what are you questions about a bone marrow biopsy... I can help you.

 

 

I found out last wednesday when i was in surgery room that my blood platelets were too low so they couldnt do my PM surgery. They called in a hematologist. He took bunch blood to test and liver/spleen scan. Two days later my platelets had dropped in half. He put me prednisone and i am doing a bone marrow biopsy tomorrow to rule out cancer and make sure the marrow is producing platelets. lo He said it is either ITP or something wrong with the marrow like leukemia. My platelets are low and getting lower. He put me on prednisone so if it is ITP- an autoimmune disease then my platelets should go up. however if my marrow is not producing then my platelets will not go up. If i then go to hematologist in the morning and my platelets are up then wouldnt that rule out my bone marrow not producing platelets? is there any other reason to do the marrow biopsy? I just dont want to do it unless it is absolutely necessary ya know cause it is going to be painful. thanks .

 

Paul,
I understand you want to do everything you can to avoid the bone marrow tests and I understand why. I have had one and it is not pleasant. They give you numbing medication and in some cases they may give you some sedation. They then proceed to stick a large and long needle into your hipbone and take out the marrow. You will be sore. They need to do this to get to bottom of what is causing your low platelet count. We have discussed this. I think you should go in tomorrow hoping for a hgher platelet count and it's only ITP. You should also be prepared that if it hasn't gone up then they do need to do the bone marrow test to figure out what it is. Your bone marrow is going to be the clue for them either ITP or not. When you go in and they do have to do the bone marrow test ask them about sedation and the procedure in general and what to expect. Doctors have to tell you what is going on and you have aright to ask as many questions as you want if it will help you through this. some doctors will even talk to you during the procedure if it helps. Wishing you luck tomorrow. I know you are scared, but I'm here if you need me.
Taryn

 

Thank you so much i really appreciate it :) i love this site! it helps so much.

 

There a lot of things that change you platelet count. And it can fluctuate daily. You need to just plan on doing the biopsy as it will give you answers... or if nothing out rule things out. you have to make the distinction between autoimmune versus cancer. Obviously there is a big difference in treatment and outcome. Yes it is a painful procedure but you can be sedated for it. Unfortunately you gotta bite the bullet on this one and just do it. Sorry.. but good luck. I am sure you will feel better afterwards with at least some peace of mind.

 

Good point, It will give me peace of mind knowing its not cancer and help them to be able to treat me correctly. Maybe they can give me something that would be nice lol...dr did prescribe me ativan for anxiety and said i may want to take two before i come in. I guess he understands. It has just been so much on me over the past six months it has been truly crazy. It is a lot to deal with. Thank you so much for the words of encouragement.

 

So
Paul, everyone including me are saying the same. You need to bite the bullet and just do this. There is a very big difference between autoimmune disease and cancer and of course the way it is treated, the only true way they are going to figure out which one this is is to take the bone marrow and look at it closely and give you a true answer of what you are dealing with. We are all here for you and hope that it is just autoimmune and not cancer, but I'll be here to support you whatever it is.
Taryn