[takana]

Re: Weak legs and multiple myeloma

by takana on Sun Oct 30, 2016 3:37 pm

Hi,

My husband was diagnosed with Stage 3 multiple myeloma 2 years ago. Within the last 2 months he has lost the ability to walk unaided. He needs a walker because his right leg has become unable to withstand his weight or barely move. This weakness / deadness is mainly in the area from his right knee to his right hip. He is unable to drive, and even walking with a walker is ex­tremely difficult.

He has had a whole body MRI and a MRI of the pelvis / hip and entire right leg. Nothing. The same with xrays – nothing.

Reflexes are normal and nerve test was normal. The neurologist ordered a CT scan (looking for stroke). He had the brain CT scan yesterday. No results yet. The oncologist even ordered a very specific blood test – crytomic something or other.

No one has any idea why his ability to walk has deteriorated so rapidly. He is miserable. Every­thing he touches falls to the floor, necessitating great effort to pick up. He is barely able to just navigate around the house and it is a major effort to get him to his appointments.

Does anyone have any clues as to why this has happened?

Thanks.

[Little Monkey]

Re: Weak legs and multiple myeloma

by Little Monkey on Sun Nov 06, 2016 12:38 pm

My dad had weakness in his right leg, but not to the extent of your husband. I think this is one of the mysteries of myeloma (when there is no explainable cause, such as damage to the spinal cord by a lytic lesion, etc.).

[kullybunnny1]

Re: Weak legs and multiple myeloma

by kullybunnny1 on Sun Nov 06, 2016 2:23 pm

Hello to all in this thread.

I've written of my extensive bone involvement (11 compression fractures, numerous lytic lesions). After my autologous stem cell transplant, I really stopped speaking to my multiple myeloma specialist and oncologist in regards to my leg weakness because, in their words, we're here to treat your cancer.

I'm on a 10 mg Revlimid maintenance regimen and I recently started to notice increased neuropathy in both my hands and feet and increased weakness in my legs. My local oncologist told me that Revlimid was the culprit and I really need to press my multiple myeloma specialist for relief. I was finally given a referral to palliative care at the cancer center I'm treated at, with hopes that they'll give me a better quality of life option.

The frustration of this disease is something that feeds my desire to be a stronger advocate but truly is a burden while trying to deal with my new normal.

Kully

[Bob_D]

Re: Weak legs and multiple myeloma

by Bob_D on Sun Nov 06, 2016 3:23 pm

Kully,

This forum thread might be helpful:

"Cold water or hot water for peripheral neuropathy?" (started April 20, 2010)

Some people say a TENS unit works, but it works best for pain relief rather than peripheral neuropathy. Some use it nightly.

Some people are using gabepentin (Neurontin) or Lyrica (pregabalin) and find some relief.

Bob_D