#then they’ll do the biopsy

[iliveinprocrasti-nationn]

pro: there’s a chance of it being a false negative, but so far it looks benign

con: this means that my eating issues, lack of energy, etc have no answers

[kleefkruid]

Little timeline for the people out of the loop about why I had surgery today:

I got a routine pap smear

This showed HPV was present, several types actually

I then had to go to the gynaecologist, where they have a more thorough of the crevix to see if a biopsy is needed. Before the examination was started I was informed that bc of the type of (agressive) HPV I had, she was going to go straight ahead and do the biopsy.

the biopsy was 3 snips, this was was not under sedation but hooh boy did I wish it was.

The snips of tissue were send to a lab to check for irregularities, this was last week

Yesterday I was with Danny when I got a phonecall from the hospital that I had cells that were not looking good, and basically there’s stages to this and they were in the stage before (potentially) turning into cancer.

I was then informed they had to be removed as soon as possible because well, don’t want to give them the chance to turn into cancer. and by as soon as possible they meant the very next day, today

So today I got a conization of the crevix under general anesthesia

the tissue they removed goes to the lab again and in two weeks they’ll be able to confirm if they got all of it

So yeah don’t forget to get your pap smear guys!

[kickthecan-revolution]

So a little curveball. My oncologist told me that there’s a tiny spot under my nipple that hasn’t grown but hasn’t shrunk, so they want to do a biopsy on it just in case it’s something. I asked if it was cancer, why it wouldn’t have shrunk and she said the only reason is that it would be a different kind of cancer, though that would be rare. I had a flash of panic and despair and was so thankful Michela was there who asked several questions when I couldn’t. I bounced back and was able to ask a few more of my own- basically, if it is cancer, they want to know so they can remove it during the surgery. “We just want you to go in once so you know, we don’t look dumb.” and we all we laughed. It’s small.

As I was getting hooked up, I was emotional at the thought of another biopsy but M helped me reframe it. “This way we’ll know, it’s not going to require more chemotherapy, it’s likely nothing and if it’s something, they’ll just remove it in surgery. “ remembering what the doctor said, helping me tell others in a way that’s not frightening.

I’m so used to not having people in my really personal spaces, that having them here feels miraculous. Weird, but miraculous.

Round 5 +1d. I’m back on my routine and I will stay on it. I needed that rebellion to reset - so here we go and then one more after this. I’ll deal with this biopsy. I’m still on track to be cancer-free, I am not allowing this development to swirl in my mind, it can be there in the front yard but it’s not going through the gate. I’m not allowing it.

[crippleprophet]

i hope this is okay to ask, really sorry if it's not!! i was wondering if u or ur followers have any tips for getting a doctor to actually do tests (i can't get a different doctor), or if anyone has better understanding than me of the wording and tests used for fnd

i have a neuro appointment at the end of the month and from our one previous appointment he's already decided i have fnd even tho my symptoms don't particularly fit (and like.. he said i had positive hoovers when he also said i have near normal strength? all the things i have read about hoovers sign talk about it with people who have one very weak limb and other limb with normal strength. he also said i have "give way" weakness but it wasn't that i could hold my limbs up and then collapsed under gentle touch; i could push back for a few seconds but then would be weaker and buckle because my weakness gets worse with exertion. i dunno if he's using these things correctly because from what i can read it doesn't sound like the typical ways it's used but i also can't read a lot before getting triggered). i want to get a EMG with repetitive nerve stimulation because my GP thinks i have seronegative myasthenia gravis, and would like to get a muscle biopsy to look at other neuromuscular causes like MD or mito, but i have no idea how to get him to order these. in the time since my first appointment with him i realised i have scapular winging and that that's probably the causes of my neck and shoulder nerve pain and i know from an old CT that i have loss of cervical lordosis so am hoping that maybe?? bringing up these structural changes in the areas i get a lot of my muscular symptoms Might help convince him it's not functional but i don't have a ton of hope. i'm bringing support people with me but other than that and saying things like "to rule out" rather than "because i think i have" when asking for tests do u have any advice?? or knowledge on the fnd things? i am So Scared for the appointment shshdhdjdj

oh god i’m so fucking sorry you’re dealing with this, that’s such bullshit. i think emphasizing that your GP wanted the EMG is the aspect that’s most likely to be effective, if possible you could also try to get your GP to send the neuro a letter listing the tests they want ordered (which could include ones you propose). i think the fact that your gp is considering seronegative MG is a really good sign so i hope they’ll advocate for you!

idk if you’re in a system / situation where you can go to a different neuro but if that’s a possibility i strongly recommend you consider it. i’ll get into this more in a second but the fact that he’s framing your symptoms through the lens of these signs & that he invoked fnd without conducting any tests is a strong indication that he’s going to push an fnd diagnosis no matter what your test results actually say.

the strength signs aren’t “my area” so to speak so i’ve called in a consult with my gf who is a med student planning on going into neuro :)

so both of these signs are bullshit because they exist as a metric of whether or not to invalidate someone’s symptoms, which it seems like is exactly what your neurologist is trying to do to you. so for me the issue is less how he’s using these signs than the fact that he’s using them, if that makes sense

hoover’s sign is technically defined based on how you’re moving your body rather than muscle strength but some doctors may use it in that form. it’s generally like “your right leg moved when i had you move your left leg so i’ve decided you’re lying about your right leg being paralyzed,” so it’s weird that he’s using it in a context where you’re not telling him you’re paralyzed but it doesn’t mean he’s necessarily acting outside the bounds of the test as it has been constructed, if that makes sense

what you describe you doing – pushing back for a second & then not being able to – is how “give way” weakness is defined; the example you described of holding a limb up & then collapsing without pushing back would be written as a separate exam finding. so as my gf said, “i don’t think he’s using these terms incorrectly per se, i just dispute the value of them.”

you may have already done this for your first appointment but for what it’s worth a lot of people with myasthenia gravis discuss having strategically worn themselves out immediately before going to the doctor (by talking on the phone, darting their eyes around, etc). obviously this takes a certain level of familiarity with your energy capacity on any given day because you can’t then be too tired to get through the appointment… there are definitely certain risks involved as with any intentional act of making ourselves sicker so it’s up to you whether that’s worth it!

there are also some other get sicker MG tips in another post in my myasthenia gravis tag if you want to check that out!

i’m really sorry again that you’re dealing with this, you deserve compassionate & comprehensive care which imo functional diagnoses are fundamentally at odds with. wishing you the best of luck getting the testing you want asap <333

[klaudia2646]

It’s picture day and little man looks so handsome!

I went to the endodontic doctor today. Long story short, on the 14th of this month I have to go back and they’ll have to do a little surgery through my gums to get the infection and they have to send it to do a biopsy. They already sent some antibiotics and prescribed mouthwash that helps heal the incision faster.

I still have to go to my other appointment this afternoon at 3pm. That one won’t be as bad. Hopefully. I think I want to drink tonight.

[sparkie96]

Chapter Two of “Running Up That Hill”: “Do You Wanna Feel How It Feels” Is Now Live

They had heard everything, Chris tightly gripping the bar next to him as he was forced to listen to every grunt and sound Leon made in that lab. His knuckles cracked and turned white as he listened to Dylan and Dr. Taylor talk about performing a fucking biopsy on Leon. Though, Chris felt a swell of pride as he heard the sound of someone spitting, knowing it was Leon. The sound of Leon’s head hitting a metal surface however, made Chris even more worried. As well as Dr. Taylor’s protests about not injecting Leon with something.

“There, now put him in a cell and close both doors. He wants to act like a prisoner…then he’ll get the full Alcatraz Experience.” Dylan’s voice could be heard saying over the intercom.

What the hell did that entail?

“”Close both doors”?” Claire asked, “…they’re putting him in Solitary Confinement. That’s the only thing I can think of…but what did they give him?”

“They didn’t inject him with T-Virus again,” Jill betted, “They wouldn’t do that just to throw him in “The Hole”.”

“If it’s what I think it is,” Rebecca chimed in, “They probably gave him something related to him being an Omega. That was a form of torture they performed specifically on their Omega inmates, back before that was made illegal.”

“What are they going to do?” Claire asked, stomach churning and Chris could practically hear the anger in her voice, “They’re not going to…”

“Eventually,” was Jill’s cold answer, but it wasn’t anything against Leon, “but not while he’s in Solitary. Most likely they’ll force him to undergo Sensory Deprivation and Isolation. Then, if he’s lucky, he’ll be shot with the hose and left in the air conditioning. I thought I just heard the system kick on.”

“ If he’s lucky, ” Claire repeated with a scoff, “Sick fuck…who the hell is this guy? He bitched about losing his team in Raccoon, but he wasn’t the only one who lost people.”

“He’s dead.” Chris finally ground out between clenched teeth, “We get out of here, I want first dibs.”

[sallysgrancanwrite]

Chapter Seventy-One

Masterlist

The next morning Chloe went with Emma to take Mimi out. She was afraid of her being alone. Michael could hurt Emma just to get at Chloe.

As they walked outside Chloe saw broken car windows in Beth’s car. She was going to be really pissed off.

She went back in and told Beth her car windows had been broken.

Beth was irate. Chloe was right. Beth was not taking this well.

“We all know who did this. Call Tom to come see the damage and arrest Michael” Beth screamed.

“We have no proof he did it, Beth.” Edith said. You know he’ll deny it.”

“I’m so ticked off. Now I have to get two new windows put in. I’ll call my insurance and see what they’ll cover.” Beth said.

“What they don’t cover we will help you with.” said Bob. “We are putting alarms on all our vehicles,” he said.

Beth called her insurance and because she had full coverage they would pay for all but the $500.00 deductible. She could come up with half.

“Don’t worry we’ll cover the other half.” Go take it in and have it done. “ said Edith.

Edith and Chloe followed Beth to the shop to have new windows put in. They had to leave it for the day. They would have to pick it up tomorrow.

Beth was still fuming over it. “Edith can you take me to work? I’m already late.” Beth asked.

“Sure. What time do I need to pick you up?” Edith asked her.

“I’ll get a ride from one of the waitresses.” Beth told her.

When they got home they found out from Bob that a trial date had been set finally. It would be after the holidays.

“It has been set for January 21st,” said Bob. “Just a few more months, Chloe. Justice will be served. I know it. I trust the people to see through his lies. And we have proof of his abuse. Pictures, remember?” Bob said.

“I know, but I’m still afraid he’ll get off somehow.” Chloe said. “Can you help Emma, Edith? I’m taking a hot bath.” Chloe asked. “I need to relax. Who knows what he’ll do now that a date has been set.” Chloe remarked.

“I can watch her for an hour then I have a doctor appointment. “ Edith said.

“I won’t be long.” Chloe said.

When she came back down Edith was just getting ready to leave. Chloe had been in the bath longer than she thought.

“Are you okay Edith? You aren’t sick are you?”” Chloe asked.

“It’s nothing, I'll talk to you later. I have to run.” Edith told her.

Chloe was worried. Edith never went to the doctor. Could something be wrong, she wondered.

Chloe started helping Emma with her hand writing.

“Let’s do the alphabet first, both big and little letters.” Chloe told Emma.

“”Okay Momma. Can I have something to drink please?” Emma asked.

“Yes, but get busy with your work.” Chloe told her.

Chloe hurried to get the juice for Emma so she could fill out the divorce papers.

“Here you go. While you work on your alphabet Mommy has to fill some papers out.” Chloe told her.

Chloe had always dreamed of marrying someone and growing old together. Michael destroyed that dream. Now she was having to file for divorce. She hated that. But it was what needed to happen for not only her but for Emma. She didn’t need to be living in a violent home.

Edith got back home and looked concerned.

“Is everything alright Edith? You look upset.” Chloe asked her.

“ I’m fine. I just need to lay down for a bit. I’m just tired.” Edith told her. “Could you make a pie for supper Chloe?” She asked.

“Sure. Peach okay or would you like something else?” Chloe replied.

“Peach is fine. I’ll be up in a bit.” Edith replied.

Bob went to check on Edith. It wasn’t like her to lay down and nap.

“Edith honey, are you okay? Did the biopsy come back yet?” Bob asked her sitting on the bed next to her.

“I’m just tired sweetheart. Yes, the biopsy came back. Bob, it’s positive for breast cancer. But they say they caught it very early. I need surgery.” Edith said as she started to tear up. “We’ll tell the girls at supper.” she continued.

“It’s going to be okay. I just know it. They may be able to get it all in surgery. Let’s try not to worry.” Bob told her as he leaned in and kissed her. “I’ll help Chloe with supper, you just rest.”

Deep inside this was killing Bob, but he didn’t want Edith to see him worried or scared. He needed to be strong for her.

Bob came into the kitchen to help Chloe wip something up for supper. He found that Edith had left out some chicken in the fridge to fry up.

“I’ll fry these up if you want to get some Mac and cheese started and a salad.” Bob told Chloe.

“Sure. Is Edith okay?” asked Chloe. “It’s not like her to be so tired.”

“She’ll be fine after her rest.” replied Bob, knowing he was lying.

As supper was getting done Beth came home.

“How was work?” asked Chloe.

“Busy as heck.” Beth answered. “But the tips were great today so that makes it worth it.”

Edith came down and they all sat down to eat. Bob and Edith were unusually quiet during the meal.

“You two are quiet.” stated Beth. “Is everything okay?”

“We need to talk to you.” Edith started. “A few weeks ago I found a lump on my breast. When I told you that I was visiting relatives I was actually getting a biopsy done. I got the results today. I have cancer.” she said, choking up.

The girls sat stunned. Unable to talk at first.

“How advanced?” asked Beth.

“They say they caught it early, but I need to have surgery, a lumpectomy. They are going to have it scheduled for next week. Hopefully they can get it all.” Edith replied.

Chloe still hadn’t said anything. She couldn’t imagine losing Edith.

“Chloe, you’re quiet.” Edith said.

“I’m just shocked and worried for you.” Chloe said.

“Listen, I believe with how early they caught it that she will pull through.” said Bob, trying to calm everyone’s fears. “Let’s take it a step at a time.”

“Now, who’s hungry for peach pie?” said Edith, changing the subject.

[briarpatch-kids]

Hello, I try not to make a habit of pestering other people online for advice about medical stuff esp. if they have no medical training, I get how exhausting that can be as somebody who is also disabled

But I’ve hit a bit of an odd wall with my doctor, see I’ve been developing worsening vision and ‘electric shocks’ in my neck lately, half my left hand is no longer functional, I have several VERY hallmark symptoms that almost only occur in Multiple Sclerosis

Except the last time I went to a neurologist, they laughed me out the office and told me I was overreacting and that I needed more exercise instead of a spinal tap, because my MRI for my head ‘turned up clear’

My vision problems have been ruled out as being eye related, and my optic nerve looks completely fine, meaning that something else is causing me to go blind. I’ve other symptoms other specialists in those areas can’t find a cause for, such as awful brain fog, joint problems, and severe nausea and fatigue. My neck is getting these ‘zaps’ more frequently as my vision declines, and I’m quite unsure of what to do. I heard that MS can exist in the spine but not show up in the brain on MRI, that’s why spinal taps are required to be certain.

Do you have any advice? I’ve been to so many specialists over the years for medical problems nobody can diagnose, I’m worried if I go see another neurologist, that they’ll look at my record and label me a hypochondriac

Look at getting a muscle biopsy or other testing for mitochondrial disease as eye problems are common in them. (Muscle biopsy is the gold standard but there are less invasive tests like genetic and urine) Also, see a new neurologist if you can, because those are all scary symptoms that even if they're not MS, should be investigated. If they say "oh it's not MS you silly patient!" Then ask them what other things need to be ruled out, because whether MS or not something is happening that's affecting your ability to live and work and it needs to be figured out.

Another thing you can do is ask "what can be done in the meantime" while you're waiting on referrals and test results and stuff. I've found the "I'm scared as hell but also Over Being Sick and want to get back to my life" approach to things seems to get better care from doctors than just "I'm very scared I think something serious is going on" because ableism and doctors believing people want to be sick for some horrible reason (again, ableism) also asking for help "in the meantime" means if it drags on for years before you get diagnosed you gave some kind of care.

I hope you get some answers soon, and I hope that there's a treatment to slow progression or at least support for symptoms.

[bosjess]

Saw the new cardiologist for my heart problems, swelling etc, now he thinks it’s mostly my kidneys and wants me to go to a nephrologist 😃

My mum has had a full hysterectomy now and they’ll have to biopsy to make sure it’s not cancer.

I’m two weeks into my implant/would have started menopause but I don’t really feel different other than my emotions are kind of better? More controllable. I still think about suicide. I think if I killed myself now I’d just surprise people because I’ve been doing better.

I still don’t know why I’m posting here.

[darlingknave]

I don’t really wanna talk about it but I need to tell a couple of folks what’s going on.

I’m not actively dying, but I’m not doing too good. I’ve got some tests on Tuesday to start checking me for pancreatic cancer and so far, according to the labs and such, it’s not great. There’s something Horribly Wrong with my pancreas and possibly (probably) my liver but nobody seems to want to say the C word. I’ve got a CT with contrast, abdominal ultrasound, and more labs this Tuesday and then they’ll talk about doing a biopsy or going in for a closer look.

My blood counts are way down. I’m just not making enough RBCs and platelets to keep going. Hit my knee yesterday (the day before?) on the edge of my desk and this giant balloon happened and I had to mash on it for half an hour to get it to stop. Like when you get blood drawn and a vein blows, and it eggs up, but huge

I’m more than a little freaked out. I’ve gone to the doc twice this month already. We can’t afford this. This is gonna delay my gut stuff. If it’s the Really Bad thing, will they just never put me back together?

Meanwhile I’m still dropping weight and losing hair. I let it grow out a bit so I’m noticing more and more falling out. Probably gonna just buzz it instead of going for the undercut I wanted so I stop noticing the difference between me losing hair and the cats shedding.

I don’t have a sense of impending doom so maybe it’s not that bad. There’s a chance it’s a stone trapped in a duct leftover from when they snatched out my gallbladder a few years back. Gonna hope that’s all it is. The GI and the surgeon seem to disagree on that. The GI thinks it’s the stone, the surgeon keeps bringing up biopsies. I’m gonna let the GI do this thing Tuesday and hope a stone shows up somewhere on some result.

Thing is, that really wouldn’t cause the kind of trouble I’m having. Not to the extent I’m having it. I’m not malnourished enough for organ failure either but I brought up a possible port for TPN. Better to float the idea early on and give them time to consider the option.

Anyway, fingers crossed. If I’m very lucky it’s an easy fix.

[kickthecan-revolution]

These are some things that were beautiful today.

I wore a little dress to the doctor today for my post infusion check up, first time I’ve not worn some kind of leggings/sweatpants in six months. It felt good to feel cute, I love these colors. I’m very anemic which everyone is at this stage so I’m not stressing - the peripheral neuropathy is going to take 4-6 months to heal but it’s so much better than it was, I can handle it. I asked more questions about the next steps - there’s a 33% chance that they’ll find some kind of cancer activity post surgery biopsy. If they do, they just switch to a different infusion that I get every three weeks that will address it. She could see a little fear in my eyes when I asked if it meant more chemo and she said “you will never have to do that again. Of course that’s scary and it’s normal but there is little to no chance of that happening, at least with this situation.” she talked about how normal it is for the emotional flooding and to expect more of it.

I felt my eyes welling up, thanking her. She can’t predict the future but knowing this is almost over is huge. If I can do this, I can do anything.

[sputnikcentury]

If you have insurance, you can request a referral to a dermatologist (hmo) or get an appointment with one directly (ppo) and they will do a full skin check. It’s non-invasive, it takes less than 10 minutes, and they’ll explain why or why not any spots you’re worried about are concerning. At the end, they’ll tell you what your next steps are, whether that’s a biopsy or just a regular follow up.

I was concerned because I had a lot of sun exposure as a kid and a few odd spots - my dermatologist clearly explained why the spots I was worried about weren’t concerning to her, and told me to come back in four years unless anything changed.

Check your specialist visit co-pays. Usually, they’re somewhere between $20 and $50 - a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Ok I’m having a slight mental breakdown about the sun the last couple days (idk what’s happening but every time the sun touches me I get these horrible intrusive thoughts like “I’m not wearing sunscreen, my skin is going to peel off my body, I’m going to get melanoma and die of sun cancer”) so to reassure myself and spread awareness here are the signs of melanoma and when to get it checked by a doctor:

[llanekee]

All my experience has been interwoven with debauchery My insides spliced to fine chunks with a sledgehammer I thought I should become an autopsy surgeon  The sick kind of unstable mortician Only living for my hoard of untrustworthy fascination Just to oppose all the level headed ones with precision As I split apart the cerebrum with a rusted scalpel  Hanging the guts and the blood like an artist

Up on the screen is the reason he stopped trying The taxidermists came and went with gazes wandering I know I’m sicker than they’ll ever be Take apart the parts that matter Preservation skills nonexistent for myself and ardour But they’ll still call me a semi martyr For this brainlessly stained work I do The societal value of death is such an oxymoron

The synonym is hidden in our genes In my genetics, the heritage embedded on my spleen I’ll biopsy my bowels just to take those pieces out And for now I’ll just be splitting his face to bits With these cursed digits I can fold in any way I wish If only you could appeal to my instability Scandal simmering soundly upon the leakage I shouldn’t have become an autopsy surgeon Because I’m not nearly sick enough

-by Lane Key :]

[acnedoctoraustralia]

Why You Should See a Dermatologist For Hair Loss

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in skin, hair and nails. They have spent over a decade in school and learned all sorts of sciencey things, including how to diagnose various skin conditions. They’re also experts at identifying what’s causing a person to lose their hair, and they can prescribe medication or recommend a treatment plan.

In fact, it’s important to see a dermatologist when you start losing your hair. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the more options you have to treat it and halt your hair loss or even regrow lost strands.

Your dermatologist for hair will begin by doing a physical examination of your scalp and the rest of your head. They’ll look for red or flaky areas that might indicate other skin issues such as psoriasis, which can also cause hair loss. They’ll also inspect your nails to see if they’re pitted, which is another sign of psoriasis.

They may also suggest a blood test to assess hormone levels or other deficiencies that could be causing your hair loss. They can also recommend medications that may help stimulate new hair growth or stop further loss, such as minoxidil or finasteride. They may also recommend other treatments such as low-level light therapy, microneedling or a scalp massage with a product like Kerafactor, which is proven to boost growth and restore volume.

While a trichologist is knowledgeable about all things hair, a dermatologist has the medical training to perform an in-depth evaluation and diagnostic tests, such as a scalp biopsy and telogen effluvium analysis, that can be crucial to the best treatment for your specific situation. Plus, they can prescribe oral medications that are more effective at treating certain types of hair loss than a topical product such as minoxidil. And they’re also able to recommend more comprehensive treatments that might include laser or light therapy, injections, and other hair loss solutions such as spironolactone and finasteride. Dermatologists can also recommend cosmetic camouflage products such as Toppik to blend your thinning or balding hair with the rest of your locks and make them appear thicker.

Our Acne Doctor Australia doctors can prescribe medications your family doctor (GP) can’t prescribe. These special medications are the most effective in clearing stubborn acne. Talk to your GP first before making your appointment with us. Ask them for a referral to Acne Doctors at Teledermatologist.

[arunvillivalam]

Top 5 Proven Ways To Care For Multiple Myeloma

Multiple Myeloma, a kind of blood cancer, can be devastating for the patient and their caregivers. It is the third most common blood cancer after lymphoma and leukemia and the most common type of plasma-cell cancer. 

The nature of myeloma is that it keeps changing with time, and so do the needs of the patient. It’s natural for the patient and their loved ones to go through emotional and physical turmoil because of the turbulent nature of myeloma. One rule of the thumb is to cultivate a mindset that accepts change as the norm.

In this article, we help you understand the condition better, so you can take better care of yourself and stay on top of managing myeloma. 

What Is Multiple Myeloma? 

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that’s related to the plasma cells, i.e. the white blood cells (WBC) that are part of your immune system. WBCs produce antibodies that fight infection. Plasma cells grow in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue in the center of your bones.  

Myeloma occurs when the bone marrow produces too many abnormal or cancerous plasma cells that crowd out the healthy plasma cells. The abnormal, cancerous plasma cells make monoclonal protein or M protein, an unwanted antibody protein with no purpose in the body, except to damage it. The cancerous cells clump together and form bone tumors. 

While myeloma starts in the bone marrow, it can spread to multiple parts of the body. 

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Multiple Myeloma? 

There may not be signs of myeloma in the initial states. But you will notice some of the following symptoms in the advanced stages. Watch out for these signs of multiple myeloma. 

Bone pain, especially in your chest and ribs, spine and lower back. 

Frequent infections

Unexplained rapid weight loss

Breathing difficulties

Nausea

Weakness

Tiredness

Mental fogginess

Constipation

Loss of appetite

Excessive thirst

Numbness or tingling sensation in your hands and feet 

Bleeding

Anemia

Fever

Too much calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia)

High levels of protein in the urine

Bone fractures

Kidney damage

You should consult your primary care doctor in Campbell if you have any of the above symptoms. 

What Is The Cause Of Multiple Myeloma? 

There is no known cause of multiple myeloma. However, you may be at a higher risk of myeloma if you meet these conditions:

Advancing age 

Overweight or obese

Male

Family history of multiple myeloma 

Personal history of Monoclonal Gammopathy of unknown significance

Exposure to radiation and harmful chemicals

What Are The Complications Of Multiple Myeloma? 

There are other health complications that are associated with multiple myeloma that include:

Frequent infections

Blood problems such as anemia 

Bone problems such as bone pain, thinning of the bones and broken bones. 

Deteriorated kidney functioning that can lead to kidney failure. 

Diagnosis And Treatment For Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma can be treated when diagnosed early and controlled effectively. Diagnostic tests for myeloma include: 

Blood tests 

Urinalysis

PET CT

X-rays

Bone marrow biopsy 

The doctor will recommend a customized treatment plan based on the patient’s stage of myeloma. It helps in killing cancer cells, tackling bone tumors, managing any kind of infection and reducing inflammation. The treatment options include:

Medications for pain relief

Chemotherapy 

Immunotherapy

Radiation 

Targeted therapy

Stem cell transplant

How To Take Care Of Yourself With Multiple Myeloma 

Multiple myeloma is a progressive condition which worsens with time. If your loved one has multiple myeloma, there will be times when they’ll feel better and times when they’ll feel worse as the symptoms return. 

Here���s what you can do to help your loved one who’s suffering myeloma during their treatment and remission so they can stay healthy. 

Schedule Follow-Up Medical Appointments

When you’re in remission, your doctors and care team will want to observe your health like any changes in your bone pain or looking for any frequent infections.

It’s critical to schedule and attend all your follow-up appointments, which may include blood tests and bone scans to check if your disease is progressing or contained. If your condition is worsening, your doctors will most likely suggest different treatments or follow a different approach to the current treatment plan.

Also, a person with multiple myeloma needs to be regular with their follow-up medical appointments, as they are at a higher risk of getting an infection than those without the condition. Some infections are: 

Urinary tract infections

Blood infection

Pneumonia

Fungal infections or viral infections like influenza 

The doctor will use preventive strategies such as vaccination, medication, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to help lower the risk of infections. 

Adapt to your loved one’s changing care needs

Since multiple myeloma is a progressive disease, the needs of your loved one will also change with the symptoms in that particular cycle. Call your doctor immediately when you notice any abnormality or symptoms. 

As treatment changes as per your loved one’s current condition, you’ll need to keep track of all their medications. 

The various medical procedures can be daunting for your loved one with multiple myeloma. Be an emotional support for them and motivate them to prepare and complete all their treatment procedures. You will need to help them with their daily medications and other routine procedures to help them remain healthy. 

Keep the lines of communication open always and talk in a tone that encourages them to open up about how they’re feeling so you can listen and understand their fears and needs. 

Track their progress and all the health changes and discuss this list with the doctor. 

Recover with a balanced diet

Nutrition is a vital part of multiple myeloma recovery.

Eating timely, well-balanced meals during and after the treatment can significantly improve the way your loved one feels. Proper nutrition will give them the strength, vitality and speed up their recovery process. Include high-quality protein to help your loved one’s body and immune system recover and whole grain to help them maintain their energy levels. 

Eating 5-6 small meals throughout the day will help your loved one stay nourished without overeating. Opt for bland instead of spicy and deep-fried foods. Your loved one can have fruits and vegetables to up their antioxidants intake. They can include healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocado.

Drink adequate water daily, and avoid excess caffeine. Also, avoid or limit alcohol consumption, as excessive drinking can harm your loved one’s immune system. 

Since unexplained rapid weight loss is a symptom of multiple myeloma, the focus should be on keeping a healthy weight. A balanced diet recommended by the doctor will help your loved one from gaining or losing too much weight. 

Exercise with caution 

Multiple myeloma can put your loved one at risk of mobility problems, falls, and fractures. 

Before they start any physical activity and exercise, it’s best to consult the doctor to assess them. The doctor can recommend a customized exercise plan - the kind of exercises they can do, what they must avoid, how many times to exercise in a week, intensity and duration of the exercise. They can also recommend your loved one to work with a physical therapist. 

Manage stress caused by multiple myeloma  

Stress and myeloma go together, and it can make your loved one anxious as they undergo the treatment. Stress isn’t good, especially for people with myeloma, a cancer that damages the bone marrow, which typically boosts the immune system by making antibody producing cells. Stress can make your loved one’s myeloma worse, as it significantly weakens the immune system. 

While it might be hard for your loved one to lower their stress levels on their own, you can help support them in relieving their anxiety. 

Talking to your doctor’s recommended psychiatrist or professional counselor will help your loved one. A lot of patients see the change in their stress levels in the first week of consultation. Ask them about whether your loved one should take an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications. 

Your loved one can have a trusted circle of family members and friends with whom they can share their feelings. 

Sleep is essential for having a relaxed mind and better recovery. If your loved one cannot sleep because of anxiety, your doctor might suggest prescription sleeping pills for a certain period. 

Encourage your loved one to take time to destress everyday through deep breathing techniques, meditation, listening to their soothing and uplifting music, and taking a walk. 

Assure them that what their feeling is normal, and this too shall pass once their treatment is over and they're on their healing path. 

Your support can help your loved one manage their multiple myeloma

Living with multiple myeloma can be challenging. Your support can help your loved one with multiple myeloma stay as healthy as possible. 

Discuss with their doctor about their fears and doubts around multiple myeloma and its effect on their life. The best doctor in Campbell can adjust their medication, diet, enhance their electrolyte and fluid intake, and help them find a psychiatrist for boosting their mental health. 

You can support your loved one to go for follow-up medical appointments, eat a well-balanced diet, get regular exercise as recommended by the doctor, quit smoking and alcohol, rest well, take counseling if required to manage stress and depression, and limit contact with people who are sick.

Your love and support will make it easier for your loved one with multiple myeloma to cope and remain positive throughout the treatment journey and remission period. 

[opha]

traumadumping, disregard

tws: sexual assault, medical abuse, genital-focused language, cancer, all the good stuff.

there’s a very good informational post about pap smears and HPV going around right now that i struggled for roughly an hour with trying to add info to without traumadumping and i evidently could not.

see, i had a very fun pap near the end of last year where my genius pcp decided that she didn’t need to lube the speculum for her patient with fibromyalgia (which means i experience pain on an amplified scale compared to other people) and chronic pelvic pain. i should know better by now than to think when a doctor says something may be uncomfortable, i’m not going to have to grit my teeth to keep from screaming. in her infinite wisdom, my pcp decided getting it done ASAP was more important than listening to me or mitigating my pain in any way, and settled for giving me half-panicked reassurances that “there won’t be any bleeding!”

she left the room looking scared for her job, and good tbh.

from that pap, i got a shiny new high-risk HPV diagnosis. the fun thing? i only could’ve got it from a guy who i’ve never had any sexual contact with, via kissing my HPV-vaccinated girlfriend who had forgotten she’d just given him head. i tried to google around about vaccinated people being able to transmit HPV from other sources, and it’s basically unsearchable. there’s no solid evidence for kissing as a viable transmission route either. so even if i’d known that routine STI testing (which my girlfriend has all her other partners do before fluid bonding) doesn’t look for HPV, i wouldn’t have been able to account for this. double fun.

cancer in my family has been 100% fatal so far, going back to my great-grandparents, btw.

anyway. i still have to get a colposcopy, which is a more intensive vaginal and cervical exam that may or may not involve biopsies. i had to shop around for someone who’s trauma-informed, and basically no one who takes medicaid is trauma-informed, so i’m having to make do with “a very sweet lady” who agreed to consult with me. (that’s how the nurse described her. it’s funny, but excuse me if i don’t laugh.)

i didn’t realize until tonight, but i’m actually taking the diagnosis harder than the assault. go figure. sexual assault is old hat for me. cancer is fresher. i don’t know how to deal with it. trying to dissociate from it like i do with everything else kind of worked, until this made it real again.

i’m thinking more and more about when i tried to get a hysterectomy in my early 20s, because the pelvic pain was unbearable, i’d been trying for years to find a diagnosis, and i wasn’t in pain management yet. got told i’d want to have kids even after i said my gender identity was incongruent with having children and if i wanted to raise a child that badly, i’d adopt.

people are so fucking fixated on biological children that they’ll deny you your own bodily autonomy to preserve your theoretical ability to have them. i’m intersex, so i’m probably infertile anyway. it makes me sick.

i don’t know where i’m going with this. i just needed to put it somewhere so i can fucking sleep. i’m so tired of being nothing but the accumulation of human damage.