The hallmark symptom of multiple myeloma is anemia due to a decreased number of healthy red blood cells in the body. Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells, which can cause severe fatigue, weakness, dizziness, pale skin, and a rapid heart rate.
Other common symptoms of multiple myeloma can include bone pain, frequent infections, kidney damage, swollen lymph nodes, and calcium deposits in the bones. In some cases, multiple myeloma can cause life-threatening complications like hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in the blood), neurological problems, and an increased risk of bleeding or infection.
Treatments for multiple myeloma include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplants, and hormone therapy. The main goal of these treatments is to reduce the amount of cancer cells, slow progression of the disease, and improve quality of life.
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How does multiple myeloma make you feel?
Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that affects white blood cells called plasma cells. It can cause a range of symptoms depending on the stage and severity of the condition. Generally speaking, people with multiple myeloma might feel any combination of the following symptoms: fatigue, bone pain, anemia (low red blood cell counts), an increased risk for infection, increased thirst, unintentional weight loss, shortness of breath, easy bruising or bleeding, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, and/or constipation.
Some people may also experience nausea, night sweats, confusion, and/or weakness. Though different people have different experiences, multiple myeloma can cause the body to feel very weak and tired. It can also be painful both physically and emotionally, depending on the severity of the case.
How long can you have multiple myeloma without knowing?
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow and can often go undetected for many years. It is difficult to know how long someone can have multiple myeloma without knowing, as symptoms can vary greatly from one patient to another.
In some cases, there may be no noticeable symptoms or only subtle signs that do not immediately lead to a diagnosis of multiple myeloma. People may not seek medical attention until the disease has progressed further, in which case the actual length of time they had the disease could be much longer than expected.
Some of the symptoms that could indicate multiple myeloma include frequent infections, fatigue, anemia, bone pain, broken bones, and increased levels of calcium in the blood. If these signs are present and become more persistent, it is important to talk to a doctor about seeking a diagnosis.
When should I suspect myeloma?
If you experience persistent, unexplained symptoms, such as unexplained pain, fatigue, weakness, unexplained weight loss, unexplained fever, frequent infections, and easy bruising or bleeding, it may be time to suspect myeloma.
You should also go for a diagnosis if you experience excessive thirst and urination or if you have difficulty breathing or chest pain. Additionally, if you notice a lump in your chest or abdomen, have anemia, have night sweats, have swollen lymph nodes, or have signs of hypercalcemia (abnormally high calcium levels), you should speak to your doctor about testing for myeloma.
However, it is important to know that these symptoms can also be caused by other issues, so a doctor will perform additional tests to confirm a diagnosis of myeloma.
Do you sleep a lot with myeloma?
The answer to that question depends on the individual. Myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the cells in the bones and can cause symptoms such as fatigue and bone pain. As such, many people with myeloma report feeling fatigued and therefore might require more sleep than what they are used to.
However, the amount of sleep needed and how frequently people with myeloma need to sleep can vary significantly from person to person. Some people might need to nap more frequently throughout the day in order to maintain their energy level, whereas others might only require the usual 8 hours of sleep at night.
In addition to feeling more fatigued, people with myeloma may also experience sleep disruption from the pain caused by the disease, changes in medications, or stress from the disease. For some, sleep issues may resolve on their own or with the help of medications and lifestyle changes.
Therefore, it is important to discuss any sleep issues or concerns you are having with your healthcare team and create an individualized plan that works for you.
What is the first symptom of multiple myeloma that a client typically presents with on a visit to the primary care provider?
The first symptom of multiple myeloma that a client typically presents with on a visit to a primary care provider is fatigue. Fatigue due to multiple myeloma is usually more intense and longer lasting than normal fatigue, and is often one of the first signs that something is wrong.
Other common early symptoms include unintentional weight loss, bone pain, frequent infections, and anemia. It is important to note that, while some of these symptoms can also be caused by other health issues and are not necessarily indicative of multiple myeloma, if they persist it is essential to speak to a healthcare professional so that appropriate investigations and treatment can be initiated.
Which of the following is the most common presenting symptom for patients with multiple myeloma?
The most common presenting symptom for patients with multiple myeloma is anemia. Anemia is a symptom that occurs when a person’s blood has low levels of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin, the molecule that carries oxygen in the blood.
Symptoms of anemia may include fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, and coldness in the hands and feet. Other common symptoms associated with multiple myeloma include bone pain, kidney problems, increased susceptibility to infections, hypercalcemia (elevated levels of calcium in the blood), and neurological symptoms such as confusion and difficulty concentrating.
Where does multiple myeloma usually start?
Multiple myeloma usually starts in the bone marrow, which is the spongy material found in the center of most bones. This is where new blood cells, including white blood cells, are made. In people with multiple myeloma, a cancerous change occurs in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell.
These mutated cells begin to reproduce and accumulate in the bone marrow. Eventually, they crowd out normal plasma cells and other healthy cells. This can lead to serious complications, including bone pain, infection, and kidney problems.
What happens to your body when you have multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is an incurable cancer of the plasma cells that affects the bones and gradually affects the body’s immune system. It is generally considered to be incurable and progresses over time, although with new medical treatments, more people are able to live longer with a much better quality of life.
The early symptoms of multiple myeloma include bone pain, bone fractures, weakness, and fatigue. As the cancer progresses, symptoms can become more pronounced and can include infection, anemia, kidney failure, and neurological changes.
Eventually, multiple myeloma can lead to death due to the spread of the cancer to other organs or due to complications from the weakened immune system.
When it comes to specific changes in the body, multiple myeloma affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. Plasma cells are cells in the body that produce antibodies to boost the body’s immune system. As the number of these plasma cells grow, they produce abnormal proteins, known as myeloma proteins or M proteins.
These abnormal proteins interfere with the production of healthy cells. As the number of abnormal proteins increases, they accumulate in the bone marrow and prevent it from producing healthy cells. This can lead to anemia, weaken the bones, and eventually interfere with the production of antibodies, leading to a weakened immune system.
The treatments for multiple myeloma focus on reducing the number of abnormal cells and controlling the progression of the cancer. Depending on the extent of the cancer, treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplant, and bisphosphonate therapy.
As treatments vary from person to person it is important to talk to your doctor about the most effective and least invasive treatments for your individual situation.
