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Height loss as a result of multiple myeloma?
Since I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, I've lost about 5 inches (13 cm) in height. Is this a common problem?
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coopershawk - Who do you know with myeloma?: No one else.
- When were you/they diagnosed?: August 2010
- Age at diagnosis: 64
Re: Height loss as a result of multiple myeloma?
My friend lost 4 inches of height a few winters ago by shoveling snow too agressively. He didn't realize heavy lifting can be bad.
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Pamela Lussier - Name: Pamela Lussier
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Pamela Lussier
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2007
- Age at diagnosis: 50
Re: Height loss as a result of multiple myeloma?
I've lost about 2 inches (5 cm) since my diagnosis. Was 5' 8" (1.73 m), now 5' 6" (1.68 m).
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mike - Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2/07/11
- Age at diagnosis: 43
Re: Height loss as a result of multiple myeloma?
I have the impression that it's mostly males with myeloma who lose a noticeable amount of height as a result of the disease.
Does that match with others' impressions?
I can see a couple of reasons why this impression might be true.
It may be that, relatively speaking, men and women with myeloma lose the same amount of height, but it's just more noticeable with men because they're taller on average than women. Maybe the average myeloma patient, regardless of whether they're male or female, loses 2-4 percent of their height, but those 2-4 percent are more noticeable for men than for women.
The other possibility is that height loss may occur more if a myeloma patient engages in more extreme physical activity. If that's the case, and if men are more likely to engage in extreme physical activity than women, then male myeloma patients may be more likely to experience height loss.
All of these comments are just theories and observations. Like I said, I'd be curious to hear other people's impressions.
Does that match with others' impressions?
I can see a couple of reasons why this impression might be true.
It may be that, relatively speaking, men and women with myeloma lose the same amount of height, but it's just more noticeable with men because they're taller on average than women. Maybe the average myeloma patient, regardless of whether they're male or female, loses 2-4 percent of their height, but those 2-4 percent are more noticeable for men than for women.
The other possibility is that height loss may occur more if a myeloma patient engages in more extreme physical activity. If that's the case, and if men are more likely to engage in extreme physical activity than women, then male myeloma patients may be more likely to experience height loss.
All of these comments are just theories and observations. Like I said, I'd be curious to hear other people's impressions.
Re: Height loss as a result of multiple myeloma?
Does the loss occur primarily between discs?
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pawnee*321
Re: Height loss as a result of multiple myeloma?
Hello,
Loss of height is a common result of compression fractures of the spine.
Loss of height is a common result of compression fractures of the spine.
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Dr. Edward Libby - Name: Edward Libby, M.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
Re: Height loss as a result of multiple myeloma?
I was always 5' 10" (1.78 m). I am now 5' 5" (1.65 m) six months after my first compression fracture. I now have 4 of them.
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genk - Name: Ed
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: August 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 61
Re: Height loss as a result of multiple myeloma?
Ah! Thanks Dr. Libby. Is that a result of normal aging as well?
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suzierose - Name: suzierose
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2 sept 2011
Re: Height loss as a result of multiple myeloma?
Good morning,
This is a topic that interests me as well.
My name is James Webb and I am a disabled veteran with multiple myeloma. Since I have been diagnosed, I have lost roughly 6+ inches (15 cm) in height. I have compression fractures up and down my spine. To help deal with the pain, my oncologist referred me to an interventional radiologist. After multiple surgeries utilizing a technique known as kyphoplasty, his team was able to stabilize my spine and relief some pain. I used to be 5'11" (1.80 m), now I am 5'5" (1.65 m), and the weather is much colder down here!!
The interventional radiology team was able to inflate all of my thoracic vertebrae only by a couple of millimeters. The procedure worked great!! In 2018 I will be celebrating my 5-year anniversary with multiple myeloma. So far my protein levels are the lowest they have ever been. I plan to, God willing, celebrate 20 more years so I can see my 7-year old son grow up!
So I, too, have been wondering whether it's common to lose height due to multiple myeloma.
Good luck and God speed to anyone with multiple myeloma! I'll be praying for you!
James
Diagnosed September 25,2013 at age 41.
This is a topic that interests me as well.
My name is James Webb and I am a disabled veteran with multiple myeloma. Since I have been diagnosed, I have lost roughly 6+ inches (15 cm) in height. I have compression fractures up and down my spine. To help deal with the pain, my oncologist referred me to an interventional radiologist. After multiple surgeries utilizing a technique known as kyphoplasty, his team was able to stabilize my spine and relief some pain. I used to be 5'11" (1.80 m), now I am 5'5" (1.65 m), and the weather is much colder down here!!
The interventional radiology team was able to inflate all of my thoracic vertebrae only by a couple of millimeters. The procedure worked great!! In 2018 I will be celebrating my 5-year anniversary with multiple myeloma. So far my protein levels are the lowest they have ever been. I plan to, God willing, celebrate 20 more years so I can see my 7-year old son grow up!
So I, too, have been wondering whether it's common to lose height due to multiple myeloma.
Good luck and God speed to anyone with multiple myeloma! I'll be praying for you!
James
Diagnosed September 25,2013 at age 41.
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webb1104 - Name: James
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 25 Sept 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 41
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