Bone marrow biopsy experiences?

meganjcallaghan

So, in the process of trying to give my dad a kidney I had to get checked for the same clotting disorder my sister has since it might be genetic and we don't want me bleeding out all over the table come surgery time. My bloodwork has show my platelet counts to be low, so I had an ultrasound done of my abdomen to see if there was anything funky going on with my spleen. Everything is fine there, which means they want me to do a bone marrow biopsy. This does not excite me, especially considering the fact that local anesthetic doesn't actually work on me so I'll be feeling every lovely moment of it.

Has anybody had this done? What did it feel like and how were you afterwards? The doctor said I'll have to "take it easy" for the next day or so but I use my feet to get everywhere, either by running or walking, and will have to walk at least 8 k home after....and then it'll be another 14 or so the next day to get to and from work. Is this do-able or am I screwed?

tincanonastring

I had a bone marrow aspiration done a few years ago, which is a little different than a biopsy (an aspiration just takes some fluid while a biopsy takes actual bone out along with the fluid). The procedure itself wasn't so bad. I had a bit of an odd feeling in my pelvis and leg while they drew the fluid, but no major pain. If you're getting a biopsy, I've heard it's a little more painful.

You're definitely going to want to arrange for a ride home from the procedure; it takes quite a bit out of you and you'll be sore. I remember being more sore the following day, though, so you might want to think about arranging to be out of work the next day or at least getting a ride to and from. Good luck and I hope everything turns out okay for you and your dad.

Here's the webmd page for BMBs to give you an idea of what to expect.

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/bone-marrow-aspiration-and-biopsy

meganjcallaghan

dang it. i hardly get to eat anything if i don't move as much as i normally do. i think i'd rather suck it up and be sore than starve.

tincanonastring

dang it. i hardly get to eat anything if i don't move as much as i normally do. i think i'd rather suck it up and be sore than starve.

It's only a day and a half, though, right? Walk there, get the test, get a ride home, take it easy the rest of the day and the next, then get back on track. Even if you're over your calorie goal for those two days, in the grand scheme of your life, those two days days are barely a blip on the radar. Think of it this way: you're getting the test based on medical advice from your doctor. He's also giving you medical advice about test recovery. Why would you take his advice on one thing (getting the test) and not the other (recovery)?

meganjcallaghan

i suppooooose. although i'm only getting the test done because i HAVE to in order to finish this process and get on with the donation. lol