What is the most prominent symptom of multiple myeloma?
The most prominent symptom of multiple myeloma is extreme fatigue. This symptom occurs as a result of a lack of oxygen-carrying red blood cells in the body caused by the myeloma cells. Other symptoms can include bone pain or tenderness, anemia, shortness of breath, frequent infections, weight loss, and nerve pain.
In some cases, people with multiple myeloma may experience additional symptoms such as kidney failure, confusion, headaches, constipation, and blood clots. Early detection of the disease through physical exams and tests, can help identify symptoms and lead to a quicker diagnosis and more effective treatment.
How do you help someone with myeloma?
As the way in which you assist someone with myeloma depends on the individual and their particular stage of the disease. Generally, however, helping someone with myeloma may involve providing physical, psychological, and emotional support.
Physical support may include providing transportation to medical appointments, helping with grocery shopping and meal preparation, ensuring that prescribed medications are taken as scheduled, and helping with simple tasks such as laundry and housecleaning.
It may also include helping the person to stay physically active, as exercise can help to reduce fatigue and improve quality of life.
Psychological support is also essential for those with myeloma. This could include providing someone with a listening ear, being a source of encouragement and positivity, and helping to normalize and validate the difficulties of living with a chronic illness.
Regular visits and phone calls can also help to provide companionship and a sense of connection for those who may be feeling isolated.
Emotional support is equally important, as it may provide comfort and solace in difficult times. This could mean offering words of love, understanding, and sympathy; providing hugs and comforting gestures; writing letters or notes of appreciation; or just being present and listening with empathy and compassion.
Ultimately, it is important to be mindful of the individual needs of the person living with myeloma, and tailor the support that you provide accordingly.
How do you know when multiple myeloma is getting worse?
When multiple myeloma is getting worse, a person can experience a number of different symptoms and changes in their health. Common signs that multiple myeloma is progressing include: an increase in fatigue, weight loss, bone pain, frequent infection, anemia, elevated calcium levels, and kidney damage.
Unexplained bruises may also indicate that multiple myeloma is progressing. Healthcare practitioners usually diagnose worsening multiple myeloma after examining a patient’s medical history, conducting a physical exam, and using imaging tests and blood tests.
These tests allow the practitioner to observe any changes in the shape and density of the bones, measure any issues with platelets and white blood cells, and search for any monoclonal (M) proteins. It is important for anyone diagnosed with multiple myeloma to closely follow their treatment plan and to stay in close contact with their healthcare team to ensure proper care and monitoring.
What were your first myeloma symptoms?
My first myeloma symptoms began with deep bone pain and fatigue. The bone pains were severe and I was exhausted most of the time. I also noticed that I was losing weight without trying and my appetite had decreased.
In addition, I experienced frequent fevers and night sweats. I also noticed that I had excessive bleeding from minor cuts and bruises. Finally, I experienced some lightheadedness and had difficulty staying warm.
Once I began to experience these symptoms, I scheduled an appointment to see my doctor. My doctor performed a physical exam, blood tests, and urine tests, which revealed that I had multiple myeloma.
Does myeloma numb your foot?
Myeloma is a form of cancer that can affect bones, but it typically does not cause numbness in the feet. While nerve damage can be a side effect of having myeloma, numbness in the feet is more commonly associated with nerve disorders, diabetes, or vitamin deficiencies.
It’s possible for someone with myeloma to experience numbness in the feet, though it is not a common symptom.
If you are experiencing numbness in the feet and you have Myeloma, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor right away. Your doctor will be able to better assess your symptoms and provide you with a proper diagnosis.
They may also recommend lifestyle adjustments and treatments to help alleviate the numbness.
What is the treatment for myeloma neuropathy?
The treatment for myeloma neuropathy typically depends on the severity of the symptoms that a person is experiencing. Generally, the treatment approach may involve a combination of medications, such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants to control pain, or a variety of other medications, depending on the person’s symptoms.
In addition, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and massage may be beneficial in controlling and managing symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be necessary, particularly if symptoms are severe or causing secondary complications.
If the neuropathy is due to an underlying myeloma, treating the condition with chemotherapy or radiation may help reduce the related neuropathy symptoms. It is important to speak to a doctor or healthcare team to determine the best treatment approach for a given individual.
What diseases can cause numbness in feet?
Numbness in the feet can be cause by a variety of conditions and diseases, including:
1. Diabetes: Diabetes is a chronic condition that involves high blood sugar levels, and it can cause numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation in the feet.
2. Peripheral Neuropathy: Neuropathy is a disorder of the nerves in the feet and legs that can cause numbness and other neurological problems.
3. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, and it can cause numbness and other symptoms in the feet due to nerve damage.
4. Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage that leads to numbness in the feet.
5. Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Raynaud’s is a vascular disorder that affects the arteries, and it can cause numbness, pain, and coldness in the feet.
6. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pressure on a nerve in the ankle, and it can cause numbness in the feet.
7. Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that can cause widespread pain and neuropathy, which can cause numbness in the feet.
8. Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis that causes extremely painful flares in the feet, along with numbness and tingling.
If you experience numbness in your feet, it is important to contact your doctor to seek medical care as soon as possible. Your doctor will work with you to determine the underlying cause of the numbness and make a plan to treat it.
Can myeloma cause foot pain?
Yes, myeloma can cause foot pain. Myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the bones, and it can cause pain due to excessive bone destruction and fractures. This can cause pain in the foot. Additionally, myeloma can cause nerve compression and inflammation, leading to pain in the feet as well.
Other symptoms associated with myeloma that could lead to foot pain include fatigue, anemia, and muscle weakness. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any foot pain, as it could be a sign of myeloma.
What is happening when your foot goes numb?
When your foot goes numb, it generally means that you’re experiencing a loss of feeling or sensation in your foot. This usually occurs due to a lack of blood flow or stimulation to the nerves in the area, which results in a feeling of numbness.
Depending on the cause, your numbness may be temporary and go away after a few minutes or it can become a chronic problem. Common causes of foot numbness include prolonged standing on a hard surface, nerve irregularities, pinched nerves, diabetes, and circulation issues.
In some cases, numbness may also indicate a more serious health issue such as stroke or multiple sclerosis. If you experience frequent or persistent numbness in your foot, it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible in order to understand the underlying cause and treat it accordingly.