Diagnosis of myeloma

My 97 year old father was in hospital just before Christmas with a chest infection.  After an X-ray, CT scan and MRI, I was informed that on the findings, he had myeloma.  He was discharged back to his residential care home with a discharge letter asking for blood tests to be done in 6 weeks time.  Today, I've just phoned for results and basically they have all come back as more or less normal!  He has total confusion and what he calls brain fog and is very distressed as to what is happening to him.  He does not have dementia and has good mental capacity.  Should I ask for blood scan to be repeated?  He is on his eighth course of antibiotics since his hospital admission!  Surely something is wrong.  Any advice or help would be gratefully accepted

  • Hi Maz07 and thanks for posting.

    It sounds like a very worrying time for you and your father.

    Perhaps it would be useful to ask your father if you can talk things through with his GP on his behalf.  They will be able to give you both more information about his condition and what happens next.  They can explain the results of the bloods tests too,

    Myeloma may not cause any symptoms, but sometimes it can cause people to have lots of infections that don't go away, feel very tired and confused.  This could be why he has had so many antibiotics and is feeling such brain fog, but do mention these symptoms to the GP when you speak to them about everything.  You can read more here about myeloma symptoms.

    Has your father been assigned a specialist nurse? They can often be a really good source of information and support and help your father and your family cope with his diagnosis.  They are also a good link to the other health professionals in his team that will be caring for him. 

    I hope this is helpful but please do get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You like to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Rachel