How common is persistent fatigue in multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma develops in plasma cells, which are made in the bone marrow. The condition can reduce healthy blood-cell production and may contribute to anaemia, making muscles and the brain receive less oxygen. Bone pain, disturbed sleep, infection, kidney problems, reduced intake and treatment effects can also drain energy. Fatigue may show up as low stamina, needing longer recovery after simple activity, or difficulty concentrating. Finding the contributing factors helps the team decide what support or treatment may be needed.

Tell your myeloma team if your usual routine has become harder. Include changes in pain, thirst, urination, appetite, sleep, dizziness, breathlessness and any new medicines. Pace tasks, sit down for activities that can be done seated, and ask for help with heavy lifting or driving if you feel unsteady. Follow the fluid and activity advice given for your own situation, particularly if you have been told that kidney function or calcium needs monitoring.

Contact your treatment team promptly for a sharp decline in energy, fever, chills, new confusion, repeated vomiting, significant breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, or suddenly reduced urine output. Seek emergency help for severe chest symptoms, collapse, difficulty breathing or difficulty waking. People with multiple myeloma can develop problems that require timely assessment.

Ask whether anaemia, infection, kidney function, calcium or treatment effects could be adding to fatigue. Ask which warning symptoms apply to you and whether changes to activity, pain control, food or fluids are appropriate.