[George_nc]

M protein spike - what does it mean?

by George_nc on Wed Mar 23, 2016 9:47 pm

Hello Everyone,

My story. I received a kidney transplant in 2014. The immunosuppression medicines raised my glucose levels. This has been a challenge, having never been diabetic. Post-transplant I had been complaining about pain and numbness in my feet. Which led to the diagnosis of neuropathy. My doctor also informed me that the post-transplant medicines contribute to neuropathy.

For the past 2 visits, my doctor decided to add a lab to measure m protein to see if there could be other reasons for the neuropathy. He mentioned there was an m protein spike, then referred me to an oncologist. He mentioned "to rule out any type of blood cancers." After saying this, he tried to back track, asking me to forget he mentioned cancer and to wait for the oncologist appointment. So, my kidney is doing well, and other than the neuropathy, I feel good and is pretty active.

I have my initial appointment with an oncologist in late May. I wish my initial appointment was sooner. I know my doctor want me to stay within the hospital system, however waiting until May 26th has me thinking all sorts of crazy thoughts, particularly, what could happen between today and then. I just do not know what to think.

I do not know which labs are important to post for some feedback / comments, so I have attached them.

SPEPResults.png (245.92 KiB) Viewed 698 times

FLCResults.png (55.56 KiB) Viewed 698 times

[blueblood]

Re: M protein spike - what does it mean?

by blueblood on Thu Mar 24, 2016 7:04 am

George nc

I am no doctor, but it appears you have a valid reason to be concerned. I would not wait until the end of May to see an oncologist. I would see a myeloma specialist within a month. Apparently someone deemed it necessary to perform your lab work (not once, but at least three sets of bloodwork), and you got questionable results. I'm not sure even a myeloma specialist could convince me to wait such a period. I would care less about staying within the same hospital network.

Five years ago when I required a heart operation, my PCP told me he'd deny it if I ever repeated it. But he said the hospital network was 'encouraging' PCPs to direct their patients to hospital cardio-thoracic surgeons. He said he would go where I was going. Fortunately I live in a state with high cigarette consumption, so there are some excellent options for heart surgeons. I couldn't have been happier, although today the hospitals have changed and you couldn't drag me to where I had me surgery. My point is things change, and you might have to change with it.

Good luck

[JPC]

Re: M protein spike - what does it mean?

by JPC on Thu Mar 24, 2016 7:36 am

Hi George: Blueblood noted that you should get a consult with a hematologist/oncologist, and I agree, as a non-zero M-spike is not "normal", and you appear to have a small one. I also agree with Blueblood in doing it sooner rather than later. I would just add however, that an M-spike could also indicate one of the precursor conditions (not yet cancer).

If you don't mind sharing, George, how old are you? People above 70 or so start to show small M-spikes somewhat more frequently, but most of them never know it. The funny thing, however, is that you have already needed a kidney transplant and have had renal failure. That is one of the more prevalent symptoms of multiple myeloma. I would bet a dollar to a donut (I'm not too much of a betting man) that first thing the hematologist will do is to order a 24-hour urine test.

Good luck

Last edited by JPC on Thu Mar 24, 2016 5:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[George_nc]

Re: M protein spike - what does it mean?

by George_nc on Thu Mar 24, 2016 1:45 pm

Thank you for your responses. A friend of mine who is a medical professional just told me the same thing – to find a doctor who can see me much sooner.