I don't WANNA have a bone marrow biopsy!

[sraun]

As you may recall from a previous post (see http://www.livejournal.com/~sraun/44283.html), I've been having some blood chemistry problems.

Had one set of tests with my regular doctor - they pretty much came back normal.

Had another set of tests - they came back normal too. This set included the tests for B12 and something else that is involved in proper metabolization of iron.

Did the stool sample thing - that test came back this morning. No blood. (Why do they call it an occult hemoglobin test? What's so magical about it?)

Got a phone call from my doctor about mid-morning - he referred me to a hematologist, because he couldn't think of anything else to look for.

A week from tomorrow (Tuesday, 17 February), I see the hematologist for the first time. I hope he comes up with something quick, because if he doesn't, my primary doctor told me that he'll end up taking a bone marrow sample. That's a procedure I'd just as soon avoid!

Comments

[azurelunatic]

Occult is also "hidden".

Re:

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

He knows that. He was making a nervous joke.

Good luck, Scott. We'll be thinking of you.

K. & B

Re:

[womzilla.livejournal.com]

tnh collects odd antonyms. One of her many pairs is "frank" and "occult", which are antonyms only in this context.

[gomeza.livejournal.com]

Here's hoping that, in the end, it turns out you just weren't eating enough vegetables or getting enough exercise or something of that nature. Best of luck to you.

[davidwilford.livejournal.com]

On the bad side: It will hurt.

On the good side: You will discover how pain-killing drugs alter consciousness in interesting ways.

Re:

[khavrinen.livejournal.com]

"Occult" is also used in astronomy, for what happens during an eclipse. You knew there was a "moon" in there somewhere, right? (I know, reallly reaching for the joke, there...)

[17catherines.livejournal.com]

Sending well-wishes in your direction...

biopsy

[p-o-u-n-c-e-r.livejournal.com]

I had a sample pulled from the pelvic bone. Not nearly as painful
as I had been led to believe it would be.

On the other hand, I was the patient who had, patiently, put up with the discomfort of a broken neck for over a year. So my pain receptors may be skewed from yours.

Good luck, and here's hoping for GOOD news.