pain of being struck by lightning or electrocuted. It will originate at the site and run down your entire leg to your toes. But when they stop drawing the specimen it will stop immediately. You will be a little sore or tender in that spot. Don’t get overstressed (my blood pressure shot up real high as they were prepping me due to my anxiety). Any body can endure 5 seconds and hundreds of thousands of people have done this and they made it through. It will be fine and overwith in 5-7 seconds. I hope this helps
I had it twice, back in 1994 and 1996. I don’t know if it’s any different now. They gave ne morphine to help with pain. Shots to numb the area however, it is hard to numb bone. It was painful but did not take long at all. When ie had it done, they took a hand, crank drill to drill in the bone and that is what I felt the most. Don’t be scared or nervous. The more relaxed you are, the quicker it is over and done. They didn’t give me pain meds to take after. They had to do the test because my blood platelets were dropping down to two thousand and I had internal bleeding. It proved I was still making baby platelets. The problem was my spleen, it was functioning correctly and the doctor said.my platelets were like gravy to it. I had mine removed but there are treatments that can manage this issue sp you don’t have to have it removed. You asked for truth, everyones pain is different. I gave birth three times, that hurt worse for sure. Good luck and stay blessed.
I am in pain most of time so I insisted on anesthesia during the procedure. Why should I endure more pain than I do everyday ? By the way doctor was mad! Lost income I guess.
Thanks for the comments and well wishes. I did ask and even insisted on anesthesia but he wouldn’t even consider it.
As for the spleen issue, I was born without a spleen and he said that could very well be the problem. I just wish we could just go with that Thanks for the prayers.
It’s hard to believe but spleens can grow back and maybe you have one growing, who knows. I see you have high platelets though. How high dear? As far as high white cells, that is due to infection. There could be anything in there infected and needing treatment. I sure hope they can help you. I would ask the doctor if they ever felt the pain of Lupus or the test. I am pretty sure they haven’t experienced either so they should be so rude and unconcerning.
I agree Destiny. My platelet number was 641 and the range is 140-440 (I was told by my rheumatologist). This Hematologist seemed to think it could be from the absent spleen but he did additional blood work and said if it came back positive or negative that I still needed the bone marrow biopsy.
To add to my stress, my Rheumy told me 2 weeks ago that she cannot find a treatment for me so she is referring me to the Cleveland Clinic. This scares me but it also makes me hopeful that they may find a treatment for my lupus. I have been unsuccessful with any meds for the last 2 1/2 years. Thanks
Gah I wrote a bunch and then my phone did something and erased it all grr. Ok, my platelets used to drop down to 2k, did it a lot while I was pregnant. Now they get up to 560k. I haven’t had anyone tell me that it is a bad thing. The white blood cells I get a lot and they put me in the hospital or on strong antibiotics. I have Kidney disease as well so I get kidney infections easily and the doctors are really concerned and constantly monitoring me. I can’t take prednisone because of my kidneys and what it does to me like blood sugar issues. Azathioprine really helped me out a lot eith my Lupus. Ask your doctor about it and if it could be a possibility if you haven’t been on it already. I am not on anything right now because I am waiting on a referral to a new Rheumatologist. It’s tough but I keep praying and hang in there. I really hope they can find some way to treat and help you dear. What could happen if your platelets are high like yours? Do research to find out as much as you can but also be careful because you can scare yourself. There are many things that sound just like symptoms we have so make sure you have a definitive answer before you panic about possibilities. It can be scary not knowing and even more scary to read about what it could be. Best thing is, don’t stress yourself out trying to figure it out on your own. Make a list of what symptoms you are having and if it sounds similar to anything, ask your doctor if it could be a possiblity. The key is remembering that you have a mocking disease and it could just be symptoms of this disease. I really hope you find the answers you are looking for. Stay positive and blessed.
Thank you for the wonderful tips. I’m sorry to hear about your kidney issues. I know we all have our problems and I feel bad dumping mine like this but I guess I’m just a little overwhelmed today. I will keep you all in my prayers and thanks for all of your help and pep talks.
And Destiny, I just went off of azathioprine I was on it for 9 months and finished at 150 mg with 5 mg prednisone with no luck.
Ok hun. I know most people on here are on Plaquenil. I have never tried it. Here is a list of different treatments. http://lupus.about.com/od/lupusdrugsandmedicine/Lupus_Drugs_and_Medicines_Used_to_Treat_Lupus.htm. I really hope they can help. My kidney disease is called Medullary Sponge Kidney. I basically create mass quantities of kidney stones. My tubs in my kidneys are filling with calcium which is hard and looks like clouds on a CT scan. I get infections very easy and have been told that the normal failure expectancy for this disease is 45. I have to have biopsies done to make sure that the Lupus isn’t attacking them too. The worst thing is the surgeries. I have had 14 already just for stone extraction and have passed 100s of stones already. I have plenty of hope though and am sure that in the next 10 years they will find better ways to treat it. Don’t worry about sharing your symptoms and inquiries or fears. That is what we are here for. I have learned so much in the short time I have been a member. My spirits have been raised and I know I have support when I need it.
Ok- this makes me really angry! I have had 2 bone marrow biopsies. The first one was when I was 21 and was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. They did a twilight sedation and I didn’t feel a thing. Then after I had my third baby, my platelets plummeted to 3,000 and they did another one. Luckily my oncologist was also a hemotologist so I was able to go back to him for this issue 10 years after my first diagnosis of cancer. He told me both times that there is no reason that people should have to go through that without sedation. I was awake, but don’t remember a thing from it. He hates the fact that so many doctors refuse to do it because it is more work because they have to start an Iv and monitor you for a bit longer after. My platelet issue was finally resolved by high doses of the beloved predgisone. Now I realize it was the start of my Lupus. I say find a doctor who will use sedation.
I don’t comment on the site, I’m new to my diagnosis , and like yourself Im just "chewing"
Everything over. Yes , I had the procedure 3 years ago. If you are like me at all ,
— the more knowledge I have about something , the better I process the ordeal. I do my
Homework and research the procedure on you tube for details and video. I
Am a woman of prayer and great faith in God. I have learned that this disease
Will not control my heart, my mind or drain me of my strength or my life’s passions. I
Use every tool I can find to face every bend in the road with grace and inner strength. I want you
To get an inner peace from with in yourself and go in peace and not fear. Yes it was painful, yes
It’s very invasive , but you can do this. Many of us have, and then you can comfort the next gal or guy
Who is terrified and clueless. Please be determined to be courageous and not powerless. Proverbs
13:7 says as you think in you heart , that’s what you will believe. Everyone’s experience will be different.
Read Philip 4:13. YOU REALLY WILL BE FINE, YOU CAN DO THIS DEAR HEART!! You have my prayers,
God and I care about you. I hope this helps you.
Sincerely,
Karen
Very nice Karen. I am a woman of God myself. I do stray from time to time but I do trust in him. He has carried me this far and I know that with him all things are possible. He helped me with a hard spiritual battle I endured and has pushed me through all the health issues I have. I am grateful to him for all he does for not just myself but for all of mankind. I don’t talk about it much because not everyone is a believer yet so I don’t want to intrude. I do feel everyone should know how amazing he really is but people will only accept him when it is there time. I am glad that not only do I have a community to help me through this but a family through christ as well. Keep inspiring others and stay blessed.
I have to agree with Mom2my3! There is absolutely no reason why they can’t give you a MAC Anesthetic for the procedure! I would ask the doctor if he/she has ever had it done! You are in control here not your medical provider! Remember you pay them or your insurance pays them!
I have never had it done, but have seen it done several times. I would never do it without being MAC first. I don’t care what anyone tells me! Just saying!
Bless you Karen! That was Awesome! You are right, God has done the same thing for me. Carried me through this disease and my life! Without Him I couldn’t face tomorrow! He is the one in control of our plans and I am excited to have him in my life!
Deenie
Destiny Scott said:
Very nice Karen. I am a woman of God myself. I do stray from time to time but I do trust in him. He has carried me this far and I know that with him all things are possible. He helped me with a hard spiritual battle I endured and has pushed me through all the health issues I have. I am grateful to him for all he does for not just myself but for all of mankind. I don’t talk about it much because not everyone is a believer yet so I don’t want to intrude. I do feel everyone should know how amazing he really is but people will only accept him when it is there time. I am glad that not only do I have a community to help me through this but a family through christ as well. Keep inspiring others and stay blessed.
Thank you so much for you kind comments and the much appreciated knowledge you share. You are clearly an inspiration to so many on this site. This is the first time I have made a comment but I could truly sense her fear and fear a crippling and will torment your soul, it touched my heart. I am a Minister of Music and have been playing piano and singing in churches for about 30 years. It gives me such strength, peace and pure joy regardless what circumstance life throws my way. If God say, "I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHICH STRENGTHENS ME'', then I choose to believe him! Plilip. 4:13 I sincerely consider myself one of the most blessed " women-walking "!!! I am an encourager, and it blesses me so much to be able to help others, I love to do that. I firmly believe that knowledge is power. The more you know, the more you can achieve. I absolutely believe in miracles, I truly do. Staying hopeful, focused, knowledgable, spiritually sound and encouraged goes a long way in this lifes journey. Please continue to educate and inspire others as you are doing. PLEASE "boldly" declare with me, to hurting men and women everywhere that there is hope, and God cares!!!!!
Have an amazing day, precious heart.
Karen in N.Y.
Destiny Scott said:
Very nice Karen. I am a woman of God myself. I do stray from time to time but I do trust in him. He has carried me this far and I know that with him all things are possible. He helped me with a hard spiritual battle I endured and has pushed me through all the health issues I have. I am grateful to him for all he does for not just myself but for all of mankind. I don't talk about it much because not everyone is a believer yet so I don't want to intrude. I do feel everyone should know how amazing he really is but people will only accept him when it is there time. I am glad that not only do I have a community to help me through this but a family through christ as well. Keep inspiring others and stay blessed.
I have enlarged and high count red blood cells so I also needed a bone biopsy. I had a local only. I was placed on my side and the marrow was taken from the hip. I didn't expect pain as the nurse who prepared me said she would make sure I had no pain. When the procedure I could handle the discomfort, but when the marrow was extracted I had excruciating pain. The Dr had to go in multiple times for specimens. I was completely blindsided as to the amount of pain I would have. No meds were given after, but I was okay with Ibuprofin. No discomfort after really at all. If you can, at lease get pain meds prior, or something to help you though it. Sorry if this sounds harsh but you wanted honesty and this was my experience. BTW my marrow checked out fine. I still have enlarged and high red blood cell count, the Dr is monitoring it monthly.
Thank you dear. I have been struggling with my health a lot lately. I feel the doctors should be more understanding but they aren’t. They put me on medicines I shouldn’t be on due to the Lupus or kidney disease. It bothers me because this is my life they are toying with. At least I should have a referral by now but they aren’t going out of there way for that. After sitting at the doctor for 3 hours waiting to get seen, my back started hurting so bad, I was in tears. I said to them if they couldn’t see me then they should ask me to come back in the afternoon and not having me sitting there suffering. If got on the phone with my insurance company and they called the doctor, told them how I’m suffering and what my needs are. I am suppose to go back at 1pm so I pray it goes well. No one should have to go through nonsense when they are so sick.
I am keeping my faith but life and other people really test my patients and will. I pray constantly for not just my self but for us all. I know I can make it but I don’t want to have to do it in the hospital all the time. I thinks it’s great how motivated you are through christ. Keep up the good faith and you will surely be rewarded. God bless.
Karen Curry said:
Dear Destiny,
Thank you so much for you kind comments and the much appreciated knowledge you share. You are clearly an inspiration to so many on this site. This is the first time I have made a comment but I could truly sense her fear and fear a crippling and will torment your soul, it touched my heart. I am a Minister of Music and have been playing piano and singing in churches for about 30 years. It gives me such strength, peace and pure joy regardless what circumstance life throws my way. If God say, "I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHICH STRENGTHENS ME’', then I choose to believe him! Plilip. 4:13 I sincerely consider myself one of the most blessed " women-walking "!!! I am an encourager, and it blesses me so much to be able to help others, I love to do that. I firmly believe that knowledge is power. The more you know, the more you can achieve. I absolutely believe in miracles, I truly do. Staying hopeful, focused, knowledgable, spiritually sound and encouraged goes a long way in this lifes journey. Please continue to educate and inspire others as you are doing. PLEASE “boldly” declare with me, to hurting men and women everywhere that there is hope, and God cares!!!
Have an amazing day, precious heart.
Karen in N.Y.
Destiny Scott said:
Very nice Karen. I am a woman of God myself. I do stray from time to time but I do trust in him. He has carried me this far and I know that with him all things are possible. He helped me with a hard spiritual battle I endured and has pushed me through all the health issues I have. I am grateful to him for all he does for not just myself but for all of mankind. I don’t talk about it much because not everyone is a believer yet so I don’t want to intrude. I do feel everyone should know how amazing he really is but people will only accept him when it is there time. I am glad that not only do I have a community to help me through this but a family through christ as well. Keep inspiring others and stay blessed.
Thanks for the prayers.