Blood Work Back-Monoclonal Gammopathy (MGUS)
 

RE: Axonal Sensory Motor Polyneuropathy

I got my blood work back today. Everything looked fine except that I have Monoclonal Gammopathy of Unknown Significance (MGUS). If I understand it correctly, I shouldn't be too alarmed since only 1% of people go on to get myeloma or lymphoma. Regardless, I still have to see a hemaemotologist for more blood work, urine work up, bone scans, possibly bone marrow sample. All of these extra workups make me a little nervous.

Can anyone add anything to this, so I can understand this a little better?

What this does, besides all the dunning inferences...is that
it thickens the blood. This factor alone can slow the circulation
to the feet and hands, making PN more likely.

So to minimize that:
1) avoid high fat meals. This thickens the blood. Some fats are okay but really high fats, like fried food and ice cream may increase triglycerides and increase the viscosity of the blood. Studies show this happens in normal volunteers. So MGUS patients should pay attention to this.

2) Make sure you use magnesium in some form as this opens up the circulation and improves blood flow.

3) things like Vit E and fish oil also may increase circulation better.

Anything that improves blood flow, is good. Cold, smoking, or use of drugs like Sudafed or decongestants, is not a good idea.

I have MGUS. Try not to worry. You are correct that VERY few end up with any problems. Further check of blood & 24 hour urine will be necessary. A bone survey (x-rays of all bones) or a full body bone scan is also recommended.

I'd hold off on the very invasive bone marrow, unless other tests indicate possible myeloma or lymphoma.

You should consider MrsD's suggestions and your doctor will also follow up with testing every 6-12 months.

Also I forgot another important lifestyle thing...

Stay hydrated! The excess proteins in the blood tend to thicken it so you need to make sure to drink adequate water during the day.

Thank you so much, MrsD and en bloc.

Questions: How much magnesium? In pill form?
I'm taking Vit. E and fish oil already. How much should I be taking?

Unfortunately, I need the cold since I deal with heat intolerance big time. I sleep in a really cold bedroom (under covers, of course). But the cold keeps me from heating up too much and keeps my feet from vibrating so much. Also, I'm on Claritin daily for allergies, as well as something like Sudafed, almost daily. I don't know how to get around this. I don't smoke, though, thank goodness.

I would try and drop that Sudafed... it is very vasoconstrictive, over time.

Cool is okay, COLD is not. Cool feels better because the nerves that sense it have a priority over heat sensors. So providing cool temps covers up the signals from the heat sensing nerves.

You might find Biofreeze very helpful... it has a gel with menthol that artificially gives the cold sensations without the temperature change and the affect on the blood vessels. It tricks the cold receptors therefore only and leaves your circulation unaffected and unconstricted.

You can now get it on Amazon and iherb.com instead of from chiros and PTs like the old days.

Thank you, MrsD.

Questions:
1) OK, I may be able to drop the Sudafed and just use the Claritin.
2) My biggest issue with the heat is that it affects my whole body, not just my feet. My neck and head get so heated/flushed that I need the room to be really cold so I can sleep some nights. Otherwise, my whole body begins to vibrate big time, even my head. I'll try my best, though, to go to cool. I understand what you're saying.
3) How would I use the Biofreeze if I have this heat intolerance all over?
4) How much magnesium? In pill form?
5) How much Vit. E? and fish oil? I'm already taking these.

Again, I appreciate your help so much.

Try using a cold pack on the back of the neck. 20 minutes tops, with a protecting cloth between your skin and the pack. I use a gel pack from 3M...which I purchased on Amazon. Seems drug stores don't have them much anymore. :rolleyes: I did this twice a day.

That is what I did when I was having my nasty drug reaction.
It seemed to cool the whole spinal cord and reduced the full body effects I was having. (bradykinin release).

I also had lower body problems, so I sat on a cold pack twice a day too. It was a pretty awful experience, but once I stopped that drug (lisinopril) it started to abate, after a week or so.

Great ideas, MrsD. I'll look into them, including the Biofreeze. Thanks!