[KimanayaParticipant]

Hi all. We are returning to the UK next week and my husband is going to be treated at Barts by Professor Cavanagh. Anyone see him or have any feedback that they can offer please? Also, my husband has some spinal compression fractures, older and more recent and needs daily pain meds. Does anyone know of a good pain management doctor in the London/Berkshire/Bucks area that they could recommend or do you usually get your pain Ned’s from the Oncologist?
Hank so much,
Kim

[ellenModerator]

Dear Kim

I’m sorry that, as yet, no one has replied to your post. I hope you don’t mind if I try to answer your questions. My name is Ellen and I am one of the Myeloma Information Specialist at Myeloma UK.

I’m sure there are quite a few forum users who are under the care of Prof Cavenagh, he is a well-respected world renowned haematologist. Perhaps someone will come along shortly with some personal experience.

In the UK the care of myeloma patients is overseen by a consultant haematologist who, along with the multidisiplinary team, will manage not only treatment for the myeloma but also treatment for any complications it has caused – such as bone pain. Sometimes, if a patient has pain which isn’t being managed effectively, they are referred on to a specialist in palliative care. Palliative care specialists are healthcare professionals who are experts in controlling the symptoms caused by the complications of myeloma, particularly pain, and whose priority is to improve quality of life. As far as possible, the patient will be cared for by the different areas of expertise within the same hospital so there shouldn’t be any need to specifically seek an alternative at a different hospital.

I hope this has been of some help, but if you have any further questions, or would like to talk things through, please feel free to call the Myeloma Infoline on 0800 980 3332 – I or one of my colleagues can clarify things for you further. Alternatively you can email directly to askthenurse@myeloma.org.uk

With best wishes

Ellen

[KimanayaParticipant]

Thank you so much Ellen, I really appreciate your help.
Kim

[EJBonesParticipant]

Kim,

I have just transferred to St Bart’s to Prof Cavenagh’s team from University College Hospital. I will be going back to the latter eventually, but Bart’s are leading on my donor SCT. I have had three appointments thus far and I find his team very helpful and hands on, although prepare yourself for long delays in clinic. There really isn’t much more to say than that. I trust what they are telling me and what they are doing and it is all presented to me in an understanding and human way. I think that is all you can ask for.

As for pain management, mine was managed by myeloma doctors. It took some trial and error with my meds, but it is under control now. I was referred and started physiotherapy at the Royal Hoosital of Integrated Medicine last year to build up my strength (I have multiple lesions in my spine and had a fracture to my L4), and that did help, but I had to stop when a tumour decided to appear. The royal is part of the UCLH trust, so I am not sure if you will be able to use their services, but I imagine that Bart’s can refer you to something similar.

Thanks,
Emma

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