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PMR and MGUS/SSM/MM multiple myeloma

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Sep 13 5:36pm | Replies (11)
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@khowe2000

I simply wanted to post here because you are the first person I have come across that has had compression fractures and has also been diagnosed with MGUS. I also was slightly above osteopenia level on DEXA, not quite there yet, so I began my quest to find out why the compression fractures keep happening to me, none of my 3 (or more) were due to any trauma, just ordinary activity. Super painful, and they can take a long time to heal. Very much interferes in daily life, especially for the first 2 weeks or so, and since learning that that was what happened the first time, I have known the following two times that was what had occurred.

This is the first I have heard of PMR, so far no Dr has thought this a possibility. Interesting. I do have many of the symptoms, but this still does not indicate why my spine continues to fracture or compress. I had no treatment other than some chiropractic treatment during some of the times of fractures - and I wouldn't really recommend that.

Sometimes it is helpful just to know you are not alone, thanks for sharing your journey.

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Replies to "I simply wanted to post here because you are the first person I have come across..."
menetski4 | @menetski4 | Sep 12 5:22pm

When I asked my oncology nurse practitioner about the relationship of vertebral compression fractures and MGUS she shrugged her shoulders and basically said there was no correlation. Yet the International Myeloma Foundation has a brochure on “Myeloma-Induced Vertebral Compression Fractures”. I think there is more than we are aware of on the spectrum of this illness. Bottom line is how do you feel. It seemed like it took a year for my thoracic fracture to heal, mostly because I could not immobilize my upper back like you might have done with, say, an arm fracture.
The area of my thoracic still hurts with some movements, like dead lifting a canoe 🙂 I am guessing that some compression fractures do not heal smoothly. So they might remain problematic with certain activities, like sleeping on your back for hours.
Sometimes I wonder if I will ever have the confidence of wearing a backpack again.
Most of the time I am grateful. I have learned about Pain Reprocessing Therapy which has been a blessing for so many reasons.
Dimmer days have led me to believe that every day is a gift.

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