[Katef68]

Do my symptoms mean I have multiple myeloma?

by Katef68 on Sun Nov 27, 2016 12:21 pm

Hi everyone!

I had gotten very sick with flu-like symptoms back in July. Fevers, sweats, and all-over body aches, but no vomiting or bowel issues. Was treated with antibiotics. I was so so weak my sister wanted to take me to the emergency room (ER), but I had no strength to go.

Several weeks later I was still sick and so they treated me with more antibiotics. The severe body aches continued. I use the term "broke bones" when I try to describe how my aches are. Feels like my feet, ankles, knees, and back of hands have all broken bones. Pain meds don't touch it. I get up 2 hours early because I move so slow and body hurts so bad, and then I finally have enough strength to shower for work. I'm exhausted and want to sleep as soon as I get home and I am in bed by 9.

My PCP did several labs over past 5 months and certain tests like lymphocytes and EOS were abnormal, even after antibiotics. So he sent me to hematology-oncology doctor. I met with him Wednesday. He ordered more labs, then we will meet to discuss and do further testing - bone marrow. He stated he felt it was chronic lymphocytic leukemia or multiple myeloma given my years of labs he reviewed, my symptoms, etc.

I seen some of the newer testing and see the kappa light chains are high (250) along with a lot of others as well. Naturally I started reading a lot of info. I want to be prepared for the next visit on Thursday.

My question is whether my symptoms of bone aches suggest multiple myeloma? My left thigh even hurts so bad I've had to take off jeans and put more comfy clothes on.

I know my doctor and the additional testing to be done will give all the answers, and I know there are increased numbers of diagnosed multiple myeloma (type of work I do). I just am so scared of how terrible I feel. My bones hurt so bad I am considering using a walker.

Thank you.

[Little Monkey]

Re: Do my symptoms mean I have multiple myeloma?

by Little Monkey on Sun Nov 27, 2016 8:04 pm

Bone aches are common with a number of illnesses, including myeloma; however, myeloma is not the only illness that causes bone aches.

I would suggest using a walker if you feel like it will keep you safer until they find out and treat what is wrong. If it is multiple myeloma, you don't want to be a victim of a fall, as the bones of myeloma survivors, generally speaking, break easier than the general public.

[lys2012]

Re: Do my symptoms mean I have multiple myeloma?

by lys2012 on Wed Nov 30, 2016 10:18 am

We are all patients, not doctors, so I can't comment on a diagnosis.

I do know myeloma bone pain tends to stick around the torso (spine, ribs, hips, skull, shoulders, etc). Your description is not the typical myeloma bone pains my doctor asks me about, but this disease is very individual. Keep working with your doctor. I'm glad you were referred to a specialist who can figure it out and help you feel better with the right treatment.

[Colin]

Re: Do my symptoms mean I have multiple myeloma?

by Colin on Wed Dec 21, 2016 1:41 pm

The fastest route to confirming a diagnosis, at least in my patient experience, is to check yourself into emergency and describe your symptoms. They will likely order up x-rays to look at your bones and check both your blood and urine right away. A 24 hour urine collection test will probably follow.

At least in Canada, I have found that route much faster than talking with a general practitioner.

Colin