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Does anyone else have MGUS?

Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Jun 15 7:51am | Replies (774)

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@canadabob

Hi all,

I was diagnosed with MGUS three and a half years ago by a neurologist who doesn't seem to want to refer me to a hematologist.

I see my family doctor next week. Should I ask/ insist on a referral to a hematologist?

Thanks

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Replies to "Hi all, I was diagnosed with MGUS three and a half years ago by a neurologist..."

Hi @canadabob since you’re already in the MGUS support group you’ve most likely seen some of the information I’m posting below but it never hurts to get a refresher:

MGUS~Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a condition in which an abnormal protein — known as monoclonal protein or M protein — is in your blood.

For most people it doesn’t pose a problem but it can progress into more serious diseases.
We have quite a few members in our forum who have also been diagnosed with MGUS. I’m posting several links to discussions on MGUS below, along with Mayo Clinic’s webpage on MGUS.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mgus/symptoms-causes/syc-20352362
~~~~
– MGUS: Please, let me know I not alone https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mgus-2d464e/

– MGUS diet: Any tips on food to enjoy or prevent progression? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mgus-bgus-diet/

MGUS is a generally slowly developing blood condition but it’s still important to have regular bloodwork done to keep tabs on any progression.
A hematologist would be the better option than your neurologist as they specialize in blood disorders.
My suggestion is to followup with your PCP to see if it’s time to get that referral.
Have you experienced any changes such as
Bone pain,
Fatigue or weakness
Unintentional weight loss
Fever or night sweats
Headache, dizziness, nerve pain, or changes in vision or hearing
Bleeding
Anemia or other blood abnormalities
Swollen lymph nodes, liver or spleen?

Acanadabob I typed out a reply and then it got lost in the etherworld! Go figure.

I would definitely ask for a referral to a hematologist/oncologist. There is most often a slow-to-no progression beyond MGUS into a more serious condition, but it bears monitoring. And is best monitored by a specialist.

Did your neurologist ever mention why they are opposed to you seeing a specialist? Hopefully you have access to the tests that determined the MGUS three years ago, so they can be used for comparison to any current labwork that might be done now.
Ginger

Hello Bob,
I would think that a hematologist/oncologist would be the definitive expert for you. MGUS is not cancer but it is definitely a blood anomaly that has the potential to morph into cancer. While the statistics of that happening are favorable to us and unfavorable to Multiple Myeloma, we must protect ourselves as best we can by getting diagnostic bloodwork done on a regular basis. The results are complicated so I want the most experienced hem/onc doctor I can find to read those results and advise me.
For the first almost three years I got quarterly blood draws but have “graduated” to every six month draws just recently because my numbers have been stable. There are members in this forum that have MGUS which has not advanced in well over a decade, and those who have had a quick progression to smoldering Multiple Myeloma or Multiple Myeloma. We all wish you disease stability, but encourage you to find the best health care provider to monitor your blood disorder.
Be picky. I don’t know about where you live and the availability of good Hematologist/oncologists in your area, but find an experienced one who will be patient with all your questions and be vigilant about monitoring you for progression of your disorder. Make sure you get a referral from your PCP. In my experience they know very little about blood disorders. Luckily, my own freely admitted that she does not and referred me right away. Finding the right doctor is sometimes luck-if-the-draw, but read recommendations and look at training credentials.
Finally try to keep a glass half-full perspective. MGUS is a strange duck that can be without any symptoms at all. I go about my life and travel, do things with husband friends and aside from some neuropathy in my feet (which is probably attributable to diabetes but who knows) I have no other symptoms. Enjoy life. Have fun. Worry about those things over which you have control.
I wish you all the best.
Patty