Symptoms
People with myeloma may have no symptoms other than they tire more easily and lack energy.
Bone Pain
Back or rib pain, in 70% of myeloma pain, is frequently the first reason for seeking medical attention. Physiotherapists or chiropractors may be consulted by the patient before a diagnosis is made and fragile bones may break during therapy. Sudden severe pain can be a sign of bone breakage. Band-like or pain along a nerve tract is a sign of possible spinal cord impression, a serious complication requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment. Spinal cord compression due to collapse of vertebra or tumor formation may produce severe spasms and back pain. Multiple compression fractures may culminate in a painless upper back curve and loss of as much as six inches of height.
Frequent Infections (Including Cold & Flu)
Colds and influenzas are more frequent, harder to get over and often require antibiotics. When medical help is required Pneumococcal pneumonia is the common infection associated with myeloma, other bacteria, such as streptococci and staphylococci, are now frequently isolated. “Shingles” (herpes zoster) infection also occurs.
Fatigue
Anemia (low hemoglobin due to fewer red blood cells being made) cause fatigue and shortness of breath on exertion reinforce a feeling of being tired.
Kidney Function
Kidney function can be affected by both the release of calcium salts and increased protein filtered by the kidney causing renal damage.
Nausea, Thirst, Tiredness & Constipation
myeloma causes bone destruction resulting in excessive calcium released into the blood stream, traditionally present in 30% of the patients at diagnosis. Symptoms of tiredness, thirst, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, restlessness, difficulty in thinking, confusion, and increased urine production are other signs. Increased calcium is less of a problem today at diagnosis, possibly due to earlier diagnosis.
Neuropathy
Numbness, tingling or pain in the hands and/or feet caused by a condition called "peripheral neuropathy"; Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common complication of myeloma.
Unusual Symptoms
High myeloma protein levels can cause problems such as bruising, nose bleeding, hazy vision, headaches, gastrointestinal bleeding, sleepiness, and a variety of neurological symptoms.
