Although I am now a multiple myeloma patient, and on treatment for that since 2021, reading the stories here makes me wonder. Officially I was diagnosed with MGUS in 2017, progressed to SMM in 2018, and to MM in 2019. But before all of that, back even to the late 1990s, my iron was low and labs were inconclusive. Doctors said it was due to my fibroid tumors, and I had a hysterectomy in January 1999. But truly, I have been wondering if it was MGUS all that time, as there was no testing done. My insurance was an employer sponsored HMO, notorious for not looking into special testing [that might cost more money!] I had no clue about MGUS and all.

That said, it is so important for us to be our own healthcare advocates. In these times of bountiful accurate information available to us, it is imperative we educate ourselves! Not be scared, and take into account our own best healthcare interest. Yes, even when that means being a "thorn in the side" of our medical team!

Just reflecting here today, and wondering how things might have been different years ago, for me....
Ginger