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Anemia + Back Pain = I am so SCARED!

Algorithm
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Hi everyone. You can call me Algorithm. I am 49yo, male, and I live in the north-east of England.

So a few weeks ago I started having a very bad back-pain not triggered by any particular activity that doesn't go away. I went to my who GP prescribed some blood test and the results came back with a normocytic Anemia not related to my diet (B12, iron and all the other usual suspects are ok). 

She wrote a letter to a haematologist asking for advice, and the haematologist prescribed some tests that I find absolutely terrifying, for what they could possibly indicate. Calcium level, serum electrophoresis and serum free light chains.

I know that my symptoms can point to a myeloma, and these tests tell me that the haematologist is worried about this possibility as well... Otherwise, why would he prescribe them!?!?!

Please do help me, I am absolutely terrified, I have a 4 yo son (on top of an amazing wife) and I would hate for him to grow without me and for me not to see him growing.... Not counting all the financial commitments (mortgage to pay and so on). I know I am relatively young, but I also know that sometimes even people my age can be diagnosed with this.

I am so sorry, but I literally can't sleep at night thinking about this, sometimes I feel can't even breath... I just hope I get called for these tests soon. Anxiety and stress are really killing me :(

Thank you all

  • in reply to MaryQ

    Thanks MariQ for your words. I absolutely get what you're going through, it must be so stressful :( I really really hope you get an answer soon, and that it won't be myeloma! I'm still waiting to be called for my blood tests ... Hopefully next week.

    Keep your spirits up and let's hope and pray that everything goes well for everyone! Thanks again:)

  • Hello Algorithm

    Im so sorry that you are feeling so anxious and terrified as it is a very scary time for you. I was diagnosed in May 2020 with Myeloma and had a stem cell transplant in September 2021 ( It was delayed due to Covid )   I know you don’t want that diagnosis but I can only say that treatment will be there for you if needed with all the fantastic experienced medical and nursing staff available. Have a list of any questions you need answered and don’t be afraid to push your GP if things aren’t moving quickly enough. I really hope you get some peace of mind soon.

    very best wishes

  • in reply to Mardan

    Hi Mardan, thanks for your nice words. Still waiting to be called, and I still hope it will just be a big scare. Sorry to hear about your myeloma :( How are you doing after your transplant if you don't mind me asking?

  • in reply to Algorithm

    Hello Algorithm  I am doing really well thank you. I won’t lie…. It was a tough journey but worth it to be Myeloma free today. I’m sorry your still waiting and I hope you get an answer soon. This forum is a great place to get to hear other people’s experiences. Happy to answer any questions you have on my experience. Fingers and toes crossed for you 

  • in reply to Mardan

    I am happy to know that you are Myeloma free now! Hopefully for many more years. Well done on your journey :)

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