[jaren2004]

Mobility issues with multiple myeloma?

by jaren2004 on Fri Jan 16, 2015 6:08 pm

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering if any of you experienced mobility issues caused by multiple myeloma?

I have noticed that my mother went from walking just fine to barely walking and barely able to lift her leg. She is still mobile, but just very very slow.

Today we have purchased a walker with the seat. It helps her get around a little bit better. It hurts me to my core to see my mom like this.

The doctor ordered an MRI 3 weeks ago for her, but it came back with no lesions on her sacral spine or hip, which is where she is complaining of pain (very puzzling).

At any rate, she will start at-home physical therapy soon. I really hope that this helps a lot. I am just wondering if she will stay like this or if the Zometa and steroid treatment will help her?

She just started her first chemo treatment last Wednesday, and this Wednesday she received a second dose along with her Zometa infusion.

Please give me some insight on what I should expect. Just so sad ...

[EF11]

Re: Mobility issues with multiple myeloma?

by EF11 on Fri Jan 16, 2015 6:41 pm

Hi Jaren,

Sorry to hear about this setback your mom is experiencing. I wonder if it's similar to the pain my husband has this week in his upper thighs - although his mobility is still fine. He went into the hospital to get IV fluids - felt almost like a flu in his legs. Anyway, the doctor said that it may be myopathy from the steroids and/or neuropathy from the Velcade. They decided to lengthen his cycle from 3 weeks to 4 so that he can get lower dosages of the drugs each week and hopefully handle it all better.

Another consideration is the Zometa, which almost always causes flu like symptoms, at least the first time. My husband got this and it didn't hit until 2 or 3 days after he got the Zometa. I'll bet that's what is causing your mom to slow way down.

Hope she feels better and gets her mobility back very soon! My husband felt better after a day or two.

[Terrij]

Re: Mobility issues with multiple myeloma?

by Terrij on Fri Jan 16, 2015 7:09 pm

My daughter is experiencing weakness in her legs, making steps hard to conquer. Her doctor told her the steroids cause muscle weakness in thighs. Hoping she goes off them soon and it gets better.

[jaren2004]

Re: Mobility issues with multiple myeloma?

by jaren2004 on Fri Jan 16, 2015 7:46 pm

Hello,

Thank you all for your quick responses. I really do not think that mom's mobility issue is being caused by her treatment. I think it started before treatment, which is why the MRI was ordered. But the doctor did mention severe osteoporosis.

Initially, the doctor was concerned about her high calcium levels, so he advised her to start drinking more water and he put her on the dexamethasone weekly as well.

During her visit this week, he advised that she should start back on the calcium supplements (this confuses me).

I am hoping that her mobility will improve with treatment and time. I am anxious for her to start the physical therapy and see what results we will get out of that.

So before treatment? You all didn't have any mobility issues. I am just confused.

[kullybunnny1]

Re: Mobility issues with multiple myeloma?

by kullybunnny1 on Fri Jan 16, 2015 8:40 pm

Jaren,

Stay positive at this early point of your mother's treatment. I went from a fairly healthy 48 year old to being bedridden overnight after hurting my back lifting a box. After an initial x-ray and lumbar MRI, I was diagnosed with 3 compression fractures. A neurosurgeon who saw my MRI had blood work ordered which lead to my multiple myeloma diagnosis. At that point, I had kyphoplasty to cement 2 vertebrae.

I was pushed everywhere in a wheelchair and could barely get out of bed. After VRD (Velcade, Revlimid, dexamethasone) induction therapy and Zometa, I was able to walk with canes. To improve my cardio, I attended physical therapy to better tolerate my transplant.

At my 100 day post-transplant, I told my multiple myeloma specialist that my back still hurt. I had 2 skeletal surveys already that showed a lot of lytic lesions throughout my body but I requested an additional MRI (lumbar, pelvic) which showed a total of 11 compression fractures. Kyphoplasty was performed and I now have 10 cemented vertebrae.

My mobility is still limited but believe me that my abilities are vastly improved! The end goal of my story is this: your mother's mobility will improve with time; if something hurts, press to have more tests. And finally, be aware that PT early in the healing process could be detrimental. Let your therapist know of your mother's diagnosis, they will treat accordingly.

Hope this helped.

Kully

[jaren2004]

Re: Mobility issues with multiple myeloma?

by jaren2004 on Sat Jan 17, 2015 9:49 am

Kully,

Thank you for your reply. It's just a setback when you go from being so mobile to having to be in a wheelchair or use a walker.

I am glad to hear that your mobility improved over time. I am hoping the same for my mom. This is so hard.

I will press for more tests, and we will definitely make sure the physical therapy team is aware of her condition.

I will keep you updated. Thanks.