[Tawby]

Why is abdominal distention common with myeloma?

by Tawby on Mon May 19, 2014 12:27 am

Short version: My 91-year-old mother had atrial fibrillation caused by Zometa and it landed her in the hospital two weeks ago. She is still in the hospital, although now on the rehab wing, and has serious abdominal distention and pain in that area at a level 6.

She is not constipated (anymore). She is having a hard time breathing because it hurts so much. Chest and abdominal x-rays are clear.

I have read that the distention is common in multiple myeloma patients but I can't figure out why. I need her GP to speak with the oncologist about this because he doesn't realize this is normal in the disease.

Can anyone explain to me WHY the distention is normal?

Thank you so much.

[Sol]

Re: Why is abdominal distention common with myeloma?

by Sol on Mon May 19, 2014 1:48 pm

I have read that distention is a side effect....

My stomach is distended too...

Also have loss of appetite, and losing weight ...

[Bev R]

Re: Why is abdominal distention common with myeloma?

by Bev R on Mon May 19, 2014 7:52 pm

Before diagnosed with multiple myeloma, I was losing weight but my belly was becoming more and more distended. I had many vertebral fractures that created severe pain and a spinal curvature. Once diagnosed, my oncologist said that the curvature created the distended belly.

Now, 2 1/2 years after chemo, a SCT, and luckily, complete remission, I still have the belly. I attribute it to the curvature. I am doing exercises to strengthen my back muscles and core, but think the belly will remain.

Small price ...

[ClassicKate]

Re: Why is abdominal distention common with myeloma?

by ClassicKate on Tue May 20, 2014 12:25 pm

I have had abdominal distention since diagnosis (almost 4 years). I do not have spinal curvature. My distention is present even when I am not constipated. I also have a sense of my abdominal muscles hardening (even though my "belly" is distended and I do not work out, one doctor commented that I must be working out with my "hard abs").