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Herpes Simplex plus Myeloma

Bebe21
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Hi I am being treated with Aciclovar for a really bad attack of genital herpes which has affected the top of both legs as well as my groin area & has affected my walking in that I have had to use my walking stick.  It seems to be nerve pain but also I think I am nearing having treatment for the Myeloma. The outbreaks of herpes appear to be getting more regular& more painful.  Can you offer anymore advice please?   I have been having salt baths & using Zovirax & Vaseline.  Although I am drinking about 8 large glasses of water a day plus teas & coffees, I do not need the loo very frequently.  Should I be contacting my Haematologist before my next appointment at end of September?  Any advice very much appreciated. Thankyou. 

  •  Hi Bebe21,

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the Online Community. I’m Heidi one of the Cancer Information Nurses here on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I can see you have also found our myeloma forum, I hope that you have found it supportive.  

    I am sorry to hear that you are in so much pain with the symptoms from genital herpes, and that this is also affecting your walking.

    You also mentioned that you feel you are drinking more than you are going to the loo.

    We would always advise contacting your specialist team, GP, or NHS 111 about this today, it is important to keep safe. It is difficult for us to know exactly what the underlying cause of your symptoms may be.

    Myeloma develops from abnormal plasma cells, normal plasma cells are a type of white blood cells that fight infection and are produced in the bone marrow.  

    Because myeloma cells fill up the bone marrow it becomes harder for the bone marrow to make enough normal cells.  This makes it harder to fight infection and may be contributing to your attacks of herpes becoming more frequent and severe.  

    It is important that your haematology specialist knows about this so they can support you in managing these difficult symptoms.  They may be able to prescribe some pain relief for the nerve type pain you are experiencing.

    You mentioned you may be approaching treatment for myeloma, Melanoma UK has some useful resources, including an information line, that you may find supportive.

    I wish you well in getting your symptoms assessed promptly today.

    Take care and best wishes,

     

    Heidi

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

     

    Ref/PW/HC 

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