Worries About Blood Cancer: Persistent Bone and Joint Discomfort for Over Six Months
I'm in my mid-30s, female, standing at 5'4" and weighing 143 lbs. I do not use any recreational substances and abstain from smoking and drinking. Currently, I take 45mg of iron and 5000 IU of vitamin D3 twice a week. I am increasingly concerned about the possibility of leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma, as I am suffering from severe bone pain that has persisted for six months. Additionally, I feel persistently fatigued, often short of breath, have been losing hair, experience a rapid heart rate, and often feel nauseous. I've unintentionally shed around 15 lbs recently. A few months back, my complete blood count (CBC) revealed elevated levels of platelets, hematocrit, and an immunoglobulin (IG) level of 0.4, while my mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was low. In an effort to address these issues, I began supplementing iron, which did improve my recent CBC results, yet I still feel unwell. I've also noted high neutrophils and low lymphocytes in my blood work. Since my primary care physician has left the practice, a new doctor has recently diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. He suggested that I should consider losing more weight, a recommendation I am not comfortable following. He also proposed prescribing Cymbalta, which I am hesitant to accept.
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 5:10:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the persistent discomfort you're experiencing. Your symptoms and concerns are indeed complex, and it's understandable to feel anxious given the duration and severity of your issues.
Main Points:
- Persistent bone and joint pain accompanied by fatigue, shortness of breath, hair loss, rapid heart rate, nausea, and weight loss can be concerning, but there are various causes.
- It’s vital to monitor symptoms and seek appropriate medical evaluation given the potential seriousness of your concerns.
Explanation: Your symptoms, particularly the severe bone pain, fatigue, and notable changes in your blood work, should be taken seriously. While fibromyalgia could explain some of your symptoms, your blood count abnormalities and weight loss warrant further investigation to rule out blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma, as well as other possible conditions. Your elevated platelets, neutrophils, and low lymphocytes can indicate underlying issues that need closer examination.
Though your current doctor has suggested fibromyalgia as the diagnosis, if you're not comfortable with that and feel it's not addressing all your symptoms, it's crucial to pursue a comprehensive evaluation that looks more deeply at your concerns.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Diary: Keep a record of your symptoms, including their frequency, severity, and any triggers. This can be helpful for your healthcare provider in understanding your condition better.
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Seek a Comprehensive Evaluation: Consider scheduling an appointment with a hematologist or an oncologist who specializes in blood disorders. It's important to discuss your past blood work and current symptoms thoroughly. This might include repeat blood tests and possibly a bone marrow biopsy, if deemed necessary, to evaluate for blood cancers.
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Consider a Second Opinion: If you do not feel confident in your current doctor's assessment, seeking a second opinion from another physician can provide clarity. You have the right to feel comfortable and confident in your diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Nutrition and Hydration: Focus on maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated, as this can aid in your overall well-being while you navigate this challenging situation.
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Explore Emotional Support: Given the stress of your symptoms and concerns, consider speaking with a mental health professional or support group to help manage anxiety related to your health.
Remember, taking proactive steps is essential. You're advocating for your health, which is crucial in navigating complex symptoms like yours. Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification on any specific aspects!
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