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Does anyone else have severe spine pain, and chronic depression?
Spine Health | Last Active: Jun 19, 2023 | Replies (11)Comment receiving replies
I appreciate everything that you have said and I completely agree. My Oncologist told me a couple of years ago that if I have any questions regarding my Smoldering Myeloma do not try to find any answers on the internet for the exact reasons you have mentioned. I have had Smoldering Myeloma for just over 5 years now and at my last 6 month check up which was last week there still was no progression towards MM and I am grateful. My red and white blood cells are not normal especially the white blood cell count but the M protein has not increased and is stable. I will let you know what the Seattle Spine Institute has to say.
Have a good evening,
John J
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Replies to "I appreciate everything that you have said and I completely agree. My Oncologist told me a..."
Hello @minneapolis123. So many seasoned members have joined you to share what I can easily say collectively we all felt while reading your first post. Living with chronic pain often results in depression and feeling like you've hit a wall when it comes to what your options are going forward. I am happy to read the thoughts of @johnbishop @gingerw and @naturegirl5 really is a great reminder of why connecting with others during times of grief and despair can be so powerful.
You will notice I have included your post in the Spine Health Support Group as well as updated the title to bring in more members who may be able to share their experiences with you to address your severe spine pain.
We are all eagerly waiting to hear more about your call with the Seattle Spine Institute. Did you reach anyone over the weekend or this morning?
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@minneapolis123 Your oncologist may be familiar with someone at the Spine Institute to have you check with. Are you a patient at Fred Hutch Cancer Center? I know a couple other people who go there.
It's a small world. I have active multiple myeloma. Being 5 years into your SMM journey, you are beating the curve! Here is what the Int'l Myeloma Foundstion has to say about progression of SMM into MM:
"Ten-percent (10%) per year for the first five years
Three-percent (3%) per year for the next five years
One to two-percent (1-2%) per year for the next 10 years.
The standard of care for SMM is not to treat the patient but to "watch and wait." "
Being the over-achiever that I am, I went from MGUS to SMM to active MM in 24 months! Add to that a long-distance move changing residence, and major progression of my chronic kidney disease [not related to MM], and it set me up for depression and set me back on my heels. Thank the heavens for a dear friend who guided me to my oncologist, a stellar nephrologist who has my case, and this Mayo Clinic Connect forum for helping me stay sane.
We are here to support and assist each other. What works for one may not be of complete benefit to another, But being able to share our experiences and offer a suggestion is simply so cool and can be so comforting. Don't you agree?
Ginger