Interesting, wondering if you would have the same symptoms with SMM.
Does anyone know?
April 24
Lionel,
MM causes anemia and problems with the back and pelvis. Nerves can get pinched. Have you had a recent scan?
Paula🌹
April 25 (edited)
Thanks Rick. Great information!
April 25
Yes, anemia is actually one of the most common complications of myeloma — affecting up to 70% of people at diagnosis. It happens for a few reasons:
- Myeloma cells crowd out the bone marrow, leaving less room for healthy red blood cells to grow
- Kidney damage from myeloma reduces production of a hormone that signals the Show Full Answer
Yes, anemia is actually one of the most common complications of myeloma — affecting up to 70% of people at diagnosis. It happens for a few reasons:
- Myeloma cells crowd out the bone marrow, leaving less room for healthy red blood cells to grow
- Kidney damage from myeloma reduces production of a hormone that signals the body to make red blood cells
- Some myeloma treatments can also cause anemia as a side effect
Common symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, and a rapid heartbeat. As one MyMyelomaTeam member shared, "My red blood cell count has been low throughout my journey with multiple myeloma. It causes so much fatigue."
Treatment depends on the cause — sometimes treating the myeloma itself helps, and in severe cases a blood transfusion may be needed. Regarding sciatica specifically, myeloma doesn't directly cause it in the traditional sense. However, myeloma can weaken the spine and in rare cases cause spinal cord compression, which can produce symptoms that feel similar — like intense back pain or numbness in the legs.
If those symptoms appear suddenly, it's important to seek medical attention right away, as spinal cord compression can be a medical emergency.
April 23
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