They tell me that I have Myelodysplasia

MsMcDucket

I had a bone marrow biopsy in May that showed some "dysplastic" changes. The pathologist recommended that another bone marrow biopsy be done because the doctor didn't send her enough blood to run all of the tests that she needed to run. I found out about this in June when filing the insurance claim. So, I requested that the other bone marrow biopsy with blood work be performed. This was done last Friday. The doctor's office says the report is "pretty much the same" that I have some "mild dysplastic changes". The nurse said that the doctor will be going over the report with me next month. I'm like why next month? Anyway, I figured no news is good news, and that I can wait.

I'm tired as all get out! You all know this because I'm always harping about it. My job says that my FMLA will be up on 9/11 (what a day to pick), and that if I don't return to work that I will be considered as "abandoning my job". For goodness sake! What's a girl to do?

Any suggestions?

rebel8

Hope it all works out

luna2

So you have this myelodysplasia. I assume this is what is contributing to your fatigue, right? Is there anything you can take to help you feel better? Why is the doc waiting a month to see you and discuss your condition?

Wish I had some advice for you.

Dansk

Sorry MsMcDuckett,

I've never heard of the disease before. Surely your employer could be more reasonable. After all, no one intentionally gets sick and we all have to make a living.

Thinking of you!

Ian

juni

I believe Ms McD that they only have to hold your job while you qualify for FMLA. Could you make arrangements w/them for part time work? Seems like maybe the docs aren't getting to the root of your problem. Or there are conditions common with your age that with the other medical problem make you feel so tired.

Hugs,

Juni

Scully

OMG, I wouldn't wish a bone marrow biopsy on my worst enemy. The only time I fainted during my training was while observing a bone marrow biopsy on an elderly woman's sternum. The sound of bone being manually crushed through, and seeing little bits of bone being drawn up in the syringe with the marrow, while the patient was fully awake and screaming in pain despite the local anaesthetic made me turn green, then white and then *plonk* on the floor. How embarrassing.

It kind of sounds like you're getting a royal run-around with all the different diagnoses you've gotten over the past few months. It's good that they want to be sure of the diagnosis, but man to get another biopsy... let's just say I hope they'd let you sleep through it, because awake is NOT the way to go with a bone marrow extraction, imo. The "not knowing for sure" would drive me around the bend.

Try to find out whether your occupational health office will allow you to return to work on a "modified" basis. We've got some people who can only do 4 hours at a time, or require a lighter assignment, or can only work day shift, while they are recuperating from an illness or surgery. This shows that you're putting in a "good faith" effort to return to work as they require. Also find out from Occ Health how many hours you need to work until your FMLA can be utilized again. With full-time staff where I am, they are required to work for three weeks worth of shifts before they can go back on sick leave again.

Hugs, Scully

Dansk

Scully,

Can't the bone marrow be taken from the hip? Mine was! I've had it done 2-3 times now and, while a toe curler, it is tolerable.

Ian

fullofdoubtnow

Sorry to hear that MrsMcD,

I hope everything goes well

Linda

Scully

Ian

Can't the bone marrow be taken from the hip?

Yes, it can. Both the iliac crest and the sternum are the best sources for bone marrow extraction. Even though I've only observed the sternum bone marrow extraction, I wouldn't wish either procedure on anyone. Listening to bones crunch is not for me. From what I was told by the physician performing the biopsy that I observed, the sternum is normally used for smaller quantities, while the iliac crest is more often used for harvesting and transplanting due to the large amount that can be obtained from the hip bones.

lesterd

http://www.stjude.org/disease-summaries/0,2557,449_2165_2991,00.html?source=overture&kw=myelodysplasia

The Jws would never let you do this, long term servival is 60%. That real good, whats your job? Been exposed to benzen products? If your job uses or has used these products they dont want you to seek long term treatment...or a lawsuite.

They tell me that I have Myelodysplasia

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