[Autumn]

My Shoulder, worried I'm relapsing

by Autumn on Wed Sep 07, 2011 2:40 pm

I am about 16 months post stem cell transplant, and prior had 4 cycles of Velcade /dex.

had "very good response" to my transplant, and a few months later my Mprotien is to low to measure.

for the last 6 weeks my righ shoulder has started bothering me more and more. It is the top tip of my shoulder, there is a small bump there, part of the clavicle I think. Anyway, it is now painful to sleep on that side, painful to push doors opens, painful to move my arm in front of my body.

I did the thing you should not do and googled my symptoms. Thought is was tendonities or something, and what did I find that Myeloma can cause this in rare cases, so of course I'm now worried I am relapsing.

I see my doctor next week for blood work check up. Should I bring this up? Have been having some other joint pain in my other elbow and Knee, I'm also starting to think maybe it's related?

I'm young, 33 years old!

[SteveC]

Re: My Shoulder, worried I'm relapsing

by SteveC on Thu Sep 08, 2011 12:26 pm

Yep, definitely bring it to the attention of your doctor. But keep in mind that your shoulder pain could be due to any number of causes...most not related to multiple myeloma... so try not to worry...try to wait until you have more medical data and then let that info motivate you to seek the best treatment available to you!

Steve

[Dr. Ken Shain]

Re: My Shoulder, worried I'm relapsing

by Dr. Ken Shain on Fri Sep 09, 2011 9:17 am

With a sCR post-transplant it would appear quite soon for relapse, depending on your risk status. However, it must be investigated and addressed. We always want to be made aware of changes or new heath related events. Relapse is a given in myeloma, our goals and hopes are that we can postpone it as long as possible.

Moreover, as the previous post stated- one could list "a number of causes" for your shoulder pain. So, simply be dutiful in your follow-up and try to be positive and patient until then. If you let your Dr know now- he/she may be able to order imaging prior to your visit and have answers or a better idea by then.

[autumn]

Re: My Shoulder, worried I'm relapsing

by autumn on Mon Sep 19, 2011 12:24 pm

Had my follow up, blood tests all look great!

Had an xray just to be sure, and am scheduled for a ultrasound as my doctor thinks it's a tendon issue.

Yesterday I noticed a rash on the back of my arm of this affected shoulder. above the elbow its about the size of a quarter, red flaky area. its a bit sensitive (how I noticed it) but not that itchy. Any chance these are related, i hate calling my doctor for every little thing! And my family doctor does not have appointments until October.

[Autumn]

Re: My Shoulder, worried I'm relapsing

by Autumn on Tue Sep 27, 2011 12:01 pm

Update!

Had the ultrasound of my shoulder, it showes there is inflmation of the AC joint, and the tech told me "tendinosis" to take pain killers and physio.

This is good news that no tendon tears or anything major.

I will stay away from the pain killers, and anti inflamatories though because of my sensitive stomach

Still have the rash on my arm a friend told me it is psoriasis or excema because she has this and knows what it looks like.