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What about quality of life? I just had another BMB and it was just as painful as the first. The only good thing is that it lasted for a few minutes instead of an hour. It seems that there is no norm when getting pain medicine for it.
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Members discussed the wide variation in bone marrow biopsy experiences, from painless procedures to unbearable suffering, with the... Read more
I’ve done nearly every kind of needle-related procedure imaginable in my 38 years of anesthesia practice and I know that some things just hurt- BUT, there are gentle practitioners and not-so-gentle ones and many ways to avoid most of the pain of BMB except for the aspiration or “sucking up” the marrow after needle insertion. That hurts for a few seconds. Slow injection of local anesthetic using the smallest needle possible (27 gauge usually) reduces the burn of the local and ample amounts help. Taking pain medication or anti-anxiety medication is helpful. If you don’t have it, get it. Tell the person doing it what you’re afraid of. Unless they’re callous, they will strive to be gentle. I don’t like BMB but have another one coming up, will be done in the office, then out the door. My treatments over the past few years have greatly influenced how I perform procedures and talk with my patients. I’m still at it but looking forward to retiring. Please know as a patient that I worry about each and every one I take care of and rejoice in their little victories as well. God Bless Us all!
I deal with my local oncologist as well as my MM Specialist. I was diagnosed with MM back in 2006 and coming up on my 17th anniversary of dealing with this horrible cancer. After having about eight bone marrow biopsies and dealing with the pain, l was able to convince both of my oncologists that I don't want to do them. Each surprisingly agreed and said that by monitoring my Kappa Light Chain numbers through my Myeloma panel were a more accurate way of keeping track of my cancer counts. I haven't had a bone marrow biopsy in ten years and don't miss them at all.
@A MyMyelomaTeam Member,
My first BMB was a bust. They didn’t get enough. It was the size of the tip of a pencil. The second they got plenty. It depends on the experience of the doctor or techs.
Paula🌹
I had in April 2023 my Bone Marrow, and I was sedated, and went smooth the procedure.
But in 2002, and in 1996, were awful and painful.
I think you need to work and talk to your doctor about changing the way without anesthesia.
My husband had a bone marrow biopsy done twice. He did not describe the procedure as painful. Just some soreness the next day, which did not last long. He drove himself home. It is the technique that makes all the difference. His oncologist had worked at Fox Chase cancer center. She recommended a particular tech. It does make a difference
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