Bone marrow biopsy - what to expect?

[bico]

I have low haemoglobin, low white blood cell count, low lots of other readings and odd shaped blood cells. Haematologist has no idea what is wrong with me (although he is sure it isn't leukemia) so he has arranged for me to have a biopsy.

All I know is that it will be done under a pain numbing injection and I'll be able to drive afterwards.

Is that it or is there more I should know?

also curious am in same boat waiting for this to be done thanks to low neutrophil counts...

but I've asked about this on here previously and my understanding is it doesn't seem too bad..

That's reassuring and also what the consultant said. I'd still like some reassurance from someone who has actually had it though!

I haven't had one done personally, but held my friends hand when she had her second one done. She was really freaking out about it, thinking her first one was really sore, but it wasn't as bad as she thought.

I think she just built up the experience in her head so much she couldn't really remember what it was like.

She was up and about straight after it. No I'll effects.

Sorry if that's not much help, but it probably won't be as bad as you are expecting it to be!

My daughter had one last year. She had a bone biopsy as well so she was under a general anaesthetic. The bone marrow was taken from her spine, but it didn't cause her any pain afterwards. She had a sore knee for a few days, but recovered quickly.

I started this thread. I had it today and it was really painful. The procedure itself was tolerable but the administering of the local anaethestic to the bone reminded me of the pain of crowning in childbirth. I think if I had to have it done again I'd need more than a local and I speak as someone who only had gas and air for childbirth when I was on a synotcinon drip.

We use gas and air for bone marrow biopsies.

Jinty is that instead of or as well as a local anaesthetic?

As well. Not everyone wants it but it is offered.

No not offered. They thought I was making a fuss when jabbed the local anaesthetic needle into my bone. I've never known such incredibly sharp pain before. Still hurts today and I can't bend or walk properly.

I'm sorry it was such a horrible experience for you. Some people hardly feel it at all and others find it very painful. Also some dr's are better than others at doing them. I do hope it rules out any problems and then it will almost be worth it.

Thanks. If I had to have it done again I would go to a different hospital! The fact that it is still hurting now makes me think there are probably other doctors who would do a better job.

I saw the consultant and he was very apologetic about the test.

Results show that my bone marrow isn't working properly. All very odd. He showed me a picture of healthy bone marrow and then showed me mine which was basically a picture of empty cells. So yet more tests but fortunately not another biopsy.