Today I went for a massage for the first time since my diagnosis. It was at a spa, not a medical facility, but they ask you to fill out a medical history form beforehand. The massotherapist (who was good, but only finished his training about a year ago) was quite concerned about my diagnosis and was unsure if I should even have a massage. I explained that I only have abnormal blood tests but no bone lesions and there was nothing that should prevent me from getting a massage. Since I'm a physician, he took my word for it, but suggested I get a letter from my hematologist to show to any massotherapists in the future.
I have to say that I was fairly impressed that he knew enough about myeloma that there could be bone lesions. He took the time (while I was doing my pre-massage relaxing) to Google smoldering myeloma, and even texted one of his instructors to be on the safe side. I plan to be taking his advice and getting a letter from my doctor and scan it into my phone in case it ever comes up again. I just thought I'd put this out here in case anyone else has come across this issue.
By the way, I was a very happy (and relaxed) camper afterwards. Good stress reducer for sure.
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CathyAnn - Name: CathyAnnCleveland
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 1/22/2016
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Massotherapy
I think everyone needs to read your post here and it's very important. I had a compressed L3 with surgery on Christmas eve and. after one week, I had my regular massage therapist (medical) working on me except for the area I had the surgery. Because of the work my therapist did and continues to do, I was able to start walking 3-5 miles per day less than two weeks after having a spinal fusion and cement placed in my L3. I continue to walk continually as I have been going through my induction therapy.
I have my chemo with the Velcade every Tuesday and my therapist works on my every Wednesday. With the massage, I am able to recover from my chemo.
I believe that massage is one of the most important therapies for someone that has myeloma provided the therapist is highly trained. All of us as myeloma have muscles and soft tissues that we need to keep in shape to help us through our myeloma journey. I hope everyone will consider massage as a potential therapy.
For those who live in South Florida and go to Cleveland Clinic, I know Cleveland Clinic offers free massage on a couple of days of the week in their Weston office.
I have my chemo with the Velcade every Tuesday and my therapist works on my every Wednesday. With the massage, I am able to recover from my chemo.
I believe that massage is one of the most important therapies for someone that has myeloma provided the therapist is highly trained. All of us as myeloma have muscles and soft tissues that we need to keep in shape to help us through our myeloma journey. I hope everyone will consider massage as a potential therapy.
For those who live in South Florida and go to Cleveland Clinic, I know Cleveland Clinic offers free massage on a couple of days of the week in their Weston office.
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Aclinkboca - Name: AC
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Dec 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 46
Re: Massotherapy
Glad to hear you have found massage so helpful. I'll keep that in mind when (or if) the time comes that I need active treatment.
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CathyAnn - Name: CathyAnnCleveland
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 1/22/2016
- Age at diagnosis: 56
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