4. Low Blood Counts
As myeloma invades the bone marrow, it begins to crowd out the healthy cells. As the disease spreads, the marrow becomes deficient at producing new white and red blood cells. Low red blood cell counts lead to a condition known as “anemia,” where the body experienced a diminished capacity to carry oxygen to the organs and muscular system.
This loss of oxygen adds to feelings of fatigue and light-headedness. With no new red blood cells, the condition progresses as the multiple myeloma spreads. Myeloma also affects white blood cell count in the body. White blood cells fight off disease and infection. With reduced white blood cells in your bloodstream, the body struggles to fight off invading illness.
“Leukopenia,” is the medical term for low white blood cell count. As the multiple myeloma continues to occupy marrow tissue, affected individuals produce less and less of these vital cells, making it much more challenging for the body to fend off infection.