Hello and thank you for contacting us.

I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis of myeloma and that you have now developed avascular necrosis. It might help to know that avascular necrosis (AVN) is also known as osteonecrosis.   

Unfortunately AVN is quite a rare side effect of steroids and some types of cancer treatment.  Because of this it is difficult to find much information about it. . However I have found some information from Great Ormond Street Hospital about it, you can see it here. 

From what I can see treatment is about controlling pain if it is needed. I have seen a medical research paper that says a group of drugs called bisphosphonates might help. Rarely surgery is used, this would normally be discussed with an orthopeadic doctor.  Unfortunately as we are not part of the NHS we do not have a register of specialists or doctors, . Do talk to your palliative care team about this further.

Other forum users may come forward with their experiences with this, it can be useful to get support from others, but as you posted in Ask The Nurses it could be missed. Moving your post to 'Living with Cancer' may help..

Blood Cancer UK and Myeloma UK may also have supportive resources for you.

Take care Mark, and I hope you get the information and support you need.  You may find it helpful 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.

Yours sincerely,

Sarah.