@4kleo
Welcome to the Mayo Clinic Connect blood disorders group. I was diagnosed, like most are, with MGUS "incidentally" when they were looking at something else. I am 3 1/2 years post-diagnosis. Just being referred to a hematologist/oncologist is enough to take the wind out of your sails for sure.
I think that your question is one that we all have asked in one form or another on our MGUS journey. I think it's a very good question to ask your hematologist/oncologist. The reason I say this is that we are all so different. Some have coexisting conditions that complicate our journey. Overall health is something that your doctor will look at and determine what the benchmarks might be. Do you have symptoms? Although MGUS is typically symptom-free, many of us do suffer from peripheral neuropathy. So the strategy for dealing with your MGUS will be different for you than it is for me or anybody else on this forum.
I'm so glad you found us. Many of our MGUS members have had this blood disorder for decades, even multiple decades. Although I was very anxious initially, I am much less so now and live my life without worrying too much about my MGUS.
I have a few suggestions. Stay out of Dr. Google because a lot of the information is outdated. There have been many gains in the treatment of multiple myeloma and blood disorders in general over the last decade.
If you haven't already, find the right doctor. You want someone who treats blood disorder patients every day and you want one who will answer all your questions. write them down and take them with you when you go for your appointments. Hopefully, you have someone who can go with you to appointments to take notes and listen carefully to what your doctor has to say as if you're like I am, there's so much information that comes so fast it's difficult to absorb it all.
The typical strategy with MGUS is watchful waiting. That's a bit maddening for people who like to take the bull by the horns, and there are things you could do to maximize your overall health. Ask to be referred to a neurologist who might be able to prescribe some medication for your neuropathy. Exercise, even with accommodation for those things that you can no longer do with comfort. Eat healthy and most importantly, live your life fully every day. Don't let this define you.
When do you go back to your doctor again and do you believe that you found the right fit for you?