Bone Marrow Harvesting
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Bone marrow harvesting is a procedure to remove bone marrow from your bones. Bone marrow may be transplanted into your own body or donated to another person. Bone marrow is usually taken from the pelvis.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Seek care immediately if:
- Blood soaks through your bandage.
- You feel dizzy or lightheaded, or you have trouble concentrating.
- You have blurred vision.
Contact your healthcare provider or hematologist if:
- You have nausea or are vomiting.
- You have a fever, chills, or feel weak and achy.
- The procedure sites are red, swollen, or draining pus.
- You have pain that does not go away, even with pain medicine.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
- Rest as directed. You may not be able to go to work for 2 to 3 days after your procedure. Ask when you can return to work and your other daily activities.
- Care for the procedure sites as directed. Keep the areas clean and dry, and check for any signs of infection. These signs include redness, swelling, or pus.
- Take iron supplements as directed. Iron helps your body make red blood cells. You may need to take these supplements until the number of your red blood cells returns to normal.
Follow up with your healthcare provider or hematologist as directed:
You may need to return to have blood tests. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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