[Veritas523]

Wondering if experiencing symptoms of myeloma

by Veritas523 on Mon Mar 02, 2015 3:50 pm

Hello everyone. This seems like a place with a lot of very nice people, and I'm so sorry you're all suffering with this disease.

I'm not diagnosed, but I'm seeking input on whether I should request testing for this from a doctor. I've been sifting through posts the best I can prior to posting (while feeling rather ill) but decided I'm just going to ask ... I avoid doctors, btw, as much as possible. I am a 47 year old female.

For months now, I've lost count, I've had some bouts of all-over body aches. Within the past week and a half, I had two days back to back of this, with random joint and shooting pains as well.

The week prior to this, I seemed to have pulled a muscle in my back while sitting on the floor fixing something. That evening, I'd get sharp pains in my left side in my ribs when I'd move. A day or two later, it localized to one spot in my thoracic area. I didn't think much of this. The fol­low­ing week, I had the 2 days of muscle aches and joint pains. During this period, I also found at I had "wet" myself overnight while sleeping.

I had shooting pains above my right knee, in my right hip, pain in both hips at times, my hands and wrists, a sharp pain at the tip of my left pointer finger, my big toes, sharp pain in my inner thighs, legs, and some abdominal pain (to the left below the belly button), and probably more, but that's enough ...

I have had aches and pains for months aside from the days where my whole body aches, and attributed it to my chiro adjustments I'm receiving to correct my spine. Now I realize all of this is totally unrelated. My neck has been very creaky / crackly, however, also.

I also have constant sinus trouble with headaches off and on, but sinus drainage all the time causing me to need to clear my throat and cough (not new). 2 weeks ago I noticed when I'd blow my nose (which I do more than ever), I had some days where blood would show up. I figure it's winter and very dry around here. This has stopped for now, however.

In the fall of 2013 I had a slightly elevated calcium level which resolved. At that time, I was also diagnosed with a low functioning gallbladder, 22%, which is why I'm seeing the chiropractor, and it helped tremendously with some of my symptoms, and I still have my gallbladder (nerves affect everything).

Friday evening I discovered a burst blood vessel in my left eye. Today I woke feeling like I was hit by a truck – achey all over, but mainly around my mid back and ribs, and feel generally unwell. I also had the chills, or couldn't get warm for a few hours, but now I feel ok. I've also been feeling mild chills off and on for a few weeks as well.

When I had the 2 days of aches the week before, I thought maybe flu, but that wasn't the case. There's more to my story, but suffice it to say none of this is normal for me. I realize I'm posting prematurely but these symptoms are so strange for me and seem to be matching some of the multiple myeloma symptoms. I'm not freaking out, however, and I'm no hypochondriac.

I'm just wondering if this sounds similar to what any of you may have experienced prior to diagnosis and if I should mention it when seeing the doctor (soon ... I'd go today, but really don't feel up to it!)

Thanks so much.

[Eric Hofacket]

Re: Wondering if experiencing symptoms of myeloma

by Eric Hofacket on Mon Mar 02, 2015 4:37 pm

I had chronic sinusitis for over a year before my diagnosis of myeloma. I also had shingles a few years earlier. These are all signs of a weakened immune system from myeloma and it is not uncommon. I have also had elevated calcium levels, which is also related to myeloma.

I believe all of what you said is worth mentioning to your doctor on your next visit. I have learned it is best to tell the doctor everything and let them sort out what is related and important, or not, instead of trying to filter what to tell them myself. They are the professionals and went to medical school, not me, and I could be leaving out a key piece of information that would help them with a diagnosis that would seem inconsequential or just whining to me.

It sounds like you have something going on, and I hope you can find a fix for it. I think you may have to get over your aversion to doctors, though, to get to the root cause.

Best wishes and I hope you feel better soon,

Eric

[Veritas523]

Re: Wondering if experiencing symptoms of myeloma

by Veritas523 on Wed Mar 04, 2015 12:33 am

Hello Eric,

Thanks so much for the reply. I really appreciate it, and hope you're doing well these days.

I don't like to self-diagnose, but my symptoms are so strange and similar to those of multiple myeloma that I have to wonder. Tonight I noticed that guitarguy said he had Lyme disease years ago, which they feel led to MGUS. I also had Lyme 15 years ago or so, which thankfully was treated somewhat promptly, and Lyme has also came to mind as in what if it was dormant or something and reawakening, if that's even possible.

I had issues today, but nothing like yesterday. I feel very unwell. I'll be making a doc appoint­ment ASAP for some bloodwork, etc. Largely I feel like my body is breaking down ... as if I was suddenly 90 or something, with all of the pains. Today it was mainly in the lower back. I have spine issues since age 19, but this just seems very different.

Due to other life events over the past 2 years, I haven't been exercising, but I don't think it's normal to break down like this so rapidly at my age, especially as I have always been in good shape and fairly athletic. Now I'm realizing that some of these symptoms have been going on for some time now – I just brushed them off.

Anyway, I'm sure it's annoying to read a post from the undiagnosed, so I'll bow out now unless (God forbid) I find out I actually belong here.

Thanks again, Eric, for being so kind as to reply, and I wish you the best possible health under the circumstances.