[jwilson]

Do I really have myeloma?

by jwilson on Tue Apr 12, 2016 5:06 pm

Hello,

My latest test results show the following:

Kappa/Lambda FLC Ratio - 1.90 (High) - Reference Range: 0.26 - 1.65
Lambda FLC - 1.25 mg/dL - Reference Range: 0.57 mg/dL - 2.63 mg/dL
Kappa FLC - 2.37 mg/dL (High) - Reference Range: 0.33 mg/dL - 1.94 mg/dL

After reviewing what these numbers meant, I wondered if it was in fact myeloma or a false positive.

I became gradually ill over the last couple of years. I started with large unexplained bruising on my legs, which eventually progressed to my arms. The bruises come with the output of energy. I am always fatigued and gained a significant amount of weight.

Later came the tachycardia and the vasovagal syncope. I have GERD and IBS, as well. Sometimes, eating in the mornings is difficult. I am normally nauseated at least once a day. And my eyesight has changed.

Every few months, it seems a new vitamin deficiency is occurring. First, it was vitamin C, then B6 and B12, and next magnesium. If I try to walk 0.5 a mile (in an attempt to lose weight), I develop bruises and my body starts hurting from my neck through the bottom of my legs. It has gotten so bad that my body locked up almost completely requiring me to go to the hospital for pain management and treatment. Regularly, I have achy joints and experience numbness in my extremities.

Could it be or is a possible false positive?

[Multibilly]

Re: Do I really have myeloma?

by Multibilly on Tue Apr 12, 2016 8:21 pm

Hi Jwilson,

Welcome to the forum.

You ask "do I REALLY have myeloma?". Has a doctor diagnosed you as having multiple myeloma?

One really can't tell if one has multiple myeloma from a serum free light chain test alone since many things can cause one's free light chains to be out of kilter, including various autoimmune diseases. You would need to also run some other key tests such as a serum protein electrophoresis test, serum immunofixation test, 24 hour urine electrophoresis test, quantified immunoglobulin test, and also look at your CBC and metabolic panel results to see if something like multiple myeloma was in play. Have you had those tests done and do you have those results?

I'm not a doc, but many of your symptoms (bruising, fatigue, IBD, GERD, achey joints), coupled with your free light chain results are suggestive of amyloidosis, which is often associated with various monoclonal gammopathies such as multiple myeloma, MGUS, etc. There is a very specific set of tests that one would run if amyloidosis were suspected.

But also keep in mind that various autoimmune diseases and other things might be to blame for your symptoms. Only a good doctor can sort this out with the proper consult and tests.