Symptom 8. Weakness in Limbs: The Subtle Sapping of Strength
With monoclonal gammopathy, weakness can manifest in the most unexpected ways. For many, this presents as a gradual sapping of strength, particularly in the limbs. It’s not an overnight occurrence but a slow retreat, almost as if the vitality is being leached out drop by drop.
At first, it’s the small things. Maybe lifting a bag feels harder, or there’s a tremble when holding a cup of coffee. These minor incidents, often brushed off as fatigue or stress, slowly accumulate, painting a picture of something more profound.
As time progresses, the weakness can intensify. Activities once done with ease, like climbing stairs or opening jars, become challenges. The limbs feel heavy, weighed down by an invisible force that refuses to let go.
One of the fascinating aspects of this symptom is its unpredictability. One day might be better than the next, with strength levels seeming to fluctuate. This ebb and flow can make it hard to pinpoint, but it’s this very inconsistency that highlights its importance. (8)
