Platelet Disorder Support Association

Join Us:

Membership Matters

Support Us:

Make a Donation
    Remember Me     Forgot Login?   Sign up   •  Web site Help & Info

!!! DISCUSSION GROUP RULES !!!

1. You must be a registered website user in order to post and comment. Guests may read only.
2. Be kind and helpful, not rude and cynical.
3. Don't advertise or promote anything. You will be banned from the group.
4. Report problems to the moderators. THANK YOU!

bone marrow biopsy?

More
13 years 9 months ago #26273 by wishfuldreamer04
bone marrow biopsy? was created by wishfuldreamer04
I got a new hematologist and he's the complete opposite of my last one, he really wants me to get a bone marrow biopsy done, but is it really necessary? I work in a stock room and I'm not sure how that will affect me or for how long. My platelets are constantly all over the place and I'm not on any medicine

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Sandi
  • Offline
  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
More
13 years 9 months ago #26275 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?
I'd ask him his reason behind it. For ITP, no, it's not necessary.

As for how it affects a person...your rear is sore for a few days and bending over is a bit hard, but it's not all that bad.
The following user(s) said Thank You: wishfuldreamer04

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 9 months ago #26276 by wishfuldreamer04
Replied by wishfuldreamer04 on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?
Well from what he told me it was to make sure it wasn't leukemia or any other kind of cancer (since myeloma runs in my mothers side of the family)...but do you know for how many days the soreness will last? :dry: would it be necessary to take many days off of work?

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Sandi
  • Offline
  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
More
13 years 9 months ago #26277 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?
I went to work the following day, but I don't do physical labor. I think it lasted about 5 to 7 days.
The following user(s) said Thank You: wishfuldreamer04

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 9 months ago #26279 by wishfuldreamer04
Replied by wishfuldreamer04 on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?
:sick: oh...my job entails alot of physical labor :S well we'll see how everything goes!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 9 months ago #26284 by Dean
Replied by Dean on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?
Mine was sore for a few days. You will have to just see how it goes.
The following user(s) said Thank You: wishfuldreamer04

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 9 months ago #26285 by Ann
Replied by Ann on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?
I've had two BMBs, neither specifically for ITP as it wasn't deemed necessary for ITP. I barely noticed it afterwards, took no time off work and just carried on as usual. You'll be fine.
The following user(s) said Thank You: wishfuldreamer04

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 9 months ago #26294 by wishfuldreamer04
Replied by wishfuldreamer04 on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?
Thanks everyone :side: I feel a lot better about it now.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • karenr
  • Offline
  • Diagnosed in 2000, at 59, after being on moderately high doses of NSAIDs for arthritis. Splenectomy and rituxan both failed (2004). Did well on prednisone till summer 2018--then terrible reactions. Promacta since 11-19.
More
13 years 9 months ago #26303 by karenr
Replied by karenr on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?
I remember a friend telling me it was like getting a good kick in the pants. After I had mine, I agreed! I don't think I really noticed it the next day.
The following user(s) said Thank You: wishfuldreamer04

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 9 months ago #26312 by Scotto
Replied by Scotto on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?
Iv'e had it done 3 times now, the worries from the Dr. were the treatments were deteriorating my bone marrow. He suggests i have done evry 6 months-year depending on how the count is doing. As far as the procedure i have had them both, knocked out and awake (only reason reason knocked out insurance covered it)the pain is tolerable and i left right from the hospital and went to work each time. My thoughts, better to know than not to know!

I wish you well,
Scot
The following user(s) said Thank You: wishfuldreamer04

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 9 months ago #26337 by wishfuldreamer04
Replied by wishfuldreamer04 on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?
thanks everyone, i'm a little squeamish for pain but if my doctor thinks it useful i guess i have no choice but to go through with it, and it is such a relief to know that the pain isn't as horrible as i imagined if you can go to work the next day (:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Sandi
  • Offline
  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
More
13 years 9 months ago #26342 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?
Usually, you get a numbing shot in your rear, then another numbing shot in the muscle. After that, you don't feel anything until the actual extraction. To me, it was like getting zapped with lightening, but it was over in a second. I think the whole thing took about 20 minutes. It sounds worse than it is.
The following user(s) said Thank You: wishfuldreamer04

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 9 months ago - 13 years 9 months ago #26524 by wishfuldreamer04
Replied by wishfuldreamer04 on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?
what are the risks to getting it done? is it anything really really serious??? my family is scared and are most likely going to cancel the biopsy because they're terrified of some horrible side effect happening or even death from an infection...

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Sandi
  • Offline
  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
More
13 years 9 months ago #26526 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?
Nah - it's an invasive procedure but if it were that risky, they wouldn't just do it in a doctors office. It wasn't that much of a big deal.
The following user(s) said Thank You: wishfuldreamer04

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 9 months ago #26542 by Dean
Replied by Dean on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?

wishfuldreamer04 wrote: what are the risks to getting it done? is it anything really really serious??? my family is scared and are most likely going to cancel the biopsy because they're terrified of some horrible side effect happening or even death from an infection...


Do not be terrified of getting an infection. Everything involved with this proceedure should be sterilized!! You have a greater chance of getting an infection from alot of other things. The area will be nummed prior to the extraction. I am not going to lie, it felt a bit uncomfortable when I had it done, but overall it was fine. I was glad to have had it done to rule out other possibilities. You will be fine. It does sound worse than it actually is.
The following user(s) said Thank You: wishfuldreamer04

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 9 months ago #26597 by wishfuldreamer04
Replied by wishfuldreamer04 on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?
thank you all again, but for now, im going to reschedule it. my parents would rather have me see a specialist first and see other options before i resort to having my biopsy done...and has anyone here had petechiae??? i have never had it but i did find a few scattered tiny red dots around my knee, i don't personally think its petechiae because it doesn't look like the pictures on google. just wanted to know a little more about it just in case for the future :) i just like being informed.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 9 months ago #26606 by Ann
Replied by Ann on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?
I should think most get petechiae when counts are low. It looks like pin head sized red dots. Not always like the pictures on the internet. They tend to find the worse possible cases to show. I get it on my legs below the knees and when it's on my feet I know I'm under a count of 5. When they talk of bleeding symptoms, petechiae and bruises don't count so don't worry about them.

I think you are right to see a specialist before doing anything else. Bone marrow biopsies aren't necessary for a straightforward ITP.
The following user(s) said Thank You: wishfuldreamer04

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 9 months ago #26607 by Dean
Replied by Dean on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?
It is best to explore options to be well informed, before makeing a decession. I have yet to experience petechiae, so not much help with that.
The following user(s) said Thank You: wishfuldreamer04

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 9 months ago #26652 by wishfuldreamer04
Replied by wishfuldreamer04 on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?
I just don't know what to do anymore, I'm just frustrated by this point, my parents are on opposite sides of this bone marrow biopsy thing and I don't know what I should do anymore...I guess I'll see! I'm sure I didn't have petechiae because there's now way that my platelets could have been that low and I didn't feel anything. When mine start to go really low like 20's or under my gums start to bleed :(

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 9 months ago #26653 by Ann
Replied by Ann on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?
Petechiae are not an important sign so don't worry about that. Bleeding gums usually means the count is low enough to treat. The biopsy is neither here nor there. What are you going to do about treating to get a higher count?

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 9 months ago #26655 by wishfuldreamer04
Replied by wishfuldreamer04 on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?
I don't know yet, probably nothing unless it becomes really serious...we still have hope that it will burn itself out, but if not probably try something natural or a diet change

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 9 months ago - 13 years 9 months ago #26657 by Dean
Replied by Dean on topic Re: bone marrow biopsy?
Why are your parents on oppisite sides with the biopsy? It is your decession to make and they need to respect that. Having it done is really not that big of a deal. It does not help you any with your parents arguing about it. I guess wait and see what your symptoms are before you do anything.
The following user(s) said Thank You: wishfuldreamer04

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 8 months ago #26870 by wishfuldreamer04
Replied by wishfuldreamer04 on topic bone marrow biopsy?
Thanks Dean for your advice :) and it's complicated let's just say that...Burt I actually went ahead on my own and did the bone marrow biopsy yesterday! And you were all right! It wasn't as bad as it sounded.after about two or three dry taps I got my aspiration and biopsy done :) and lucky for me my platelets were at 100 that day so everything went just fine.now i'm recovering at home, in very sore and i'm not sure if I'll be able to go to work right away as I can hardly bend, but I look forward to recovering and getting my results :) here's hoping for the best! And thank you all so much for answering my questions you guys really helped a lot!!!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 8 months ago #26899 by Dean
Replied by Dean on topic bone marrow biopsy?
Great!!! Keep us posted.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 8 months ago #26938 by wishfuldreamer04
Replied by wishfuldreamer04 on topic bone marrow biopsy?
Thanks I will :)

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 8 months ago #27187 by debrasla
Replied by debrasla on topic bone marrow biopsy?
When my son(22) was diagnosed 9 months ago with ITP, that was one of the first things they did was a bone biopsy to rule out leukemia, fyi
The following user(s) said Thank You: wishfuldreamer04

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 8 months ago #27190 by Dean
Replied by Dean on topic bone marrow biopsy?
I think it depends on the Dr. Some rely on this to rule out other possibilities.
The following user(s) said Thank You: wishfuldreamer04

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 8 months ago #27234 by smitgirl
Replied by smitgirl on topic bone marrow biopsy?
I have been seeing a hemotologist for almost a year now. My counts have consistently been between 55K and 35K. For a good while he talked about Bone Marrow Biopsy. I had not had it done but I had made up my mind that when he brought it again that I would go ahead and have it done. Last visit Counts were at 43K WBC had gone up slighty and neutrils had gone back to normal range. He had confered with a colleague and they had decided that since my levels had been holding at the same range that the test would not be have to be done right now. Also, the longer I went without any setbacks and levels holding that it would not be necessary as the test would not confirm ITP. I was relieved but ready.
The following user(s) said Thank You: wishfuldreamer04

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Sandi
  • Offline
  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
More
13 years 8 months ago #27237 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic bone marrow biopsy?
Guidelines state that it's not necessary to diagnose ITP and is only useful under certain circumstances (patient over 60, prior to splenectomy, blood work shows other abnormal results). It does not determine adequate platelet production nor prove excess platelet destruction.
The following user(s) said Thank You: wishfuldreamer04

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 years 8 months ago #27257 by wishfuldreamer04
Replied by wishfuldreamer04 on topic bone marrow biopsy?
Hey guys! Just to give an update my bone marrow biospy went well and my results were perfectly normal :) no signs of cancer and platelets forming well! My doctor says that recently my platelets have been hanging around 60-100,000 lately and therefore they will monitor my blood counts every 2 months now and I will see my hematologist in 6 months from now. He thinks what started my ITP was something viral and has hope that my body is slowly fixing itself :). Now I guess its time to wait and let time run its course, and have a lupus test done again in December. Thanks for all the input everyone I really appreciate it :cheer:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

You’re not alone. We have answers!
Contact PDSA to connect with life altering information, resources and referrals. 440.746.9003 (877.528.3538 toll-free) or pdsa@pdsa.org.

Platelet Disorder Support Association

Platelet Disorder Support Association
8751 Brecksville Road Suite 150
Cleveland, OH 44141
440.746.9003  |  pdsa@pdsa.org
The Platelet Disorder Support Association is a 501(c)3 organization and donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

© Copyright 1997 - 2026, Platelet Disorder Support Association. All rights reserved.

IMPORTANT!

The Platelet Disorder Support Association does not provide medical advice or endorse any medication, vitamins or herbs. The information contained herein is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice and is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, discontinuing an existing treatment and to discuss any questions you may have regarding your unique medical condition.