[hopeful27]

Fractures of the spine

by hopeful27 on Wed Apr 08, 2015 11:26 am

My mom has two fractures in her spine, and the pain is escalating. I think she should see a specialist, but her doctor didn't mention it. Any suggestions from someone who has gone through this?

Thanks.

[Nancy Shamanna]

Re: Fractures of the spine

by Nancy Shamanna on Wed Apr 08, 2015 11:41 am

Hi Hopeful, I did go thru a lot of pain at the time of my dx, and in retrospect, I probably could have seen a specialist about the possibility of getting kyphoplasty! My family doctor suggested that, but I was just too overwhelmed with the situation to pick up on that idea.

Also, I found out later that there is a 'Pain Clinic' that attends to severe pain for all types of patients. I somehow managed on pain killer medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen, paracetamol) extra strength and also Tylenol 3 with codeine. After the treatments, I took started to work, I felt less of pain, and eventually recovered from that.

Hope that helps, although it is not very specific. I think it is a good idea to involve other specialists in your care, if you need that!

[nancy524]

Re: Fractures of the spine

by nancy524 on Wed Apr 08, 2015 5:17 pm

Hopeful,

I too have many fractures in my spine. I have seen a pain specialist at Cleveland Clinic, they did a kyphoplasty on my T8 and T11; this was December 2013. I was pain free after surgery and it has not bothered me since.

Please make sure it is some one who knows multiple myeloma and knows what they are doing.

I do recommend having it done. It is worth checking it out.

They said they cannot do a kyphoplasty if the fracture is over 3 months old.

Good Luck, Nancy

[kullybunnny1]

Re: Fractures of the spine

by kullybunnny1 on Thu Apr 09, 2015 4:00 am

Hopeful,

I had extensive fractures of my vertebraes (11) and I learned something early in my journey with multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma specialists take care of this version of cancer, oncol­o­gists take care of general questions in regards to cancers, and as a patient, you need to seek out medical support when it comes to bone damage involvement.

I was lucky to work with a neurosurgeon to start repair of the fractures before I started VRD (Vel­cade, Revlimid, dexamethasone) induction therapy. I then was referred to a neuro­radiol­o­gist to finish repairs of the remaining fractures after my ASCT. All 3 procedures were kypho­plasty, which cemented the vertebrae.

I found relief after each procedure and today I only have minor pain issues and take oxy­co­done.

Please seek out a neurosurgeon as soon as you can. I'm at the point in my treatment where I've taken an active role and find it works to voice your thoughts on your journey (in this case, your mother's) with multiple myeloma.

I hope this helps.

Kully