Has anyone had a bone marrow biopsy. I'm having one on Wednesday as an ongoing investigation to my anemia. Rheumy thinks its an absorpion problem, Gastro thinks it RA related, Hematologist isn't sure but thinks its RA related but I'm just not making enough red blood cells. I'm ready to throw my hands in the air and go hibernate for the rest of my life I'm soooo tired. And to top it off, I learned today that Christmas is at MY place.
Fun & Games
I haven't had one, but I just wanted to wish you good luck!*shudders* I wish you luck!!!Hi
I've had 2 of them. Both of mine were done in my sternum, however. I think my hemotologist decided to take them there because of all the problems I've had with my spine, and at that time my lumbar spine was really bad.
He retired recently and my new hemotologist told me that they don't take them there anymore, but my last one was in March. (My old Hemo. was really old-school)
In any case, they will give you some shots to numb the area around it, and when they do the actual biopsy you pretty much feel a strong push/pull feeling with not too much pain. I really don't know about the pain after. In the sternum, it felt like a deep bruise for a day or two but not bad at all.
They're really not as bad as I had always been led to believe.
By the way, they just put me on iron last week and said it should help my fatique. I've become quite anemic over the past few months and it is due to an iron deficiency. It takes a few months to help, though.
Good luck. We'll be thinking of you.
Nini
Did they take you off of the MTX? That's what the Rheumy is saying is causing my anemia and that it could be deadly if he didn't. He's putting me on Folinic Acid and referring me to a Hematologist.
I can't help but worry about this. What has your experience been and the outcome.
Hi Deana - I can't take MTX or Arava either any more ever - they are sure that is what caused by problems of low red blood cells and low platelets- and now because of this and my elevated liver enzymes I can't do the biologics either (that and the fact remicade quit working, enbrek and humira didn't work, and Orencia gave me a few new probs.When do you go see the Hematologist?? Let us know what he says. Hugs and good vibes.
I don't know when I go. The Rheumy was going to write a letter to my Primary and then my Primary has to do the referral to the Hematologist.
For as serious as he made it sound and from what little I can glean from the Internet, it seems they should do something faster.
I probably wouldn't be so worried but I am so weak. I have plenty of reason to be exhausted, but I really feel weak. Maybe it is the folinic acid already starting to work against the MTX that's in my body. I've been on folic acid since the beginning. This is different though.
Deanna maybe you should call Monday and give them a wee push, my rheumy was concerned enough he called and made the appointment for me - got me in the next day. I am thinking this is not something you want to let go very long. Be sure and tell them you are getting more tired, too. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts. Hugs and good vibes.Yes, I think you are right. I have to call about getting more use out of the wheelchair anyway. I know that some people have been dangerously anemic that they have had to be hospitalized. I also want to check on the status of the new referral to the PT.