Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for new weakness or numbness in the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the buttocks or genitals.
These can be signs of pressure on the spinal cord.
Emergency help is also needed for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, collapse, marked confusion, or uncontrolled bleeding.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
If you already have multiple myeloma, contact your care team promptly about new or worsening pain, treatment side effects, reduced urine, poor fluid intake, or signs of infection.
Follow the specific infection instructions given by your treatment centre.
Seek urgent medical advice for:
Fever, shaking chills, or feeling suddenly very unwell during treatment
A sudden increase in thirst, vomiting, drowsiness, or confusion
New severe bone pain or a suspected fracture
Passing much less urine than usual
New swelling, redness, or pain in one leg
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if you have persistent bone pain, unexplained tiredness, repeated infections, unexplained weight loss, unusual bruising, or changes in urination.
These symptoms are not specific to multiple myeloma, but they deserve assessment if they continue.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Multiple myeloma. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.