Has anyone had a bone marrow biopsy?

[Yourinmyspot]

I’ve got to have a bone marrow biopsy and I’m a bit nervous about it. I asked what it involved and they told me it’s done under local anaesthetic at the day unit, it doesn’t hurt but I won’t be able to drive the day I have it done as I will have a heavy leg.

He said they will send me the information with the appointment letter, anyone had one and what was it like?

I had one done a few years back. It didn't hurt but it was a weird, surreal sensation. I sort of felt the screwing and pulling motions but there wasn't any pain with it. I was nervous and sweaty though and breathing exercises really helped. I also chatted to the Dr all the way through as I wanted to know what was happening the whole time and then even took a look at the biopsy afterwards! I don't remember getting a heavy leg afterwards.
I was given the all clear about a week later.
Wishing you all the best.

Thank you, that’s very reassuring and I’m glad you were given the all clear.

I’ve had 4 since February this year, they use lots of local anaesthetic, firstly to numb the skin and then to numb the bone.
Once the local takes effect you’ll feel a sensation of pushing and if they take a biopsy of the bone a strange scraping sensation, however it doesn’t hurt.
I’ve never had a heavy leg with any of them, just a bruised feeling where they take the biopsy from.
The clinic I attend will prescribe entonox if required but I’ve never needed any.
Good luck

My DH had it done, without an anaesthetic I believe, and he said it did hurt. A lot. So an anaesthetic is important. I think you recover from it quite quickly.

I had it done this morning and it hurt, it was when they were drawing the bone marrow out then they took a core out with a different needle. I had local anaesthetic. It wasn’t painful for too long but aches like mad now. I felt a bit faint afterwards which isn’t like me.

The nurses were lovely though and it was soon over with, I even went in half an hour early as I was early and the previous patient hadn’t turned up.

Sat at home having a cup of tea and paracetamol now.

Hope you get good results from it. I had one several years ago as part of blood cancer diagnostics/ staging . It was sore at the site for a couple of days, but not intolerable