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Diagnosed with MGUS and CHIP with M spike

Posted by mattymatilda @mattymatilda, Jun 14 7:42pm

For the last couple of years hematologist thought I had polycythemia. Today I was just diagnosed with MGSU and Chip..

Anybody else here diagnosed with both and do you know if that is common? Would love any experiences you’ve had with either.

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slkanowitz | @slkanowitz | Jun 15 9:15am

CHIP (clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential) is a type of excess blood cell production by the bone marrow caused by a genetic mutation in the DNA, either inherited or acquired later related to aging. It’s similar to MGUS ( monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) which causes the M spike reflectinng abnormal proteins produced by plasma cells that form antibodies. MGUS is common and CHIP is a rather new kid on the block. The Dana Farber organization is doing a lot of research on CHIP and you can find a good article at blog.dana-farber.org on CHIP. I am guessing that having both is uncommon. Both conditions require monitoring of blood counts every 3-6 months and both are associated with increased inflammation. Both are precursors to blood cancers but at a very low incidence. Antiplatelet therapymay be warranted if the overproduction is of red cells, making the blood thicker and more likely to clot.
The good news is that no treatment is needed as long as blood counts remain stable.

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1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 18 hours ago

@mattymatilda, I hope you saw the helpful post from @slkanowitz. How are you doing? What recommendations has your hematologist recommended for you? Next steps?

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1 reply
mattymatilda | @mattymatilda | 8 hours ago
In reply to @colleenyoung "@mattymatilda, I hope you saw the helpful post from @slkanowitz. How are you doing? What recommendations..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

@mattymatilda, I hope you saw the helpful post from @slkanowitz. How are you doing? What recommendations has your hematologist recommended for you? Next steps?

Jump to this post

Hi. No, I did not see a reply and I’m not sure how to find it.

REPLY
mattymatilda | @mattymatilda | 8 hours ago
In reply to @slkanowitz "CHIP (clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential) is a type of excess blood cell production by the..." + (show)
@slkanowitz

CHIP (clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential) is a type of excess blood cell production by the bone marrow caused by a genetic mutation in the DNA, either inherited or acquired later related to aging. It’s similar to MGUS ( monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) which causes the M spike reflectinng abnormal proteins produced by plasma cells that form antibodies. MGUS is common and CHIP is a rather new kid on the block. The Dana Farber organization is doing a lot of research on CHIP and you can find a good article at blog.dana-farber.org on CHIP. I am guessing that having both is uncommon. Both conditions require monitoring of blood counts every 3-6 months and both are associated with increased inflammation. Both are precursors to blood cancers but at a very low incidence. Antiplatelet therapymay be warranted if the overproduction is of red cells, making the blood thicker and more likely to clot.
The good news is that no treatment is needed as long as blood counts remain stable.

Jump to this post

Hello, thank you so much for your reply. You answered some of my questions. Yes, my hematologist said I had chip and MGUS. I was also diagnosed with polycythemia and chronic anemia 2 years ago. I’m currently undergoing injection treatment for SLE, which is lupus. So much going on.
my hematologist referred me to another hematologist oncologist. I’m nervous about going to my appointment on Friday. He’s located in another city about 40 miles from me. Thank you for your input. I appreciate anyone sharing their experiences or knowledge with me.

REPLY
1 reply
mattymatilda | @mattymatilda | 8 hours ago
In reply to @mattymatilda "Hello, thank you so much for your reply. You answered some of my questions. Yes, my..." + (show)
@mattymatilda

Hello, thank you so much for your reply. You answered some of my questions. Yes, my hematologist said I had chip and MGUS. I was also diagnosed with polycythemia and chronic anemia 2 years ago. I’m currently undergoing injection treatment for SLE, which is lupus. So much going on.
my hematologist referred me to another hematologist oncologist. I’m nervous about going to my appointment on Friday. He’s located in another city about 40 miles from me. Thank you for your input. I appreciate anyone sharing their experiences or knowledge with me.

Jump to this post

Yes, I forgot to mention my hematocrit is always high. I have had a couple phlebotomies thus far.

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