I have been diagnosed with RA as well as a Protein S disorder. For the past several months I have had red rash and lumps that itch, they tend to be on areas over either my ribs, spine hips, etc. I also have vision issues, swollen joints, bruise easily. After almost all tests were done, Compliment deficiency was ruled out. Last Set of Gamma Dist. tests require immunotyping to rule out monoclonal protein. My doctor stated he was checking for multiple myeloma. Does this make sense?? I am very worried now.
google 1st day at mayo. that is me. read it before you go to mayo but if you can cut the red tape it is a great place to gp. Make sure that they have your appointments all set up including the neurologist and hemotologist that specializes in MGus. See the facebook chats on mgus bonnie canby
Since the last time I posted, I was referred to a rheumatologist who feels confident that this is not an autoimmune issue - that leaves us with multiple myeloma or a blood disorder. So, I am scheduled to have a bone marrow biopsy next week. The symptoms are escalating with vision becoming a major problem to the point where I don't drive now. If the biopsy doesn't show anything, then they will send me to Mayo Clinic. I really want this to be diagnosed at the clinic in my area rather than having to travel for a diagnosis and treatment. Do you have any ideas in regard to what should be tested for in the next round of tests other than the usual things they check for in a bone marrow biopsy?
Thank you
Hi,
If all the tests come back normal and symptoms continue to escalate, I agree with you doctors in referring you to the Mayo Clinic for further evaluation. How about your family history? This would help in determining the presence of autoimmune and blood disorders. Wishing you all the best on these further testing. Take care and do keep us posted.
Thank you for the response and information. The monoclonal protein is a small amount and has stayed consistent throughout all this time, so they aren't too concerned at this point about myeloma, but they are concerned that the fevers, fatigue, rash, red spots, blurry vision, etc. continue - they had hoped that those symptoms could be explained by the body fighting off some type of unidentified virus or auto-immune response that would eventually calm down. Since all tests continue to come back normal with exception to the monoclonal protein and the symptoms continue to escalate, the doctors want me to go to Mayo Clinic to see if they can figure out if the symptoms are due to a developing myeloma or lymphoma, or some other rare auto-immune or blood disorder.
Again, thank you for the information.
Hi,
How are you? I'm sorry to hear what you have been through for the last year. The two most common causes of monoclonal protein in serum or urine are multiple myeloma or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). The diagnostic triad for multiple myeloma includes significant paraprotein in the serum or urine, more than 10% to 15% plasma cells in bone marrow, and the presence of bony lesions. MGUS, on the other hand, is characterized by a serum IgG monoclonal protein with no or only a small amount of protein in urine (Bence Jones protein < 1 g/24 hr). At this point, it is important that regular follow-up with your doctor is done for proper monitoring. Take care and do keep us posted.