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Heat exhaustion and multiple myeloma

by Jmiller on Sun Jul 19, 2015 4:39 pm

I apologize if this has been discussed, but I couldn't find anything.

Does multiple myeloma make you more sensitive to the outside heat? The temperature here is in the 80's (27-32 C), but the heat index is near 100F (38 C) (not hot for some, but it is for us).

My husband finished treatment in March and is now on a watch schedule of every 3 months blood tests and skeletal series every 6 months. Today we were on the river for about an hour and, while closing up the pontoon, he rather suddenly (or so it seemed) got overheated, had to sit in the truck with the air conditioning on full blast. I finished with the boat and on the way home got him a large cup of ice that he poured his cola in. He felt better, but when we got home he became very sweaty, chilled, tired, and nauseated, plus has had a headache most of the day. He's resting In bed now.

He has never responded to heat quite this quick or bad in the past.

Jmiller
Name: Harleygirl
Who do you know with myeloma?: My husband
When were you/they diagnosed?: January 2014
Age at diagnosis: 57

Re: Heat exhaustion and multiple myeloma

by shaznics on Sun Jul 19, 2015 7:07 pm

Sorry I don't have answers, but wanted to say that we have the same question. My husband is on thalidomide maintenance, 18 months post stem cell transplant. We are going to Las Vegas next week and he has been invited to play golf. We are travelling from Australia and this will be a dream for him. He really wants to play, but we were wondering this morning if the heat will have an effect on him.

Look forward to some feedback.

Take care

shaznics
Name: Sharon
Who do you know with myeloma?: Husband
When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2013
Age at diagnosis: 48

Re: Heat exhaustion and multiple myeloma

by Jmiller on Sun Jul 19, 2015 7:33 pm

I tried to find out online, but nothing came up relating to multiple myeloma. I hope your husband gets to enjoy golfing.

Jmiller
Name: Harleygirl
Who do you know with myeloma?: My husband
When were you/they diagnosed?: January 2014
Age at diagnosis: 57

Re: Heat exhaustion and multiple myeloma

by Ron Harvot on Sun Jul 19, 2015 11:33 pm

I have had multiple myeloma for over 6 years and am an avid cyclist. I live in North Texas. In July and August, the temps typically are 97-104 F (36-40 C) and only cool down to 78-80 F (26 C) in the evening. On the pavement the mid afternoon temps can reach 115 to 120 F (46-49 C) with the radiant heat.

The key is to hydrate effectively. I do most of my riding in the early morning and late afternoon and try and avoid the peak heat. That is applicable to anyone, not just multiple myeloma patients. When it is hot you must drink and drink often. I suggest something like Gatorade, which has electrolytes if you are doing activity in the summer sun.

Ron Harvot
Name: Ron Harvot
Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
When were you/they diagnosed?: Feb 2009
Age at diagnosis: 56

Re: Heat exhaustion and multiple myeloma

by Dr. Heather Landau on Mon Jul 20, 2015 1:14 am

Hi all,

I just thought I would comment on the heat exhaustion query. Multiple myeloma in and of itself does not cause a particular sensitivity to heat. However, several factors may be contributing.

Firstly, it sounds like your husband's symptoms were similar to a "hot flash". It is not uncommon for multiple myeloma patients to have low hormone levels during and after treatment. Therefore, it would be reasonable for your husband's tetosterone level to be checked. Other factors that may also be playing a role include suboptimal hydration, as suggested by Ron, and inadequate caloric intake. So as for the golf game, make sure he hydrates, eats, and wears sun block and a wide brimmed hat!

Hope that helps!

Dr. Heather Landau
Name: Heather Landau, M.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor

Re: Heat exhaustion and multiple myeloma

by coop223 on Mon Jul 20, 2015 8:57 am

As an avid golfer, I just keep in the shade as much as possible, drink lots of water, and move slowly. I live in the desert so it is hot. Go golf Vegas! I'm on VCD (Velcade, cyclophosphamide, and dex) still, but continue to golf.

coop223
Name: derek cooper
Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
When were you/they diagnosed?: November 2011
Age at diagnosis: 57

Re: Heat exhaustion and multiple myeloma

by Jmiller on Mon Jul 20, 2015 9:23 am

Thank you all for your responses. I do keep bottled water on the boat at all times and my husband drink. Since water is not his favorite, I agree it would be a good idea to also keep Gatorade on the boat as well. We did have breakfast prior to going out and got back right around noonish.

While a lot of us women are quite used to hot flashes, I imagine that is different experience for a man. I will ask my husband to talk with Dr. Tabor about the hormone issue.

Again, thank you all.

Jmiller
Name: Harleygirl
Who do you know with myeloma?: My husband
When were you/they diagnosed?: January 2014
Age at diagnosis: 57

Re: Heat exhaustion and multiple myeloma

by Jmiller on Mon Jul 20, 2015 9:25 am

Oh, and I agree with coop223. Go golf Vegas!

Jmiller
Name: Harleygirl
Who do you know with myeloma?: My husband
When were you/they diagnosed?: January 2014
Age at diagnosis: 57

Re: Heat exhaustion and multiple myeloma

by Tracy J on Mon Jul 20, 2015 12:11 pm

My auto stem cell transplant in 2012 put me into abrupt menopause at the age of 40, and I think the hot flashes I have had ever since are one of the THE WORST SYMPTOMS of this entire experience. "Hot flash" does not really capture the event adequately. In addition to feeling unbearably hot, I also feel terribly claustrophobic (which I don't have otherwise), and my heart rate goes way up. I sweat profusely. It feels like autonomic instability, not just a "hot flash". It's awful. I dread them. I get them about 15 times a day. One time I had one in an MRI, and it was ridiculous. But I did stay still!

Tracy J
Name: Tracy Jalbuena
Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
When were you/they diagnosed?: 2014
Age at diagnosis: 42

Re: Heat exhaustion and multiple myeloma

by Rneb on Mon Jul 20, 2015 4:29 pm

I ( Male) have heat related issues all the time. It is getting worse as I start my 3rd year of Revlimid. I drink predominately water and fruit juices. Mostly water.

Getting out of a simple warm shower--I get over heated and it takes up to an hour to cool down ( Winter or summer) Lately, it has been a full hour to cool off.
This past week in the great plains, we have had upper 90's and 90's ( Temp and humidity). It is beastly hot. I have thought I have had a heat stroke x3. I was well hydrated and was not exerting myself very much. Yet, the symptoms persist and increase.
I am able to sweat profusely, so I don't think it is heat stroke.


My Claustrophobia is worse than ever. I now need to be fully sedated for an MRI. I'm 6-2 and large boned--so I fill the space of the mRI fully.
If I'm overheated, I have to stretch out and have air moving over me. Especially in a car.

Exercising is tricky, as I will suddenly feel light headed and overheated. Other times, not so bad. Even with a slow start and a gradual run-up, to 120 beats--I never know. Some times mowing the yard is okay--other times--it hits very hard and I must stop, and go lay in front of a fan in the AC cooled house. For an Hour.

If I get thru a week of exercising, and doing routine stuff without a Heat "Zap"...then I'm "happier than a car riding dog".

I also have retained a fair amount of water, since going on the Revlimid.

Any explanations appreciated.

Rneb

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