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- • Kidney Failure Patients with acute kidney failure must be treated promptly with appropriate fluids and
- electrolytes . An artificial kidney (hemodialysis) may be necessary. In some cases, removing large amounts of
- plasma from the blood (plasmapheresis) may be helpful in acute kidney failure.
-
- • Hyperviscosity This condition of "thick blood" is characterized by bleeding from the nose or gums, blurred
- vision, dizziness, shortness of breath or mental confusion. It can be treated effectively with plasmapheresis .
-
- • Muscle Weakness People with multiple myeloma may develop weakness or paralysis of their legs and have
- difficulty urinating or controlling their bowels. If this happens, a myeloma tumor pressing on the spinal cord i
- is a possibility and can be diagnosed with a CT or MRI scan or myelography. The tumor can be treated
- effectively with radiation therapy .
-
- • Emotional Support Anyone with multiple myeloma needs substantial and continuing emotional support.
- The approach must be positive, emphasizing the potential benefits of therapy. It is reassuring to know that
- some patients survive for 10 years or more. It is vital that the physician caring for patients with multiple
- myeloma has the interest and capacity to deal with an incurable disease over a span of years with assurance,
- sympathy and resourcefulness and that patients can sense the doctor's confidence.
