Myeloma Symptoms

Symptoms of myeloma show when there is a release of an antibody called paraprotein which, alongside the build up of the abnormal cells, causes medical issues. The symptoms may include the below;

· Pain within the bones, this can also lead to myeloma bone disease

· Bones easily breaking

· Bruising or bleeding easily

· Fatigue

· Anaemia (when your red blood cells decrease) which causes tiredness and/or becoming short of breath

· Repeat infections

· Damage to kidneys

· Pins and needles in your limbs

· Numbness or unusual feelings in your hands and/or feet

Please note not all patients will experience all symptoms, however if you have any concerns, it is important you contact your GP to discuss them.

For patients who are concerned about relapse after treatment, it is important to note that some of the symptoms which occur might not be the same as the symptoms you initially had. So again, it is important to speak with your healthcare team if you have any concerns.

The following websites offer more explanation on myeloma symptoms:

Macmillan Cancer Support: · What is myeloma? | Macmillan Cancer Support

Myeloma UK: · Symptoms & complications - Myeloma UK

How are symptoms and complications managed?

Not everyone will have all or any of these symptoms and complications, but if you experience any of them, there is support available to help you manage them. Supportive treatments are commonly used alongside and after anti-myeloma treatment to relieve and, in some cases, help prevent these symptoms and complications.

It can be helpful to keep track of how you’re feeling.

Do symptoms change over time?

Myeloma symptoms vary between patients, with some people having different ones over time. You may not have the same symptoms at relapse as you did at diagnosis.

Early symptoms of myeloma

The symptoms that people often experience at the start of their myeloma are fatigue, pain (including back pain), easily broken bones and recurring infections.

Myeloma symptoms can be quite vague, and early symptoms like back pain can easily be ignored or incorrectly attributed to something else before a diagnosis.

Symptoms and complications at relapse

At relapse, you may have new or worsening symptoms, so it’s important to let your healthcare team know if anything changes. These symptoms and complications might not necessarily be the same as the ones you felt when you were newly diagnosed.

The Trust

Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.