bone marrow extraction

Hi I am a newly diagnosed and am scheduled for a bone marrow extraction next week. What should I expect? Pain, after pain... help, this is all so new to me

Bev,

It sounds painful but it is not all that bad really.
If you have the choice of a local anaesthetic then you will feel some pushing and pulling but not much else.
The doctor who did mine recently told me there is a quick way and a slow way, he opts for the quick way.
If you have ever had a tooth extraction then you will have already have experienced the pain level.
Afterwards you simply walk away.

Don't worry.

Eric

Thanks Eric,

This is all so new, levels, drugs, ivg.... feel like I am going crazy, does life ever get normal again!!

Hi Bev. Welcome to the group! As usual I'll say glad you're here, but sorry you have to be. About the test. As is EVERYTHING with ITP people, everyone is different. Some get away with minimal pain and some say it's the worst thing they have ever had or seen! Mine didn't bother me at all, but my husband got to watch and swears he would never get one done. I was at 9 at the time of the test and didn't even get a bruise! The doc will numb the area real well, and if you want you usually get some medicine to calm you down. I'd say for the most part, it really isn't that bad. I think the needle to numb the area was worse than the test! In any case, it's gonna be alright. You will survive!
And you asked "does life ever get normal again?" I'm learning that that's all up to you. You're stuck with the hand dealt you right now and it's up to you how you handle it. There is every resaon to believe that you can go into remission too. Some do. You will soon get used to the everything/everyone is different!

I've had two and both were relatively easy, so I hope yours are also.

You'll hear different stories. This is mine:

I had it done at my doctor's office. My husband was in the room. They first gave me a shot to numb the skin, then gave a shot to numb the muscle. Those felt like regular vaccines. The doctor then did the extraction and for a split second, it felt like a jolt of electricity. By the time I said, "Ouch", it was over. It took about 20 minutes. They put a band-aid on it and I went home. Anti-climactic.

The thought of it was worse than the actual procedure. I went to work the next day and my rear was sore for about a week, but that was it. I've had worse experiences at the dentist.

Yes, life does get back to normal, or rather, you might have to adjust to a new normal.

Given the choice, I'd do the bone marrow biopsy rather than the dentist. I had a count of 2 when mine was done and it was fine. The doctor did have a job getting the needle into the bone but we laughed about it. The only bit that hurts is when they take the aspiration sample and that felt like sciatica for a second with a pain going down my leg. That was all.

I found the thought of it worse then the procedure, I was in hospital and the Dr told me the day before that I was to have the next day and boy did it build up in my mind. It was not as bad as I thought the only thing that did hurt was when the aspiration bit happened and that is so quick. It really is just a quick jolt and all over.

Life really does go to a different normal, you just keep the ITP parked in the back of your mind and carry on with life. I find now it worries my family more and that part I really hate, my father who is in his 70's worries about me most and I hate that.

The procedure went well for me. You may be a little sore once the numbing wears off but no pain during the test. The best advice I can give you is be your own advocate. Your doctor needs to know where you stand. Your health is your priority. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

thanks so much the more I hear from people that have been through it the better I feel. I will keep you posted

Thanks Milly, I know through my brief time on this site I feel better about it. Unless you have it, family friends try to understand but can't just as I wouldn't have before being diagnosed. I am on Dexatron again for the 4 day route, moods are a little crazy but all in all I dont find it that bad... sugar cravings which I must get a grip on. any other advise for me would be fantastic!!

Bev:

That's why this site is so great. It spares the families from trying to talk about it when they really can't know. This place was a God send to me in 1998 when I was diagnosed. I was able to pretty much cut my family out of the loop with worrying because I discussed it here. When they asked how I was, I'd just say 'fine'.