Multiple Myeloma can be painful, depending on the individual. The most common symptom associated with myeloma is bone pain, resulting from weakened bones or local lesions. Myeloma can also cause nerve damage or inflammation of the nerves leading to sensory or motor disturbances and related pain.
Damage to the kidneys may also cause pain, as can spinal cord compression if the myeloma has spread to the spine and puts pressure on the cord. Less commonly, pain can be a sign of blood clots or anemia, or due to kidney failure.
Pain can also be a side effect of treatment, such as nerve damage caused by radiation or pain resulting from surgery.
It is important to discuss any and all pain experienced with a healthcare provider. Managing pain is key to helping with quality of life and is essential to successful care. There are a range of treatments available to help control pain, including medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, and opioid pain medications.
In addition, physical and occupational therapy can be useful in addressing myeloma-related physical and functional problems. Some people find that complementary therapies, including massage, acupuncture, or mind- and body-focused strategies, can be helpful for pain management.
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Why does multiple myeloma hurt so much?
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that occurs when abnormal cells multiply in the bone marrow. This proliferation of cells crowds out healthy cells and releases various chemicals, hormones, and enzymes that can cause pain in the bones, joints, and organs of the body.
In fact, several studies have shown that pain is the most common symptom experienced by patients with multiple myeloma.
The exact cause of the pain associated with multiple myeloma is not yet known. However, it is believed to be related to the bone destruction and nerve compression caused by the enlargement of the bone lesions, as well as the infiltration of tumor cells into the bone marrow itself.
The level of pain can vary widely, from mild to unbearable. It is usually intermittent, coming and going in waves. It can be sharp, dull, stabbing, burning, or throbbing in nature, and it can move around to different areas of the body.
It may be worse at night and make it difficult to sleep.
In some cases, the pain may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, weight loss, and appetite loss. The pain caused by multiple myeloma is often managed with opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or other pain medications.
The doctor may also suggest lifestyle changes such as getting adequate rest, exercising regularly, avoiding strenuous activities, and eating a nutritious diet.
How do you help someone with myeloma?
Helping someone with myeloma can involve offering emotional and practical support, depending on the person’s individual needs. When it comes to practical support, you may need to help the patient with housekeeping, meals, and running errands.
If the patient is able to do any of these tasks, you can help out by taking turns and alternating days.
You can also help the patient by providing emotional support during the treatment journey. This could include helping them cope with the side effects, talking to them about their diagnosis, making sure they are following doctor’s orders, and just listening when they need to talk or vent.
Finally, be sure to help the patient stay informed about their condition. Research and communicate with their healthcare team about treatments, insurance information, and any other resources available for managing myeloma.
You can also help them find support groups or resources that may help with managing their condition.
How do you deal with multiple myeloma mentally?
Dealing with multiple myeloma can be a challenging and emotionally taxing experience, both for the patient and their loved ones. It is important to take care of one’s mental health during this process, since depression can be a common side effect of a diagnosis.
Ways to deal with the psychological stress of multiple myeloma include:
1. Improve communication: Staying in touch with your doctor and openly communicating about your diagnosis and treatment needs is important. Additionally, speaking with a therapist or joining a support group can help to ease any worries and open up a dialogue about any underlying emotional issues that may arise.
2. Maintain a routine: Developing a schedule can help you to feel in control and maintain motivation. Keeping up with day to day activities and committing to social engagements, such as meeting with friends and family members, can be beneficial in reducing feelings of isolation.
3. Deep breathing and Relaxation: Research has indicated that deep breathing can reduce levels of stress hormones, heart rate, and blood pressure. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, tai chi, and mindful meditation can also help to reduce stress and promote a sense of wellbeing.
4. Prioritize self-care: Make sure to take time for yourself. Try engaging in activities that you enjoy, such as playing an instrument, reading a good book, or taking a leisurely walk in nature.
5. Connect with your feelings: Acknowledge your feelings and give yourself permission to express them in constructive ways, such as through journaling. Facing and dealing with emotions can help in developing insight, resiliency, and a sense of control.
Overall, it is important to remember that everyone’s experience is unique and that taking care of mental health is an integral part of managing multiple myeloma. Seek out the help of a professional, such as a therapist or social worker, to help you navigate the emotions associated with the diagnosis.
How do you treat myeloma pain?
Myeloma pain can be treated in several ways. The first step is to identify the cause of the pain and its severity. Depending on this, your doctor may recommend short-term pain relief methods, such as avoiding certain activities or taking certain medications, or more long-term strategies.
Pain medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and corticosteroids, can help to provide relief from the pain associated with myeloma. For some patients, radiation may be recommended to help reduce pain caused by myeloma.
Physical therapy may also be prescribed to help reduce the pain of myeloma and improve joint flexibility and range of motion. Additionally, some complementary treatments such as relaxation therapy may be beneficial for reducing stress and providing a sense of comfort.
It is important to speak to your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your individual condition.
Is myeloma bone pain constant?
No, myeloma bone pain is not constant and can vary in intensity. It tends to be worse at night and may interfere with sleep. The location of the pain can also change. Myeloma bone pain typically occurs when cancer cells have invaded the bone and built up enough pressure to cause tenderness and pain.
The intensity of the pain can range from mild aches to severe cramps, sharp pain, or tenderness. Myeloma bone pain can also cause muscle spasms and even numbness in the affected area. Treatment options for myeloma bone pain usually focus on relieving the pressure on the affected bone by reducing the size of the tumor or controlling bone damage.
Pain medications may also be prescribed to relieve discomfort. In addition, physical therapy or exercise can help strengthen the bone and improve mobility.
How do you know when multiple myeloma is getting worse?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, which is a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. As the disease progresses, the number of abnormal plasma cells in the body increase, leading to various symptoms.
Symptoms of worsening multiple myeloma include increased fatigue, a decrease in appetite and/or unexplained weight loss, bone pain, changes in blood work from inflammation, renal failure, anemia, infections, lytic lesions,and neurological changes such as confusion, weakness or paralysis.
It is important to have your doctor monitor your progression with regular blood tests and scans. Other labs to watch for are serum free light chains, immunofixation, and Beta-2 microglobulins, as elevated levels can signal a worsening multiple myeloma.
Additionally, if your bone marrow biopsy shows increased plasma cells, this is an indication that multiple myeloma is getting worse. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor immediately to discuss treatment options.
Can bone pain be the only symptom of leukemia?
No, bone pain is not the only symptom of leukemia. While it is a common symptom, additional symptoms can include fatigue, fever, easy bruising or bleeding, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, and paleness of skin.
Leukemia can also affect other organs such as the liver, spleen, and brain, which may result in additional symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and pain, headaches, confusion, and vision problems. It is important that if you are experiencing any of these symptoms to seek medical attention in order to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.
What is usually the first early symptom of multiple myeloma?
The most common early symptom of multiple myeloma is bone pain. As the disease progresses, myeloma cells can cause a variety of damage to the bones. This can weaken them and lead to pain and tenderness in the affected areas.
Other early symptoms of multiple myeloma may include frequently feeling tired, unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, and anemia. As anemia is a common complication of multiple myeloma, it can lead to further tiredness, weakness, and pale skin.
It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of these symptoms in order to receive diagnosis and proper treatment.
What conditions are mistaken for myeloma?
Myeloma can be mistaken for other conditions because its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Some of the conditions that are commonly mistaken for myeloma include blood disorders such as anemia, autoimmune diseases like lupus, bone marrow diseases like Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, and lymphoma.
Other potentially misdiagnosed conditions that may be mistaken for myeloma include infections, such as hepatitis and HIV; anemia due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency; hemothorax caused by bleeding in the chest; pulmonary embolism; and genetic diseases like Fanconi anemia.
Although the symptoms of myeloma can be similar to other conditions, it’s important to remember that only a qualified medical professional can accurately diagnose it. If you are experiencing symptoms of myeloma, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
A doctor will be able to order appropriate tests and imaging to determine if you have myeloma or another condition.
What does bone pain feel like with myeloma?
Bone pain associated with myeloma can vary in intensity and character. Most commonly, it causes an aching, throbbing sensation throughout the affected bones and joints. Some people experience sharp pain that may suddenly shoot through the affected area.
Some may feel a burning or numbing sensation. People may also experience stiffness in their joints, making it difficult to move around or be comfortable in certain positions. In more severe cases, the pain can be so severe that it interrupts everyday activities.
Additionally, people with myeloma may experience pain in the soft tissue and ligaments around the affected bones. This can be particularly problematic in certain situations, such as during exercise or other physical activity.
What is the most frequent cause of death in a patient with multiple myeloma?
The most frequent cause of death in a patient with multiple myeloma is complications from the disease itself. As multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow, complications from the disease can range from infection to kidney failure, respiratory failure, or heart failure.
In many cases, the cancer cells can eventually invade organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys and cause irreparable damage. Other complications associated with multiple myeloma include anemia, bone fractures, and hypercalcemia (abnormally high calcium levels in the blood).
As these complications can be life-threatening, they are often the leading cause of death in patients with multiple myeloma. In addition, multiple myeloma can be difficult to treat and may respond poorly to treatment, making it a life-threatening form of cancer.
What are the last signs of multiple myeloma?
The final stages of Multiple Myeloma can vary from patient to patient and depend on the health and treatment of the individual. Some potential last signs of Multiple Myeloma include extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dehydration, abdominal pain and swelling, and difficulty swallowing due to anemia and kidney failure.
Individuals may also experience confusion, difficulty concentrating, and memory loss as the cancer advances. Additionally, coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest pain due to an accumulation of excess proteins in the lungs can be present in the later stages of Multiple Myeloma.
Lastly, symptoms of the flu—such as fever, night sweats, and sore throat—can be signs of infection caused by the compromised immune system.
Why am I so tired with multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the cells within your bone marrow, and it can be incredibly tiring on your body. The fatigue associated with this type of cancer is a result of a few different factors.
There are certain hormones that are produced from cancer cells which can affect the way your body produces energy and affect your sleep pattern. Additionally, cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation, can be very taxing on the body and can lead to fatigue.
Additionally, if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body it can cause pain and discomfort which can lead to lack of restful sleep. Finally, multiple myeloma can cause anemia, which is a decrease in the body’s red blood cells.
This can decrease your body’s ability to carry oxygen to tissues and muscles and cause fatigue.
