29/02/20 (2)

I'm going to break an unwritten rule and post something from the Facebook UK Myeloma Support Group. It explains why I think I've got off very lightly so far. Very lightly indeed compared to this kind of story:


Hi and thanks for allowing me to join the group. My dad was diagnosed on Thursday with myeloma after being very poorly for the past 6 weeks. He first went to his GP with excruciating pain in his groin and the GP sending him for physiotherapy.

He was taken to A&E twice in a week with pain in his hips, back and ribs and was unable to walk unaided. A week later back at hospital as he was in so much pain it took him 40 minutes to even sit up in bed. He was given an xray, CT scan and bloods were taken. They discovered he had broken part of his hip and there were some bone fragments from his hip floating around in his body, discharged from hospital and told to make an appointment with his GP to be referred back to the hospital to see a consultant. Well, he couldnt even get a telephone appointment until the 8th March!

Fast forward to Wednesday this week and my mum had to call the paramedics as he couldnt eat, vomiting constantly, couldnt walk, was sleeping in a chair and had lost so much weight.
The paramedics arrived and told my dad he also had 4 broken ribs as well as the bone in his hip.......but he didnt have cancer.

Hospital rang later that evening and sent an ambulance to admit him straight to Leicester royal infirmary and he was diagnosed thursday morning.

Hes currently awaiting an xray before they can start treatment but due to his oxygen levels being below 94% he cant have that done yet.

Im just so angry that this wasnt picked up sooner, even the doctors at the LRI are amazed his GP sent him for physio.

Hes normally a fit and healthy 74 year old who goes fishing, drives his vintage tractors to shows, spends all day in his garden and lives for his grandkids.......and in the space of 6 weeks hes where he is now.
Sorry for venting, but its the only way i can speak about whats happened where no one can see me cry.


It defies belief that someone in that state could be sent back to his GP to get a consultant referral, and then be unable to get an immediate appointment even by phone. I've read too many stories of this kind where Myeloma isn't even considered until far too late. I am very grateful for my early diagnosis.