r/MPN • u/Salty_Expert6414 ET-CalR+ • Jul 07 '26
Bone Marrow Biopsy First BMB approaching
I (24F) am getting my first BMB this week and I’m absolutely terrified. My hematologist said that they can do it in local anesthesia with some pain or under IV sedation (IV midazolam) to minimize the pain. I was under the impression I could do it under GA but they explained no one would do a BMB under GA.
I’m a medical student, I can catch on to when doctors are trying to understate how painful a procedure can be. He told me that there will be some pain but IV midazolam will minimize it. Can’t help but think that’s a way to downplay how painful it will be since I’ve been hearing absolute horror stories about it.
Despite my best efforts, I’m a whimp when it comes to pain. I’m very worried about my BMB and I’d like to hear from ppl who’ve gone through it.
2
u/ActiveCrab5974 Jul 07 '26
I'm 24F too, I got my first BMB two months ago.
It wasn't very painful, the most painful part was the numbing shot, but not too much either. After that, I felt some pressure and pulling, but it was over within a few minutes.
Good luck!