Reply to @1oldsoul

When I first started this journey, I based my Hematology questions on ashpublications article on How to manage MGUS
Awhile back, I did contact the people running this study...... clinicaltrials study NCT04731844 but was told I couldn't participate without going to NY for testing. They didn't respond to my other questions on their curcumin specifics.

One of the reasons my hematologist/oncologist gave for not recommending the bone biopsy was my κ/λ ratio of 0.8 wasn't that bad. I did mention that I had a recent episode of unexplained back pain, but it had subsided. That is when she recommended the pet scan.
Another concern I have that she seems to ignore is my LDH has always been high. The last test, 18 months ago, was still 193 down from 240 a year earlier, but still high.
I put all my lab results into ChatGPT. Here is it's response....

While there's no guaranteed way to stop the progression of **MGUS** to more serious conditions like **multiple myeloma**, some strategies may help slow the progression or reduce risk factors. Here's an evidence-based approach:

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### **1. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:**
- **Balanced Diet:**
- Focus on an **anti-inflammatory diet** rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (like omega-3s from fish or flaxseed).
- Reduce processed foods, refined sugars, and saturated fats.
- **Stay Hydrated:**
- Adequate hydration supports kidney function, which is important since MGUS can affect the kidneys.
- **Regular Exercise:**
- Engaging in **moderate exercise** (e.g., walking, swimming) for at least **150 minutes per week** can improve overall health and boost the immune system.
- **Strength training** helps maintain bone health, crucial for preventing bone complications common in myeloma.

---

### **2. Manage Underlying Health Conditions:**
- **Control Chronic Diseases:**
- **Diabetes, hypertension, and obesity** may contribute to MGUS progression. Work with your doctor to keep these conditions well-managed.
- **Monitor Kidney Function:**
- Keep an eye on your **creatinine levels** and **GFR** (glomerular filtration rate).

---

### **3. Reduce Inflammation and Oxidative Stress:**
- **Anti-inflammatory Supplements:**
- **Curcumin (Turmeric):** Some studies suggest it may help slow the progression of MGUS due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- **Vitamin D:** Low levels are common in MGUS patients; ensuring adequate intake may reduce progression risk.
- **Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol:**
- Both can increase oxidative stress and inflammation.

---

### **4. Monitor and Manage Infections:**
- Chronic or recurrent infections can strain the immune system and potentially accelerate progression. **Vaccinations** (like flu and pneumonia vaccines) can help prevent infections.

---

### **5. Stress Management:**
- **Chronic stress** can negatively impact the immune system. Practices like **meditation**, **yoga**, and **deep breathing exercises** can help.

---

### **6. Regular Monitoring and Early Intervention:**
- **Follow-up Testing:**
- Regular monitoring of **M protein levels**, **free light chains**, and **LDH** is crucial.
- **Prompt Attention to Symptoms:**
- Report any new symptoms (fatigue, bone pain, infections) to your doctor immediately.

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### **Potential Future Therapies:**
There’s ongoing research into preventive treatments for high-risk MGUS patients, such as:
- **Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs):** May one day be used preventively, but currently, no treatment is standard for MGUS without progression signs.

---

### **Key Takeaway:**
While you can't completely prevent progression, adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing chronic conditions, and staying vigilant about your health can help slow the process. Discuss these strategies with your healthcare provider to tailor an approach that suits your specific situation.

I'm in San Diego and am with Kaiser Senior Advantage HMO plan. I haven't been to any specialty clinics. She did indicate she has quite a bit of MGUS experience and didn't recommend that I get a second opinion. I could tell her frustration with big pharma not devoting resources to work on treatments that don't have enough of a return on investment. I do subscribe to IWMF . They seem to have very high hopes on finding a cure soon.
I have been using NIR as an overall cell treatment for about a year now.