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I have had some medical problems in the past few months. Addressing them has involved extensive medical testing and referrals to many different physicians. My primary care doctor is an internal medicine specialist with a concierge practice. He is the third concierge doctor I have had in the past twenty years. The first one was in Charleston, SC, and she was absolutely terrific. When I moved to South Florida, she referred me to a local internist who was very likable and conscientious but too laid back for me. Anyone who is more laid back than me is barely above comatose, so I found another concierge physician who challenges me in many ways and has become an effective advocate for my health.
As it has turned out, I have a few minor health problems and one potentially serious one. I have a disorder of my bone marrow that appears to be a temporarily benign precursor of malignant myeloma and probably the source of the muscle weakness and balance disturbance that have been bugging me. The official terminology is Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance. Isn't everything in life of undetermined significance?
Any diagnosis that admits that degree of uncertainty is almost insulting. Results of a bone marrow biopsy are still pending, but it has been a tremendous relief to finally have a diagnosis and partial prognosis. I was beginning to think someone had made a voodoo doll of me and was pushing pins into different body parts just to make me go crazy. I don't know about those angels but I have had too many doctors dancing on my head during the past few months. I am glad now to be moving on. Or so I hope.
We will see what life and the good Lord have in store for me, but I post this to give encouragement to any patient who knows something is wrong but doesn't know what it is.
Reality is rarely worse than the things you imagine.
Discussion (14)
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And I hope the Ricochetti will be encouraging to you, too, SP. You've really been through a lot with all the figuring things out. I hope you get results that give you some peace of mind--whatever they are!
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"Reality is rarely worse than the things you imagine."
However , when they are . Look out !
Well wishes SP .
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It sounds like you'll have some work to do, but at least you're going forward now. It is good to be able to attach a name to something bothering us.
You are connected to a lot of people who will appreciate your investigating these issues and resolving them or at least ameliorating their effects.
Keep on trucking. :)
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Keep the faith, Southern. When I did a lot of osteoporosis work I had a couple of ladies with MGUS who just kept on trucking, as MarciN says, year after year.
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Well, first of all - hang in there! It is indeed difficult to know that something is wrong and have no one able to help. I'm glad you didn't give up trying. Many do.
Thirty some years ago I spent six months with spiking fevers, pain, nausea and weight loss, not afraid I would die, but hoping that I would. Luckily I had docs (and a new husband) who didn't give up and finally diagnosed me with lupus. Then we beat it into remission with drugs which has mostly lasted since then.
But I understand what it's like to keep looking for an answer.
Praying for your good outcome. Keep us informed.
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