multiple myeloma

[gold55]

My second opinion rheumy will see me in May and wants testing prior to that visit.  The testing is unlike any that my Internist or first rheumy ordered.  She has ordered an arthritis panel which seems more complex than anything I've had done, urine test with culture and more info than before and also a test for multiple myeloma.  Is the multiple myeloma test standard for those who supposedly have SJS??

thanks!   

[Bucky]

My second opinion rheumy will see me in May

Wow!  That's a long ways off.   

To my knowledge, no, a multiple myeloma test isn't a standard test for SJS.  I wonder why she wants that?

She is ordering a lot of tests, that's for sure.  More than any "standard" tests I've ever heard of.

Bucky

[Sooki]

What is the test for multiple myeloma?  It may be a simple blood test (M protein).  If so, it's not an unreasonable precaution.  My rheumy requested that at my initial visit too. 

[gold55]

Bucky,  yes it is a ways off.....of course if I get joint pain they say to come in sooner.  I still don't think they are sure what's going on with me.  Giving me time to produce more symptoms, it seems.  Now my initial rheumy wanted to see me in 3 mos.  I like both of them but I'm not sure I can see either one of them a second time and expect my insurance to pay!  I would like to go one more time and then make my decision as to who I want to continue to see.  I know the second rheumy has research and studies going on in her practice where the first rheumy seems to be monitoring me more frequently for pain and fatigue to put me on plaquenil.   Both are nice ladies with nice staff however, the second rheumie's initial exam was more thorough than the first.  Yet another tough decision to make

Sooki, I'm glad you say they did the MM test for you.  My Dad did pass at age 65 after nine years of multiple myeloma bone cancer.....his skeleton basically desinigrated within those years.....ribcage went first....then leg bones.  So he was diagnosed younger than I am now.  Perhaps another good reason for me to get the test!

thanks for your responses!

[Sooki]

My M protein test came up low, but positive (MGUS), meaning I need to monitor it yearly.  I'm glad to know.  The second rheumy sounds better informed (if all other factors are equal - listening skills, etc.).  If your father had MM, maybe your first doctor should have flagged that for screening....

[reallyneedsanap]

Multiple Myeloma is not necessarily more common in persons with Sjogren's but if you have significant neurological symptoms, it doesn't hurt to rule it out as a cause, especially given your family history. 
My neurologist did an exhaustive panel of blood tests when diagnosing me, and my test came back as a monoclonal gammopathy.  It is not what is causing my symptoms, but my doctor has since repeated the test and it is slowly creeping upward.  If you get back a result other than negative, you should have the test repeated every year or more often if your doctor thinks you should.
Good luck with your insurance and choosing which physician works better for you.  Sometimes quick answers aren't always the best ones.