Yesterday I checked into the Metroplex Adventist Hospital for my bone marrow biopsy. I though I would share my experience for those of you that may have one coming up, need to inform a friend of family member, or are just curious as to how it went. Everyone is different when it comes to pain and healing, so please keep that in mind. To begin, a bone marrow biopsy is done to evaluate blood cell abnormalities and other diseases in the patient. I had mine, in particular, to test for mast cell disorders as I have struggled with unexplained allergic reactions with no triggers.

0800 – Caleb and I arrived at the inpatient surgery center and got checked in. I changed into a hospital gown and socks and prepared for the hours to come.

0830 – The nurse came in and attached me to the the monitors. I had an EKG done to evaluate my heart (due to past heart trouble – atrial fibrillation & tachycardia) and the dreaded IV was put in after one painful failure.

1030 – My mom arrived to the hospital to wish me well. I was supposed to have already been taken back, but the doctor had been working on the same patient since 0730, so apparently some complications arose. Waiting is the worst part; the nerves grow, my heart raced, and I kept playing over and over about what was ahead.

1100 – I finally was taken back. I was explained everything that would happen. I would be sedated, but might feel some pressure and the pain of the numbing sting. I went in to the Cath Lab and the completely took off my gown (that was a surprise to me), but covered me with drapes. I had an oxygen tube in my nose and was hooked up to all the necessary machines. The anesthesiologist told me he would administer the medication. I didn’t feel it immediately and began to worry it wouldn’t make me go to sleep. I told the ladies that were prepping everything that I haven’t felt the medication, they assured me the doctor wouldn’t start the procedure until I was sedated. I was “blind” since my glasses were confiscated, but I could see the outline of the needle for the lidocaine. I was trying my best to stay calm. Then I went to sleep. After that I didn’t remember a thing. Whether I was sleeping or not, I don’t remember feeling a thing until after I was awake in the recovery room.

1215 – I awoke back in my recovery room alongside Caleb and my mom; the first thing I did when I got back to the room was pucker my lips for a kiss from my man. I was a little loopy coming off the sedation leading me to make silly little videos on snapchat and saying I wanted In-N-Out over and over again. I began to feel the pain in my hip. The nurses said I had to stay for 2 more hours and I had to eat before leaving.

1300 – I was give morphine for the pain. I told the nurse it was hurting and they made me lay on my back to compress it, instead of my side (which hurt even more).

1330 – I was given a veggie burger (I told them I didn’t eat meat and they happily got this burger!) and baked crisps for lunch. I really wanted In-N-Out, so I nibbled at it and split my meal with Caleb.

1400 – I was wheeled out to Caleb’s car and discharged!

After being discharged, I went to my much needed In-N-Out; I really wanted to just get it to go, but my mom was going to head out after that, so we just ate at the restaurant. On the way home we stopped by the primary exchange to pick up my headache medication as I left the hospital with throbbing in my temples. The day of the procedure it was very painful to walk and I needed assistance from Caleb to get from place to place. This morning I awoke with a little bit of pain and had sharp stings here and there, but overall the healing seems to be going well. I can’t lift anything for 48 hours after the procedure. I can finally shower tonight and take off the bandage. Some leakage is evident, but that’s normal unless it has a green hue or looks like pus. My results should be in next week, so now I have to make an appointment with my provider to go over them. I am eager to see what the bone marrow reveals. I’ll keep you updated!

Until then,

xo,

Cass