I have to go in for a bone marrow biopsy and I’ve never heard anything but horror stories about the procedure so I am refraining from googling it.
So does anyone have experiences with this? Any tips?
As always, TIA
I had one several years ago. It wasn’t as bad as I feared. The sedation kicked in right away and I didn’t feel anything during the procedure. Had a dull ache at times for maybe a couple of weeks afterwards.
Hope it goes as well as possible for you.
I had several biopsies years ago and they were not bad at all. The first doctor who performed the biopsy told me to inhale deeply and hold the breath when he inserted the drill. That must do the trick as I did not feel much.
I donated bone marrow once, long ago, and it wasn’t that bad. I expect the biopsy will be similar.
I’ve had seven of them. My first one, at Johns Hopkins, was absolutely miserable. I refused to go back.
My first oncologist used local anesthetic. I told him it felt like someone was using a corkscrew to get a sample. He laughed and said that was pretty much the way the tool worked. Feels uncomfortable when they “pull” but it was bearable.
My current oncologist doesn’t like locals, as it can cause BP to fluctuate wildly in some people. She gives Ativan by IV and gives it a little while to really kick in. I’m awake, but I don’t feel any pain, and I don’t care, either. She does really good bone marrow biopsies. DH has to drive me home afterwards because of the Ativan. I’m sore for a day or two, but the biopsies themselves are not painful when she does them.
I just had one 2 months ago and was sedated. My oncologist said I could be awake or sedated, but he said all his patients have conscious sedation, so that is what I did. Of course I felt, and remember nothing and it takes just a few moments. The local wore off before I even got home, but I was fine.
I was a bit sore for a few days; more like I had a big bruise on my backside, although I didn’t. It was tender, but really no big deal.
I was a bone marrow donor and had the same experience as the people who have responded. With conscious sedation, I felt nothing and remembered less. After, it was more of a dull ache which Advil took care of after the anesthesia wore off. I think the nervous anticipation and scare is far worse than the actual procedure and recovery. Sending you good wishes and hugs!
Romani, I’m sorry you are going through all this crap. Thinking of you and hope this all goes well.
I had one in 1981 with a local. It wasn’t painful but it was a very odd feeling on the pull. I was sore for a few days.
So sorry you must face this.
I recently looked into donating and found that you cannot be over 60. I am still perturbed.
Good luck!
Thanks all. You’ve made me feel much better 
I remember several years ago when I had to get a root canal and at the end couldn’t figure out what everyone freaked out about. I was hoping this was the same sort of thing and it seems it is. Or, at least, I hope!!
And thanks @Nrdsb4 and @oregon101
All the best, romani. Sorry for the challenges.
Best of luck, Romani. Hope it will solve your mystery anemia. Hugs.
My husband has had multiple of these in the past three years. I think things have changed alot from all the horror stories we used to hear! His were all done in a place that does them everyday–multiple patients. So lots of experience. He always gets the “conscious sedation” and has always said it’s no big deal at all. Didn’t really feel/remember much at all. He was surprised this was the case…and so was I. Seems like the key is going somewhere that does them all the time…only very specific medical professionals are used for this procedure. Anyway, please don’t worry. Not nearly as scary as we’d thought.
Once again, thanks everyone. I feel much better. I’m waiting on the place to call and schedule my date.
In the mean time, I’m going to begin getting iron infusions since my iron levels have actually decreased since beginning the oral supplements. (And yes, I’ve tried taking it with Vit C, on an empty stomach, etc. I’ve worked closely with the hematologist’s pharmacist to set a timetable for my meds so they can be optimally absorbed.) I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired so fingers crossed that at least the infusions give me some danged energy!
@romani, I’m so sorry that you have to go through this. I am so inspired by the way you maintain your positive, can-do attitude while having to face so many health challenges. I hope this biopsy is quick and painless and that it helps provide you with some answers. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Just do it. Get it over with. Anesthesiologist here- never needed for one like more invasive biopsies. Local/sedation/quick procedure…
Good luck and best wishes with your health problems. It must be really frustrating to not have simple answers and easily solved problems.
I can’t believe all you have had to put up with…and they still haven’t figured it out yet. That has got to be awful!
So I’m assuming the malabsorption of iron is due to Celiac disease? I was thinking you had that, is that correct?
Thank you all. I’m not worried anymore
@busdriver11 no celiac disease. Current dx list from the last year (not including just the regular pre-existing conditions from before I got sick lol):
Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Sjogren’s syndrome (Consolidated into Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease)
Central Pain Syndrome
IBS
And the newest: Iron-deficient anemia
Umm… I think that’s it? lol. Oh and there’s something wrong with my heart (super fast heartbeat) but they’re not worried about that since everything looks OK with my heart at the moment.
They gave me the tTG-IgA test and it was negative (or didn’t indicate celiacs). I feel like they tried some other test too for celiac’s but I can’t remember what it was. Not a biopsy though.
The anemia was caught incidentally when I was in the hospital last time for uncontrollable pain.
Gee, that’s all? 
I had thought you had serious gluten issues from way back when…assumed it was Celiac disease.
You need a Dr House in your life!!
I wonder if any of these issues are brought on by medications to treat other problems…so many things to follow. I hope everyone is coordinating care for you.