Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Support Group

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (or "chronic lymphoid leukemia") CLL, is a cancer in which too many lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells) are produced. CLL is the most-diagnosed form of leukemia in adults. Men are twice as likely to develop CLL as women, however the key risk factor is age: over 75% of new cases are diagnosed in patients over age 50.

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Leukemias
/ Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Support Group

Bone Marrow Extraction

KathyCLL
KathyCLL
Newly diagnosed last week. Both my reg. doc and the hematologist have mentioned bone marrow test, which scares me beyond believe. She says it's routine and practically painless.
My sister, who's a nurse practitioner, explained to me why I will probably have to have this test at some time in the future.

I'd like to hear from anyone who has had to have it- WAS it painless? How long does it take? When did you have to have it, and if you start, are they ongoing? Dr. V says they just numb the area, but if I'm "concerned" (HA!) she could put me in twilight. So the last question is did you have it just numbed, or were you drugged?

Thank you.
Lingeo
Lingeo
HI KathyCLL
I don't know anyone who has had bone marrow extraction either. But am curious about it also. You are lucky to have a sister who is a nurse. Take care
Lingeo
Lingeo
Lingeo
" HI KathyCLL
I don't know anyone who has had bone marrow extraction either. But am curious about it also. You are lucky to have a sister who is a nurse. Take care
Lingeo "
igmaam
igmaam
I had it just numbed, hurt like hell. Felt like it was rubbing against part of the sciatic nerve and kept triggering those nerve jolts. Out of the worst pains I have ever experienced it rates #2. #1 is kidney stones. I hear some people aren't bothered, but I say take the twilight!
igmaam
igmaam
Oh and it doesn't take too long to drive a spike into your butt and pelvic bone, longer with the twilight but worth it. No probems after though. They showed me the little chunk they took out quite proudly. I may have said a bad word or two.
briannaj
briannaj
My mom had this done a few months ago and she said that it was painful but "not the end of the world". She described it as a dull painful pressure, nothing sharp, and totally handle-able. Make sure you ask the doctor how many they have performed. It's always a good sign when they say that they have done so many they don't know off the top of their head. Have someone with you to hold your hand. If my mom is any indication, you will be just fine.
briannaj
briannaj
PS. she wasn't in the twilight, just numbed.
ernie1947
ernie1947
I just had a bone marrow extraction last week. The doctor should use a local anesthetic, but there is some very brief moderate pain when the needle is inserted. I don't mention that to scare you; it was quite tolerable. I've been hurt worse wrestling with my dog!

I was diagnosed as the result of a routine blood test almost 3 years ago. I had a few issues (low platelets, some enlargement of the spleen) but no other symptoms until recently. In short, CLL can be dormant for quite a while, but once it becomes active, it needs to be treated. I'm assured that the treatments are very effective.

Good luck!
rosesis
rosesis
I was diagnosed 3 yrs ago. until May of this year it was not active, I had a bone marrow test and it was ok. Make sure you ask how many they have done this makes a difference. the PA that gave me mine has done hundreds of them and it was ok. Like the post below. have someone hold your hand and keep talking to you. not the worst pain. more pressure than anything. I did not do drugs just numbed it. hope this helps. let us know how you make out. God Bless.
cibby
cibby
Is it necessary to have a bone marrow extract to diagnose cll? Hematologist had one else scheduled but blood counts had come down. Back up the next month when I saw my primary care physician. She is the one who told me what they were looking for. I see the Hematologist again at the end of april. So even advise would be helpful. I am 62 in good health. Thought my night sweats were from menopause.