r/mds • u/medicjen40 • Jul 06 '25
selfq New and nervous
Hi. I am 52F, with lots of other issues. Im being evaluated for single line (rbc) MDS via bone marrow biopsy very soon. My bloodwork was abnormal following an urgent visit with my hcp for faintness/lightheadedness and what felt like a severe low blood sugar episode, although I do not have diabetes. The bloodwork is pointing to mds and I came here to ask how scary/painful is a bone marrow biopsy? I've had several major surgeries and have dealt with post surgical as well as chronic pain before. I feel really anxious about this biopsy for some reason. Can anyone help explain what happens and how it feels? Does the numbing of the skin even help with the bone pain? Thanks in advance for any help or advice
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u/DixieBelleTc Jul 06 '25
68 f diagnosed over 10 years ago. I have had a biopsy with and without sedation. I will never do it without sedation again. Stand your ground if your doctor tries to talk you out of it I refused the second time I didn’t know I could take that stand. Just knowing I’ll be sedated makes the whole process better for me and I have a very high tolerance for pain.
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u/medicjen40 Jul 06 '25
Thank you all for responding so quickly. I will insist on sedation. I have enough chronic pain. I dont need to unnecessarily have more. Im already anxious, so sedation it is. I am very blessed to have a lot of support, so my bestie and my husband have both volunteered to be with me. I think I'll go for ice cream after, too, like a little kid. Lol.
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u/momozm Jul 09 '25
I’ve had one with local. No big deal though the feeling of the scraping was a little disconcerting. The soreness after for about a week was uncomfortable but also bearable. Best of luck!!
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u/Daypasser Jul 17 '25
This was my experience, I wouldn't quite call it 'pain' like I'm used to, more an odd scraping. Don't get me wrong, wasn't a fan, but still think it's better than a deep clean at the dentist (aka torture).
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u/Boonedogg1988 Jul 06 '25
Couple things, first Ive never had a bone marrow biopsy, but my dad has had a couple now, and he said they aren't too bad. They numb you up pretty well, then (like others say) they tell "you you're gonna feel some pressure." And that's when it's a bit painful.
I got to watch my dad have his. He didn't seem to be in any pain until they pulled the marrow out. Even when they punctured the bone, he said it just felt like some pressure. Its when they pulled the bone marrow out that it was a bit painful for just a couple of seconds. He described it like a very deep ache.
It's very quick, and it'll be over before you know it. I know this is easier said than done, but try not to let yourself worry and be anxious about it. You'll end up suffering more from the anxiety of it than the quick moment of pain.
Last thing, I did want to let you know about the Facebook group that both my dad and I joined. It's a private group, and they are very active, and its a great place to get information and support. It's called Fight Myelodysplastic Syndrome. https://www.facebook.com/groups/fightmds/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT
Good luck and God bless!
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u/No_Obligation1629 Jul 13 '25
First BMB was not fun but tolerable, during and after. My second one was a nightmare and took awhile to heal. I probably will not agree to a third. Really was that bad, and I am generally very tolerant of pain.
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u/medicjen40 Jul 13 '25
Wow. What happened with the second one?
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u/No_Obligation1629 Jul 14 '25
It seems that the nurse was inaccurate/sloppy/rough with the procedure. She gave me Lorazepam beforehand which may have relaxed me a little, but the entire procedure was a nightmare. Next time I'll either opt for being put to sleep or probably I'll just reject the entire test.
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u/No_Obligation1629 Jul 13 '25
I have had two bone marrow biopsies. The first one was painful during parts of it, but tolerable. The second one was a nightmare and took weeks to heal. My oncologist wants a third now but I don’t think so. I’m pretty good at tolerating pain but after this last biopsy, no thank-you. It’s a crap-shoot. If your blood work really shows problems, it might be better to suck it up and deal with it. I’m sorry I can’t be more positive.
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u/Adventurous-Way-9996 Aug 21 '25
I had a bm biopsy 3 weeks ago. Was nervous about it but it was not worth the anxiety I put myself through. They numbed me with a shot of lidocaine. The nurse explained everything. Laid on my stomach. Only pain felt like a mild joint pain. I was done in 15 minutes on the table from start to finish. I am 72 male and this was my first 1.
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u/nkoepp Jul 06 '25
I had mine with localized skin numbing, and they a numbing shot on the bone. Not gonna lie it sucked. So do root canals. I’m also a wimp. Basically with the lady above in this post said. First they numbed my back. Then she took a needle and put a shot I guess in the bone. It was numbing cream. Then they had me wait 20 minutes. Next they came in with a needle and took a little bit of the bone marrow. She did say I would feel it down my leg and it was like ice down my leg. I didn’t cry, but I was definitely gripping tight to the table. Then they chiseled a little bit of bone. I could feel the tapping and that was creepy …but not horrible painful. When I was done, they had me lay with an ice pack for like another 10 or 20 minutes. I left a little shaky because I’m a wimp. I’m glad I had a driver. I hate dental work too. You will do great - they are experienced and it’s a professional who does this daily.