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Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy: What to Expect at Home

Your Recovery

The biopsy site may feel sore for several days. You may have a bruise on the site. It may help to take pain medicine and put ice packs on the site. You will probably be able to return to work and your usual activities the day after the procedure. Your doctor or nurse will call you with the results of your test.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

How can you care for yourself at home?

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Activity

 

  • Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.

 

  • Most people are able to return to their usual activities the day after the procedure.

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Medicines

 

  • Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. You will be given instructions about taking any new medicines.

 

  • If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.

 

  • Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

    • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Read and follow all instructions on the label.

    • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.

    • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.

    • Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.

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Ice

 

  • Put ice or a cold pack on the biopsy site for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

../images/Call-for-help_icn.jpgCall 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

 

  • You passed out (lost consciousness).

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

 

  • You have signs of infection, such as:

    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.

    • Red streaks leading from the biopsy site.

    • Pus draining from the biopsy site.

    • Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin.

    • A fever.

Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

 

  • You are not getting better as expected.

Current as of: October 25, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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