My son has downs syndrome.  He is 45 years old. He also has a servere heart murmur and medication controlled (fairly well) panic attacks. This medication has been taken about 20 years. In the beginning, he also had one grad mal seizure. However, what I am concerned very much about now is this: 4 months ago his white blood count was 3.30, and the blood test just taken was 3.5. His internist wanted to send him to a hematologist for a bone marrow biopsy. I asked if it hurt a lot, and he said "yes".  I said I am not willing to put him through that. Now I understand that there is local and general anesthesia available.  My son would not cooperate with such a test if he were awake. His IQ is about that of one who is 3 or 4. I am sick with grief over this.
Hi, Yes, it's a painful procedure, but it's possible that he may not feel pain. If local anesthesia and mild sedation is given. And post procedure adequate painkillers. I guess he must have been undergone other non-invasive tests like it b12, peripheral smear. If yes then he should undergo it because downs patient are at a risk of multiple hematological problems. So subject him to test by requesting a doctor for adequate anesthesia. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. 