Yes, extreme fatigue before treatment is very common with myeloma — and completely understandable given everything the body is going through. In fact, fatigue is considered one of the most challenging symptoms to manage.
There are several reasons why fatigue can be so intense before treatment begins:
- Anemia — Myeloma Show Full Answer
Yes, extreme fatigue before treatment is very common with myeloma — and completely understandable given everything the body is going through. In fact, fatigue is considered one of the most challenging symptoms to manage.
There are several reasons why fatigue can be so intense before treatment begins:
- Anemia — Myeloma disrupts bone marrow, reducing red blood cells and limiting oxygen delivery to the body
- Cytokines — High levels of these inflammatory proteins can cause prolonged, virus-like exhaustion
- Pain — Bone pain and discomfort drain energy significantly
- Emotional stress — Anxiety and depression from a new diagnosis are real and physically exhausting
- Poor nutrition — The body may struggle to absorb nutrients properly The good news is that as myeloma is treated and brought under better control, fatigue often improves alongside it. As one specialist put it, getting the "big picture" better tends to help energy levels follow.
One MyMyelomaTeam member shared just how overwhelming it can be, saying that some days even getting up to use the bathroom felt like too much. So know that what you're feeling is real, valid, and shared by many others.
Always talk to your healthcare team about your fatigue — there may be specific, treatable causes they can address right away.
July 25
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