I’ve done nearly every kind of needle-related procedure imaginable in my 38 years of anesthesia practice and I know that some things just hurt- BUT, there are gentle practitioners and not-so-gentle ones and many ways to avoid most of the pain of BMB except for the aspiration or “sucking up” the marrow after needle insertion. That hurts for a few seconds. Slow injection of local anesthetic using the smallest needle possible (27 gauge usually) reduces the burn of the local and ample amounts help. Taking pain medication or anti-anxiety medication is helpful. If you don’t have it, get it. Tell the person doing it what you’re afraid of. Unless they’re callous, they will strive to be gentle. I don’t like BMB but have another one coming up, will be done in the office, then out the door. My treatments over the past few years have greatly influenced how I perform procedures and talk with my patients. I’m still at it but looking forward to retiring. Please know as a patient that I worry about each and every one I take care of and rejoice in their little victories as well. God Bless Us all!

I deal with my local oncologist as well as my MM Specialist. I was diagnosed with MM back in 2006 and coming up on my 17th anniversary of dealing with this horrible cancer. After having about eight bone marrow biopsies and dealing with the pain, l was able to convince both of my oncologists that I don't want to do them. Each surprisingly agreed and said that by monitoring my Kappa Light Chain numbers through my Myeloma panel were a more accurate way of keeping track of my cancer counts. I haven't had a bone marrow biopsy in ten years and don't miss them at all.

I had in April 2023 my Bone Marrow, and I was sedated, and went smooth the procedure.
But in 2002, and in 1996, were awful and painful.
I think you need to work and talk to your doctor about changing the way without anesthesia.

My husband had a bone marrow biopsy done twice. He did not describe the procedure as painful. Just some soreness the next day, which did not last long. He drove himself home. It is the technique that makes all the difference. His oncologist had worked at Fox Chase cancer center. She recommended a particular tech. It does make a difference

Stay strong and confident Donna. So far I’ve had 8-Bone Marrow Biopsies from 8 different doctors. Almost all of them I felt level 10 on pain scale but only for approximately 4-seconds. A level 10 to me is when my femur separated in half from MM lytic lesions. Gotta stay up with X-rays, Pet Scans and yes…more BMB testing. My rear pelvis would stay sore for a few days but worth finding out results straight from the source. Stay strong, we need you.