Fatigue & Smoldering Myeloma

Posted by molly1218 @molly1218, Aug 31 4:07pm

Hi All,
I am new to the forum, happy to be here.
I have been Smoldering since 2023 and have been experiencing extreme fatigue.
Wondering if anyone else is experiencing this. I have low rbc, hemoglobin, and hemocrit (spell??)

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Blood Cancers & Disorders Support Group.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 12 11:23am

In reply to @molly1218 "Thank you everyone for your replies!" + (show)

@molly1218, you may be interested in these related discussions about fatigue in the Blood Cancers & Disorders support group:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/blood-cancers-disorders/
You can use the group search to find existing discussions related to your questions.

There's also this discussion the Cancer: Managing Symptoms support group:
- Fatigue and cancer treatment: How do you cope?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/fatigue-in-cancer-treatment/

How are you managing with pacing yourself and coping with fatigue?

molly1218 | @molly1218 | Sep 12 1:06pm

In reply to @colleenyoung "@molly1218, you may be interested in these related discussions about fatigue in the Blood Cancers &..." + (show)

@colleenyoung thank you Colleen!

molly1218 | @molly1218 | Oct 14 7:30am

Can someone please help me understand if my anemia is from smoldering myeloma?
I have low rbc, hemoglobin, and hemocrit (spell?). I have a good oncologist but he doesn’t feel it’s from the SMM.
I have had iron infusions and my iron and ferritin are both good.
I also have severe spinal stenosis so I’m on medication for that. As well as other medications.
They want me to look elsewhere trying to resolve the anemia, like a colonoscopy.
If someone can help me understand, I would sure appreciate it. As I have fatigue every day and would like to better understand if my SMM is the cause (which I think it is).

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Oct 14 12:32pm

In reply to @molly1218 "Can someone please help me understand if my anemia is from smoldering myeloma? I have low..." + (show)

@molly1218 I see you already have a discussion going about fatigue and smoldering myeloma. I have asked a moderator to incorporate this thread in to that one, so we can get a wider range of responses.

There are several forms of anemia, and figuring out what form you are experiencing, is crucial to how to handle it! I know, as both a multiple myeloma patient and dialysis patient [not related to my myeloma] Here is a link to an article from Mayo Clinic, that discusses several types of anemia: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351360. For me, years ago, I had severe anemia, and it was due to uterine fibroids that were bleeding. Now, as a dialysis patient, we monitor my iron levels, iron stores, and how my body is using the sources of iron. I take chelated iron capsules twice a day. And am careful about my diet, to make sure it is adequate.
Ginger

Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Oct 14 2:51pm

In reply to @molly1218 "Can someone please help me understand if my anemia is from smoldering myeloma? I have low..." + (show)

Hello @molly1218,

As @gingerw mentioned, I combined your new discussion on smoldering myeloma and anemia with your existing discussion titled:

"Fatigue & Smoldering Myeloma"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/fatigue-smoldering-myeloma/

shmerdloff | @shmerdloff | Oct 14 4:34pm

In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hello @molly1218, As @gingerw mentioned, I combined your new discussion on smoldering myeloma and anemia with..." + (show)

How about a bone marrow aspiration? I assume your looking only at bloodwork?

kjoed53 | @kjoed53 | Oct 15 7:38am

In reply to @molly1218 "Can someone please help me understand if my anemia is from smoldering myeloma? I have low..." + (show)

@molly1218
I'm going to give you my honest opinion and I'm doing so out of concern for you.
I'm not sure why you are ruling out the other causes of anemia when your oncologist has already given you his opinion. He has more experience with SMM than anyone here, and he is looking at your blood work on a regular basis. I know it's concerning to hear that you may have another issue to deal with, but please help yourself by taking his advice. You're not going to feel better until you know the cause.

amberl99 | @amberl99 | Oct 15 8:01am

In reply to @molly1218 "Can someone please help me understand if my anemia is from smoldering myeloma? I have low..." + (show)

@molly1218
I have low wbc, rbc, platelets, hemaglobin. I received two iron infusions which raised my ferritin and hbg and helped me feel better. I had a colonoscopy to rule that cause out. It’s a good idea to do in case that contributes and can be treated. I think SMM and the struggle inside my bone marrow is reflected in my low levels and how I feel. But honestly, until it’s bad enough, they do nothing. My myeloma specialist (get one if you don’t have one) said I had anemia but not myeloma crab criteria anemia. So I don’t feel well but I’m not sick. We just putter along. I am mindful with my nutritious diet, exercise when I can, and live however my body says I can that day.

molly1218 | @molly1218 | Oct 15 8:31am

In reply to @amberl99 "@molly1218 I have low wbc, rbc, platelets, hemaglobin. I received two iron infusions which raised my..." + (show)

@amberl99 thank you!

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