Author Archives: Brooke Phillips

Prevail PV017 Bariatric Adult Diapers

Posted by on March 8, 2014 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

Prevail PV017 Bariatric BriefsPrevail 2XL Bariatric Briefs protect against heavy incontinence for wearers with waist sizes up to 73 inches. Prevail PV017 Bariatric Adult Briefs are designed for maximum absorbency, with soft, stretchy side panels for a more secure and comfortable fit. These bariatric-sized adult diapers feature a soft, cloth-like outer fabric and Odor Guard technology that fights odors before they start. Prevail’s patented Advanced Zoning System with fecal containment zones increases protection right where it’s most needed.

This 2XL adult brief accommodates hip measurements up to 73 inches. QUICK WICK with MaxSoft Technology pulls moisture away from the skin, while breathable zones reduce heat buildup for dryness and comfort. With Easy-Lock Fastener tabs and Direct Lock Panels, Prevail 2XL Bariatric Briefs can be relied on for a strong, secure closure that stays in place even under stress.

Bariatric Brief Features:

  • Wide, soft, stretch side panels
  • Easy-Lock Fastener Tabs and Direct Lock Panels
  • QUICK WICK™ with MaxSoft
  • Advanced Zoning System® (AZS®)
  • Odor Guard™ Technology
  • Soft, Cloth-like outer fabric

Prevail PV017 Bariatric diapers are sold in case quantity for a discount price:

  • FQ PV017       Bariatric A  (62-73 inch waist)        48/Case       $59.00

At Total Home Care Supplies, shipping is completely free on all orders over $40. Orders come packaged in discreet, unmarked boxes for customer privacy.  For more Prevail products and other low-cost incontinence supplies, visit the TotalHomeCareSupplies web store.

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Incontinence Products Made In the USA

Posted by on March 5, 2014 under Resources | 6 Comments to Read

Made In USAMade In The USA

Total Home Care Supplies is proud to sell products made in the U.S.A. by one of the nation’s leading incontinence product manufacturers: First Quality. First Quality is the manufacturer of all Prevail incontinence supplies, NuFit and PerFit diapers, Cuties baby diapers and more. All Prevail and First Quality products are proudly made 100% in the U.S.A. by over 3,000 First Quality employees.

SustainabilityAmerica the Beautiful

First Quality is also committed to protecting their employees and communities by improving our environment. Their sustainability initiatives continue to lead the industry, and they are continually continuously evaluating ways to produce quality products with fewer resources. Their sustainability mission is to “Do More With Less.”

To accomplish this, First Quality has committed to reducing their energy consumption, water consumption and carbon footprint at least 15% by 2016. They are also committed to achieving 0% landfill waste by 2016.  Currently more than 90% of the raw materials used in First Quality products end up in the finished products, and the remaining materials are recycled.

Some of their sustainability accomplishments include tracking the complete carbon footprint of every product they manufacture, and implementing software that tracks First Quality’s carbon emissions (greenhouse gases), their sustainability initiatives in water conservation, and their energy reduction and waste reduction initiatives.

To shop our full line of Prevail and First Quality incontinence supplies, including adult diapers, youth and baby diapers, liners and pads, washcloths and more, visit the TotalHomeCareSupplies web store.

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Prevail PV011 Youth Briefs on Sale at TotalHomeCareSupplies

Posted by on March 4, 2014 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

Prevail PV 011 Youth DiaperThe Prevail® Youth Brief is a full-fitting youth diaper designed to provide maximum protection against heavy incontinence. These diapers feature Prevails’s Advanced Zoning System with a Targeted Acquisition Zone and Fecal containment zone, providing additional protection right where it’s needed most. Their soft, cloth-like outer fabric is comfortable on sensitive skin, and enhanced breathable zones reduce heat buildup by allowing air to circulate freely. A patented QUICK WICK layer pulls moisture away from the skin for dryness and comfort. Easy-Lock Fastener (ELF) reattaching tabs will securely grip and hold anywhere in the refasten zone, and will reattach over and over again without being sticky. Prevail® Specialty Size Briefs are designed to fit the smallest wearers, while delivering the same great protection as Prevail Adult Briefs. These youth diapers are ideal for children who are too big for diapers, as well as for petite, slender adults.

Prevail Youth Brief Features:

  • Soft, Cloth-Like Outer Fabric
  • Easy-Lock Fastener® (ELF®) Reattaching Tabs and Refasten Zone
  • QUICK WICK™Stay-Dry Layer
  • Advanced Zoning System® (AZS®) with Target Acquisition Zone and Fecal Containment Zone
  • Enhanced Breathable Zones
  • Moderate to Maximum Absorbency

Prevail Youth Diapers come in two adjustable sizes, with free shipping:

  • FQ PV-011           Small (20 – 31 inch waist)          96/Case               $46.02 (shipping is free)
  • FQ PV-015           Youth (15 – 22 inch waist)         96/Case               $46.02 (shipping is free)

Prevail Youth Brief Samples

Do you prefer to try before you buy?  Total Home Care Supplies has a special product sample offer of Prevail Youth Briefs. \ For only $3 plus shipping, try any size Prevail Youth Brief and receive a $9 coupon off your next order.  This coupon covers the cost of the sample plus shipping, making your sample completely free. Each sample comes with 2 briefs per pack:

  • SMPFQPV-011   Small 20 – 31 inches        2/Pack  $3.00
  • SMPFQPV-015   Youth 15 – 22 inches      2/Pack  $3.00

All orders come packaged in discreet, unmarked boxes for customer privacy, and shipping is completely free on all orders over $40. For more high-quality incontinence supplies at discount prices, visit TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

Prevail Youth Diaper product review from a verified TotalHomeCareSupplies customer:  “This product is perfect for a special needs child who is too big for diapers but still needs the diaper-like bottoms, when ‘Pull-Up’ style doesn’t fit the child’s lifestyle. These are great because it gives GREAT protection! No more waking up soaking wet from leaky diapers. Also, no need to totally undress to change diapers. The diaper-like tabs make changing quick and easy for those who can’t be still long enough to go through a clothes change to change the diaper product! Love the absorbency and how it keeps fecal matter away from the child’s bottom! And I love how there are bigger sizes available to grow with the child! Prompt delivery and product was packaged perfectly. Box fit in closet perfectly!”

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Prevail UP100 Disposable Underpads 30×30

Posted by on under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

Prevail UP100 Disposable Incontinence Underpads 30x30Prevail Disposable Incontinence Underpads provide maximum wetness protection on bedding, chairs, sofas and other surfaces that may be exposed to moisture or leakage. Each extra large Prevail underpad features a soft, yet strong cloth-like top sheet that pulls moisture away from the skin for dryness and comfort. Prevail disposable underpads are constructed with an Integra Mat that reduces top sheet separation and clumping.

Prevail underpads are designed with a flat seal around the pad to prevent plastic edges from touching sensitive skin, providing a comfortable waterproof barrier that keeps linens dry. Their embossed pad design with poly backing helps to keep the underpad securely in place on any surface requiring wetness protection, including mattresses, sofas, chairs, car seats, pet beds and more.

Prevail UP100 Disposable Underpads are 30 inches by 30 inches. Position the underpad in either a square or diamond shape for maximum coverage and wetness protection

Prevail Super Absorbent Underpads are sold by TotalHomeCareSupplies at discount prices in cases of 100:

  • FQ UP100        30 X 30        100/Case        $51.98

All orders come packaged in discreet, unmarked boxes for customer privacy, and shipping is completely free for all orders over $40. Read about our Fast, Free, Discreet shipping policy here. For more Prevail incontinence products and low cost incontinence supplies, visit TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

First time shopping with us? TotalHomeCareSupplies.com has been recognized for exceptional customer service with the 2013 Bizrate® Circle of Excellence Award. Read our latest customer reviews here.

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Ways to Save on Incontinence Supplies

Posted by on February 25, 2014 under Caregiver Corner | Read the First Comment

Daughter with senior mother

5 Ways To Cut Your Incontinence Supplies Cost

Adult incontinence supplies are a regular health expense for more than 25 million Americans. The frequent, recurring cost of adult diapers and pull ups, adult protective underwear, liners and pads and more can add up quickly, becoming a burden to retired adults and family caregivers. Like with many other healthcare costs, there are ways to defray the financial burden and save on some of these supplies:

  1. Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Depending on your health insurance plan, you may be eligible to enroll in a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer. Both of these accounts allow you to contribute pre-tax dollars that can be used for any qualifying medical expense. HSAs are offered in conjunction with a high-deductible health insurance plan. With an HSA, the funds roll over from year to year, so you never lose your contributions (consider it an IRA for medical expenses.) An FSA is offered in conjunction with a higher-premium/lower-deductible health insurance plan. With FSAs, your annual contribution does not roll over from year to year, so it’s important to have a pretty good estimate of what your annual expenses will be when you enroll each year. Before setting up an FSA or HSA, be sure to familiarize yourself with what are FSA and HSA eligible expenses.
  2. Tax deductions: According to the IRS, the amount you spend on diapers or diaper services may be tax-deductible if “they are needed to relieve the effects of a particular disease.” If your physician or your loved one’s physician can diagnose medical incontinence, the incontinence supplies you purchase may be tax-deductible, so long as they are not fully reimbursed by an HSA or FSA. For more information on what medical and dental expenses are tax-deductible for the 2013 tax year, read IRS Publication 502.
  3. Buying in Bulk: While buying perishable items in bulk can be hit or miss, purchasing incontinence supplies and other non-perishable items in bulk can be a huge money-saver.  Retailers and manufacturers frequently charge more per unit for smaller amounts than for larger amounts; part of this has to do with packaging, shipping and presentation costs. A package of 18 Large Prevail Adult Pull-Ups can cost $17-$20 or more – or anywhere from $0.96 to $1.11 per diaper. A case of 72 Large Prevail Adult Pull Ups, however, can cost as low as $46 – less than $0.64 per diaper. That’s approximately 40% cheaper! Over time, buying incontinence supplies wholesale can accumulate in significant savings. Be sure to do some price comparisons before settling on a retailer, however; that $46 case of Prevail diapers can cost you $64 or more at another store.
  4. Online shopping: Shopping for incontinence supplies online has many benefits. First of all, prices are often more competitive. Online retailers know that it’s easy for a shopper to compare prices online, making it even more important that they offer low, competitive prices. In addition, many online retailers don’t have brick-and-mortar stores, which can reduce their overall costs and allow them to pass those savings onto their customers. Front door delivery and free shipping is offered by some online retailers, and this can add up to significant savings – both in time and gas money. Items purchased online may also be tax-free, if a national retailer doesn’t have a physical location in your state. Finally, online shopping allows for maximum discretion. Buying incontinence supplies can be embarrassing for many people, who don’t want to be seen standing in the incontinence aisle or buying products in front of people they know. Online shopping allows for maximum privacy regarding your medical needs.
  5. Couponing: Many retailers offer regular coupons when you create an account on their website or sign up for their newsletters. These coupons and ongoing promotions can be significant, taking off $5 at checkout or even a percentage off your order. Coupon and promotional savings can make a difference, especially over time. Look for samples that come with a coupon, or try an online search for “Home Care Supplies” coupons or promo codes.

To browse our full line of low-cost incontinence supplies, visit the Total Home Care Supplies web store.

Click here for our latest Adult Diaper Coupon.

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Cold vs Flu: Symptoms at a Glance

Posted by on February 19, 2014 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Is it a Cold or the Flu

Not sure if it’s a cold or the flu? According to the CDC, over 90% of flu-related deaths occur in people over the age of 65 – which means making the wrong assumption can put our vulnerable loved ones at risk. See the list of cold and flu symptoms compared below:

SYMPTOMS

COLD

FLU
FEVER
 Fever is pretty rare with a cold Fever is usually present with the flu. A temperature of 101°F or higher for 3-4 days is associated with the flu.
ACHES
 Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.
CHILLS
 Chills are uncommon with a cold Chills are fairly common in most flu cases.  Chills and shivering are a normal reaction to a cold environment, but unexplained chills can also be a sign of the flu.
TIREDNESS
 Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold. Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu. It’s normal to feel tired at the end of a long day or when youd on’t get adequate sleep, but unexplained tiredness can be a sign of the flu.
SUDDEN SYMPTOMS Cold symptoms are not sudden and develop over a few days. The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
COUGHING
 A hacking, productive (mucus-producing) cough is often present with a cold. A dry, nonproductive cough is usually present with the flu.
SNEEZING
 Sneezing is common with a cold. Sneezing is not as common, but can accompany the flu.
STUFFY OR RUNNY NOSE
 A stuffy or runny nose usually accompanies a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week. Stuffy or runny nose can be present with the flu.
SORE THROAT
 Sore throat is commonly present with a cold. A sore throat refers to pain and inflammation in the throat area Sore throat is not as common, but can be present with the flu.
CHEST DISCOMFORT
 Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold. Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu. Chest discomfort refers to pain or abnormal sensations that you feel anywhere along the front of your body in your upper torso.
HEADACHE
 A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold. A headache is very common with the flu, present in up to 80% of flu cases.

People At High Risk For Flu-Related Complications

For most people, the flu develops into a relatively mild illness. The flu is considered mild when infected person does not need medical care or antiviral drugs, and when they recover in less than two weeks. However, some groups of people are at high risk for developing flu-related complications, that can result in hospitalization or even death. People in these high-risk groups include:

  • Adults 65 or older
  • Children younger than 5 yrs old, and especially children younger than 2 yrs old
  • Pregnant women
  • American Indians and Alaskan Natives
  • People with the following medical conditions: Asthma, neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions, chronic lung disease, heart disease, blood disorders, endocrine disorders, kidney disorders, liver disorders, metabolic disorders, a weakened immune system, people younger than 19 years old who are on a long-term aspirin regimen, and people who are morbidly obese

For more information about cold and flu symptoms, or if you are concerned about flu symptoms in yourself or a loved one, please contact your primary care physician.

To browse our home health care products and supplies, visit TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

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Prescription Medications That Can Cause Memory Loss

Posted by on February 18, 2014 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

PrescriptionCould your medication be causing memory loss? For many older adults or adults with chronic medical conditions, irreversible confusion and memory loss is a constant worry. Fortunately, scientists now know that age or a degenerative illness is not always be the culprit. If you are alarmed by forgetfulness in yourself or a loved one, the reason may be stored in your bathroom cabinet.

Any of the following drugs can affect normal cognitive function, contributing to mental confusion, forgetfulness and memory loss:

1. Cholesterol-lowering drugs (Statins)

Common cholesterol-lowering drugs include: Atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), simvastatin (Zocor), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol) and fluvastatin (Lescol).

Cholesterol-lowering drugs may be prescribed as part of treatment plan for high cholesterol. Cholesterol plays an important role in the human brain, forming connections between nerve cells such as those necessary for memory and learning. Drugs that lower levels of cholesterol in the blood may also deplete levels of cholesterol in the brain, causing memory loss and mental confusion.

2. Hypertension drugs (Beta-blockers)

Common hypertension drugs include: Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Timoptic), atenolol (Tenormin) and carvedilol (Coreg).

Hypertension drugs may be prescribed as part of a treatment plan for high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, chest pain (angina), migraines, tremors and certain types of glaucoma.  Beta blockers slow down the heart rate and lower blood pressure. They are believed to impede memory by blocking key chemical  messengers in the brain, such as norepinephrine and epinephrine.

3. Antidepressant drugs (Tricyclic antidepressants)

Common antidepressants include: Clomipramine (Anafranil), imipramine (Tofranil), mitriptyline (Elavil), trimipramine (Surmontil), protriptyline (Vivactil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Sinequan) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).

Antidepressants may be prescribed as part of a treatment plan for depression. They may also be prescribed as part of a treatment plan for other conditions that affect mood, including anxiety disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, chronic pain, smoking cessation and some hormone-related disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants are believed to block the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, which also suppresses memory.

4. Anti-seizure drugs (anticonvulsants)

Common anti-seizure drugs include: Gabapentin (Neurontin), pregabalin (Lyrica), topiramate (Topamax), acetazolamide (Diamox), levetiracetam (Keppra), carbamazepine (Tegretol), ezogabine (Potiga), lamotrigine (Lamictal), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal),  rufinamide (Banzel), valproic acid (Depakote) and zonisamide (Zonegran).

These drugs may be prescribed as part of a treatment plan for seizures, nerve pain, mood disorders,  bipolar disorder and mania. Anti-seizure medications limit seizures by depressing the flow of signals through the central nervous system, which also affects memory.

5. Anti-anxiety drugs (Benzodiazepines)

Common anti-anxiety drugs include: Alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clonazepam (Klonopin), flurazepam (Dalmane), midazolam (Versed), quazepam (Doral), temazepam (Restoril) and triazolam (Halcion).

Benzodiazepines are often prescribed as part of a treatment plan for anxiety disorders, agitation, delirium, and to prevent muscle spasms or seizures. They dampen activity in certain parts of the brain, including areas that involve the transfer of memories from short-term to long-term, resulting in an amnesic effect. Benzodiazepines also have a sedative effect, and they may be prescribed to treat severe insomnia, anxiety that results from depression, and as part of an anesthesia cocktail.

Benzodiazapines drugs build up more quickly in older adults than in younger adults, and they take longer to flush out of their system. This puts older adults at higher risk for side effects such as memory loss, delirium, falls, fractures and accidents. Sudden withdrawal can trigger very serious side effects, including severe sleep disturbance, aggravated anxiety and panic attacks, hand tremor, sweating, irritability and confusion, memory problems, dry retching and nausea, weight loss, heart palpitations, headache, muscle pain and stiffness, hallucinations, seizures, psychosis and suicide. It is extremely important to consult with a health professional before reducing or stopping any benzodiazepine prescription.

6. Sleep aids (Nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics)

Common sleep aids include:  zolpidem (Ambien), Eszopiclone (Lunesta) and zaleplon (Sonata).

Sleep aids may be prescribed as part of a treatment plan for insomnia, sleep-related issues and mild anxiety. Sleep aids affect the body in a similar way to benzodiazapines, with a sedative effect that also dampens activity in parts of the brain that involve the transfer of memories from short-term to long-term. They can cause amnesia, and for some they may occasionally trigger dangerous or unusual behaviors. Sleep aids can be addictive, and sudden cessation can cause serious side effects and withdrawal symptoms. It is important to consult with a health professional before reducing or stopping sleep aids.

7. Narcotic painkillers (opioid analgesics)

Common narcotic painkillers include: hydrocodone (Norco, Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet),  Fentanyl (Duragesic), hydromorphone (Dilaudid, Exalgo), and morphine (Astramorph, Avinza).

Narcotic painkillers are prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain, such as post-surgery pain, severe nerve pain, and pain caused by chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Opioid analgesics work in two ways: 1) by stopping the flow of pain signals in the central nervous system, and 2) by dulling the body’s emotional reaction to pain. The chemical messengers that are involved in long and short-term memory are also affected by narcotic painkillers, and memory loss may become a problem with extended use.

8. Parkinson’s drugs (Dopamine agonists)

Common Parkinson’s drugs include: Ropinirole (Requip), pramipexole (Mirapex) and apomorphine (Apokyn).

These drugs are prescribed as part of a treatment plan for Parkinson’s disease, restless legs syndrome (RLS) and some pituitary tumors. Parkinson’s drugs affect the neurotransmitter dopamine, a chemical messenger that plays a role in learning and memory, motivation, pleasure and fine motor control. Major side effects can include memory loss, confusion, hallucinations, drowsiness and compulsive behaviors.

9. Antihistamines

Common antihistamines include: diphenhydramine (Benadryl), clemastine (Tavist), Brompheniramine (Dimetane), hydroxyzine (Vistaril), carbinoxamine (Clistin) and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton). *Loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are also common antihistamines, however they do not have the same impact on memory and cognitive function.

Antihistamines are used as part of a treatment plan to help relieve and/or prevent cold or allergy symptoms. Antihistamines may also be prescribed to treat or prevent motion sickness, nausea, dizziness, vomiting and insomnia. Both prescription and over-the-counter antihistamines inhibit the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that helps to control a wide range of bodily functions. Antihistamines can suppress activity in the memory and learning areas of the brain, leading to forgetfulness and memory loss.

10. Incontinence drugs (Anticholinergics)

Common incontinence drugs include: Oxybutynin (Ditropan XL, Gelnique, Oxytrol), tolterodine (Detrol), Darifenacin (Enablex), solifenacin (Vesicare) and trospium (Sanctura).

Incontinence drugs may be prescribed as part of a treatment plan for overactive bladder or urge incontinence. Anticholergenics help reduce episodes of urge incontinence: a sudden, intense urge to urinate quickly followed by the involuntary loss of urine. These drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in either inhibiting or exciting various bodily functions – such as activating muscles or lowering heart rate. Anticholinergics help prevent involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles that control urine flow. They also suppress activity in the memory and learning areas of the brain, resulting in memory loss over time.

In addition to incontinence drugs, a variety of over-the-counter incontinence products can play an important role in the treatment plan. Adult protective underwear or diapers, pads or panty liners can help individuals to manage their symptoms with dignity. These products can be worn comfortably and discreetly under normal clothing, providing security and peace of mind by eliminating the risk of embarrassing accidents.

For more information about products to help manage incontinence, visit TotalHomeCareSupplies.com, or try the Total Home Care Supplies Bladder Matters blog.

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Former NBC News Anchor Tom Brokaw Reveals Bone Cancer Diagnosis

Posted by on under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Cleared for release by Joint Staff Public Affairs

Tom Brokaw in Treatment for Multiple Myeloma

On Tuesday night, the NBC network announced that former news anchor Tom Brokaw is being treated for a form of bone cancer called multiple myeloma.

The 74-year-old iconic news anchor was diagnosed in August of 2013 at the Mayo Clinic, and has continued to work on NBC News projects while quietly undergoing treatment.

In the announcement, the network stated that “His doctors are optimistic about the outcome of the treatment he is receiving, and Brokaw said he remains ‘the luckiest guy I know.’

Brokaw began working at NBC News in 1966, moving to the co-anchor position in 1982, and taking over sole anchor position in 1983. He worked as anchor chair of the “NBC Nightly News” from 1982 through December 2004. Since his retirement from anchor chair, he has continued to work as a special correspondent for the network. His special assignments include a 2hr documentary on the assassination of JFK, appearances on ‘TODAY,’ ‘Nightly News with Brian Williams,’ ‘Meet the Press’ and MSNBC, and he is currently contributing to NBC’s coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Tom Brokaw has been an NBC News icon, reporting on major world events for more than twenty years, including the Challenger disaster, the EDSA Revolution (Phillipine Revolution of 1986), the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the fall of the Berlin wall and the September 11,2001 attacks.

What Is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple Myeloma is a cancer that develops from abnormal or malignant plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies, and they play an important role in our immune system response. Plasma is primarily formed in bone marrow, along with other white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Multiple myeloma is also referred to as a bone marrow disease or “bone cancer,” placing it in the same family as leukemia and lymphoma.

In multiple myeloma, the abnormal plasma cells multiply in bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells. Over time, excessive plasma cells release damaging levels of a certain protein (immunoglobulin) into the bones and blood. As the protein builds up in the body, it causes organ damage.

The cancerous plasma cells also cause pain and damage inside bones. In addition to crowding out normal blood cells, they release chemicals that tell the body to dissolve certain areas of bone. These weak and painful bone areas are called lytic lesions. As the disease progresses, excessive plasma cells spill out of the bone marrow and deposit in other areas of the body, causing further organ damage.

After non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma is the second most common cancer of the blood, bone marrow or lymph nodes in the U.S., representing 1% of all cancers.

Multiple Myeloma Causes and Symptoms

Mulitple myeloma causes are currently unknown. The disease begins with few to no symptoms.  As it progresses, the accumulation of plasma cells in bones causes several symptoms, including:

  • Bone pain
  • Weakness and fatigue (due to anemia)
  • Weight loss
  • Confusion
  • Excessive thirst
  • Constipation (due to hypercalcemia)
  • Kidney problems
  • Infections (due to non-functioning immunoglobulin)
  • Purplish lumps under the skin (extramedullary plasmacytomas)

Multiple Myeloma Prognosis

Although there is no known cure for multiple myeloma, the disease is highly treatable. With conventional treatment, the median survival rate is 3–4 years, and with advanced treatment the median survival rate stretches to 5–7 years and beyond.

The first signs of multiple myeloma are normally found through tests of blood and/or urine that come back as abnormal. Abnormal blood test results that suggest multiple myeloma may include: high protein levels in blood and urine combined with low albumin levels, high levels of blood calcium, anemia, and elevated creatinine (indicating impaired kidney function).

Find A Doctor

If you are concerned about symptoms of multiple myeloma in yourself or a loved one, please speak with your primary care physician or a health professional. To find a doctor in your area, visit:

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