[merillyParticipant]

Hello everyone

I am making this enquiry on behalf of my husband. Last year he had routine blood tests which apparently indicated myeloma, I don’t know what those readings were. Since then doubt has been cast on this diagnosis by another specialist since the blood test results seemed to be better and he had no other symptoms. But in the last few weeks and months he has suffered from an almost continual ‘cold’ or sinus problems and now he has an ear infection which is taking a long time to clear up. He has convinced himself that there is nothing to worry about, so I am trying to ease my own worries through this forum.

First of all, is it possible for blood test results to improve or fluctuate in myeloma, and secondly are sinus problems and ear infections a possible early sign?

I hope someone can answer my queries.

Thank you, and best wishes to everyone.

Margaret

[dickbParticipant]

Hi there,

Yes blood tests can fluctuate although not by very much. Another factor will be if the samples are tested by the same laboratory. Different equipment will give slightly different results.

As for the cold, ear infection and sinuses, I’m afraid I had the same before diagnosis. I blamed it my daughter bringing home allsorts of weird and new infections from school which I wasn’t used to. The immune system fights infection so if it is compromised than there will be an increase in infections that will take longer to clear up. These are referred to as Immunoglobins with a sub 5 different sub goups – A, D, E, G and M, I suggest you talk to the Myeloma nurses at MM UK, I’m sure they can explain far better than me and I’ve found them to be very helpful in the past.

[merillyParticipant]

Thank you so much for replying to my post so quickly. Your answer was very helpful indeed, and it mostly confirmed what I had been fearing. I have been trying to read up about it, while at the same time hoping the original diagnosis was wrong, but I suppose only time will tell. He has another hospital appointment next month, so we shall see what happens then. He is convinced the blood test results have something to do with the medication he is taking for epilepsy. Do many people go through this initial uncertain ‘is it or isn’t it’ stage before a positive diagnosis is confirmed?

Thank you again, and best wishes

Margaret

 

[dickbParticipant]

I’m afraid we all go through the “have I, haven’t I stage” There is not a lot you can do about it. Be aware that some people have non secretary MM, that means it won’t show up by an increase in protein level in the blood so your husband may have to give a large Urine sample (taken over 24 hours) and a Bone Marrow Biopsy. All the best and I’m sure there will be a lot of people on the website that will be willing to help with any concerns you may have.

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