3 Month MGUS Checkup

Posted by natelew @natelew, Sep 13 7:13am

Hello good people of the unknown world of MGUS. So I had my 3 month checkup with bloodwork. My bloodwork appointment was 9:15 and the Dr.’s appointment was 9:30. Had bloodwork done and off the Dr.’s appointment. My appointment lasted a total of 7 mins. The Doctor says your numbers are going up keep up the good work. I do trust my Doctor and his knowledge, but I also trust in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I did mention to my Doctor that I was in this support group with the Mayo Clinic, he said he wished more people would seek support groups. Big KUDOS to the Mayo Clinic.

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

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Sep 14 8:07am

@natelew It's always nice to have a support system as we journey through our health concerns, isn't it? Being able to share our experiences, and listen to others relate what they go through, helps us feel we are not alone. For me, that was the biggest issue, not feeling alone. Even though we belong to the same Club, we each have a unique set of things that we go through. And even though we may have friends or family surrounding us, offering support, it is just not the same as having others around us who share the same basic health issue.

I'm glad your doctor acknowledges the value of support groups. Maybe he will help you draft more patients of his into our Mayo group!

Thank you for sharing. How are your numbers doing? If they are going up, your doctor is still satisfied you remain in an MGUS stage?

Ginger

Patty, Volunteer Mentor | @pmm | Sep 15 9:26am

@natelew wonderful! With such a short appointment did you have questions you thought about later? I do a lot of “oh darn I forgot to ask” as I’m driving home from my appointments.
When do you go back for your next follow up?
Well done!
Patty

natelew | @natelew | Sep 15 11:28am

In reply to @gingerw "@natelew It's always nice to have a support system as we journey through our health concerns,..." + (show)

Hi Ginger, my Doctor only mentioned my hemoglobin numbers which were 10.8. I feel if he isn’t worried neither am I. Thank you for bringing up if I am still in the MGUS stage. Blood work he didn’t order was Assay of Gammaglobin IgA, IgD, IgG or IgM. Kappa- Lambda QNT.

jdm02 | @jdm02 | Sep 15 5:28pm

I agree on the “unknown world”of MGUS. Dx last yr. and my numbers were good in May so will be praying to the same Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for my numbers to remain the same or drop further. I will add you to my list of people I pray for.
I have a friend that was recently dx. with Hairy Cell Leukemia. She has started chemo and it’s been rough on her but she’s tough. Prayers for her also pls.
Stay in touch pls.

natelew | @natelew | Sep 15 7:49pm

Prayers for you and your friend.

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Sep 15 10:23pm

In reply to @natelew "Hi Ginger, my Doctor only mentioned my hemoglobin numbers which were 10.8. I feel if he..." + (show)

@natelew Many times a doctor might hold off ordering more definitive tests since you are in the MGUS stage. It might be considered "overkill" at this point, and actually not be approved by insurance with only an MGUS diagnosis. It's good to have the confidence in your doctor!
Ginger

christina3444 | @christina3444 | Sep 16 11:55am

In reply to @pmm "@natelew wonderful! With such a short appointment did you have questions you thought about later? I..." + (show)

Not only is my memory not what it once was but, despite respecting and liking my MD and PA, that “white coat syndrome” not only effects my BP it also seems to effect my memory!
My solution is to set up a Note on my phone and between appointments I make a list of questions I have for them. After the preliminaries I ask all my questions. Works well for me.

Patty, Volunteer Mentor | @pmm | Sep 17 9:14am

In reply to @christina3444 "Not only is my memory not what it once was but, despite respecting and liking my..." + (show)

@christina3444
Excellent idea! I always take my husband to my appointments because he is relentless when he wants a question answered. So I may ask the question, but he will ensure that we cover the details and then he will also remember what was said in the room.
It’s like I have amnesia. I actually think it’s selective hearing. I only hear the things I want to hear.

christina3444 | @christina3444 | Sep 17 11:09am

In reply to @pmm "@christina3444 Excellent idea! I always take my husband to my appointments because he is relentless when..." + (show)

LOL! Absolutely understand. Once I hear something that concerns me, scares me or surprises me my hearing seems to stop working! Or, maybe it is a form of amnesia.
Maybe I should learn how to record on my phone and just start recording it all?
What I also do is go online to the Mayo Patient Portal and review the notes/record of each visit.
My grandmother would have told you I have selective hearing, especially when she asked me to do the dishes😉

Patty, Volunteer Mentor | @pmm | Sep 17 12:02pm

@christina3444
Yes! All my children had selective hearing, but it appears that it is genetic. 😉

Please sign in or register to post a reply.