[Eileenk]

Toe fracture not healing with smoldering myeloma

by Eileenk on Thu Jun 07, 2018 4:34 pm

Hi folks,

I have been smoldering since my diagnosis this past September. Three weeks ago, I missed a step and fell and broke my pinky toe. I have osteoporosis, so it could have been so much worse! I had it x-rayed as I was worried that it might be displaced, which it was.

The orthopedic doctor said to keep it wrapped with tape to work on the alignment, but he didn't think it needed anything else. I just went back for my follow up x-ray and the toe is in the right place (good news); however, he said that it hadn't started to heal yet.

I see my specialist next week and will inquire, but I'm wondering if this sort of thing is common, and what can be done to speed up the healing process.

I'm concerned that this is interrupting my exercise routine, which I know is so important overall, and the fact that the only shoe I can wear is my fitflops, which have a sturdy bottom, but not something to really move quickly in.

I also worry that this means something is happening with the myeloma. I have had two Zometa infusions, my last one was in December.

Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

Thanks, Eileen

[jhorner]

Re: Toe fracture not healing with smoldering myeloma

by jhorner on Sat Jun 09, 2018 12:21 pm

Hello,

The same exact thing happened to me. I broke my fifth metatarsal walking down the stairs. Because it was a spontaneous fracture, my myeloma specialist considered this a myeloma defining event and I started treatment shortly after the break had healed. I waited for the break to heal because the steroids can slow healing. I had the boot on for about 10 weeks.

Interestingly enough, when I went through the process of harvesting stem cells, it was clear that my smoldering myeloma had progressed.

I hope this information is helpful.
J

[Eileenk]

Re: Toe fracture not healing with smoldering myeloma

by Eileenk on Mon Jun 11, 2018 11:30 am

Thanks, Jhorner.

I did miss a step and fell pretty hard, so I'm hoping it won't be considered "spontaneous". It's still swollen, however. I'm seeing my specialist Wednesday, so I'll see what he says. I just had my bloodwork this morning, so hopefully my levels will look ok.

What did you mean in your last sentence that it was obvious that your smoldering myeloma had progressed during your harvesting?

Eileen

[Multibilly]

Re: Toe fracture not healing with smoldering myeloma

by Multibilly on Mon Jun 11, 2018 12:31 pm

I've had a lot of foot issues over the years. In my experience, broken toes take 6-8 weeks to heal. Healing might go faster if you were to consider wearing a post-op sandal that would keep your metatarsals and phalanges from flexing. You can easily find these kind of shoes on Amazon if your doctor can't provide you with one. At a minimum, you should consider wearing a very sturdy shoe with a stiff sole during the healing process.

[Eileenk]

Re: Toe fracture not healing with smoldering myeloma

by Eileenk on Mon Jun 11, 2018 10:05 pm

Thanks Multibilly, I do have one of those, and it is probably a smart idea to go back to wearing it. My ortho had said I only needed it for the first few days and then just a shoe with a study bottom. He was surprised to see no bone healing, and I think that made me nervous because it was my initial concern.

I'll try the better bottom and see if this makes it better.

I appreciate the feedback.