The Myeloma Beacon

Independent, up-to-date news and information for the multiple myeloma community.
Home page Deutsche Artikel Artículos Españoles

Forums

General questions and discussion about multiple myeloma (i.e., symptoms, lab results, news, etc.) If unsure where to post, use this discussion area.

Re: Persistent bone pain despite complete response

by Little Monkey on Sun May 01, 2016 11:33 am

It looks like the Cymbalta (duloxetine) is starting to temper my dad's bone pain. One thing which my dad really scratches his head about is why there continues to be bone pain despite the cyclophosphamide, Velcade, and dexamethasone (CyBorD) having knocked down his kappa and lambda numbers down to normal levels.

Little Monkey
Name: Little Monkey
Who do you know with myeloma?: Father-stage 1 multiple myeloma
When were you/they diagnosed?: March/April of 2015

Re: Persistent bone pain despite complete response

by MrPotatohead on Mon May 02, 2016 12:00 am

Hi Little Monkey,

Your dad's question is my question too.

My understanding is that Cymbalta is an antidepressant. I am very glad that it is showing results for your dad and hope that continues.

Can you tell me how he came to try it for his bone pain?

MrPotatohead
Name: MrPotatohead
Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
When were you/they diagnosed?: March, 2015
Age at diagnosis: 65

Re: Persistent bone pain despite complete response

by Little Monkey on Mon May 02, 2016 7:34 am

Cymbalta was a recommendation from the pain doctor he sees at the hospital. Gabapentin (Neurontin) wasn't doing much for him, so the pain management doctor said to give this Cymbalta a try.

Little Monkey
Name: Little Monkey
Who do you know with myeloma?: Father-stage 1 multiple myeloma
When were you/they diagnosed?: March/April of 2015

Re: Persistent bone pain despite complete response

by Bob_D on Wed May 18, 2016 1:14 pm

I posted a few tips on bone pain management that might help you at

https://myelomabeacon.org/forum/post43247.html#p43247

Bob_D
Name: Bob_D
Who do you know with myeloma?: me
When were you/they diagnosed?: March 2015
Age at diagnosis: 59

Re: Persistent bone pain despite complete response

by Little Monkey on Fri May 20, 2016 6:38 pm

Thanks Bob,

Little Monkey
Name: Little Monkey
Who do you know with myeloma?: Father-stage 1 multiple myeloma
When were you/they diagnosed?: March/April of 2015

Re: Persistent bone pain despite complete response

by Tori on Sat May 21, 2016 9:51 am

Hi Mr Potatohead,

I was diagnosed 3 years ago and had an auto transplant 2 years ago.

Previously to being diagnosed, I broke my spine and had rods and screws put in my back (they didn't pick up on my illness then, even though it was only 3 months later I found out I had myeloma).

I cannot have any surgery at all to help my back, and am in extreme pain my whole waking life! I sleep really well, only because I take strong sleeping tablets, and I must say if I am lying down I only have very mild pain.

Over time I have tried almost everything and still get no relief, I just wish there was something. Morphine, Neurontin, Oxy, Endone, Targin, steroid injection, electric stimulation, and more. I even asked for a brace, which they refused, saying it would make my muscles too weak.

I exercise twice weekly at least yoga and cardio.

To make it worse, I had another fall a few years back which has left me with a large bump of bone (at bra strap height). Sorry don't know the medical term. And now I can't even sit back against a chair; have to sit side saddle!

Please, if anyone has heard of any new treatments or medications, would love if you could share.

Tori
Name: Victoria
Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2013
Age at diagnosis: 56

Re: Persistent bone pain despite complete response

by MrPotatohead on Sat May 21, 2016 12:55 pm

Bob_D

Those are great tips. Thanks for posting them.

I do get some relief from soaking in a hot tub. Also, applying something like Icy-Hot to my lower back helps a little bit, just by generating a competing sensation (heat) that distracts you a little bit from the pain.

Hi Tori,

I am so sorry to hear about your pain. Have you consulted more than one doctor about treatment? Specifically, have you talked to a pain specialist -- an MD certified in pain management?

I have just started seeing one, and he has so far tried an epidural injection of steroids. It worked for two days, and then the pain came roaring back, worse than ever. But he told me he has other options he can try.

I wish you all the best in getting control of the pain. For me, it is by far the worst thing about having myeloma.

MrPotatohead
Name: MrPotatohead
Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
When were you/they diagnosed?: March, 2015
Age at diagnosis: 65

Re: Persistent bone pain despite complete response

by Aurora T on Sat May 21, 2016 1:06 pm

I am in the same boat as all of you. I am going for a nerve block on Tuesday to see if it will curb the pain somewhat. This pain interferes with everything in a person's life. I cannot take any medications except for the Fentanyl patch I wear. And I can't have a very high dose because it creates adverse effects to my nervous system. It is very difficult. I will try some of everyone's suggestions.

Thank you for reading my post.

Aurora T
Name: Aurora Torres
Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2015
Age at diagnosis: 60

Re: Persistent bone pain despite complete response

by Tori on Sat May 21, 2016 11:47 pm

Hi Mr Potatohead,

Thank you for your advice.

Yes I have been to several pain specialists and orthopedic surgeons for their opinion. Like you, I had the steroid epidural with no success -- maybe a bit of relief for a few days.

Unfortunately, because of the surgery I had for my spine before being diagnosed, they cannot operate again. Although one surgeon said there was an option of going in through the front of my body, opening up my chest and taking out my organs and then spine surgery! I didn't wait to ask what the procedure was called, just agreed with him that maybe that was a bit too severe of an option.

I think sometimes with all the advancement in medicine that surely they could find something to ease our pain.

Hopefully we can all stay in touch on this forum and offer any suggestions that have been of help.

Tori
Name: Victoria
Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2013
Age at diagnosis: 56

Re: Persistent bone pain despite complete response

by MrPotatohead on Sun May 22, 2016 1:26 am

Hi Aurora T

Good luck with the nerve block! I do hope it brings you relief. I have read that it does help many people,

Please let us know how it works out for you.

MrPotatohead
Name: MrPotatohead
Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
When were you/they diagnosed?: March, 2015
Age at diagnosis: 65

PreviousNext

Return to Multiple Myeloma