He suffers from intense back pain reminiscent of a herniated disc, the diagnosis is in fact much more serious

David Windlea 46-year-old assistant professor, began experiencing debilitating back pain in December 2021. Thinking it wasa herniated disc, he consults several doctorsincluding an osteopath and a physiotherapist, without success. The pain is so intense that he is forced to move on all fours. Pain affects daily life of David and his family. He faces many challenges, but he keeps hope and strives to stay positive for his family.

Despite numerous consultationsno doctor was able to identify the source of his back pain. His condition deteriorates to the point that he has to be absent from work regularly. David begins to lose his morale, feeling helpless in the face of his state of health.

Incomprehensible back pain

Faced with worsening of his condition, his osteopath suggests he have an MRI. Not having access to this examination via the British health system, he decided to finance it himself. The results are a shock: one of his vertebrae is disintegrated. Doctors then suspected cancer.

A biopsy bone marrow confirms the worst: David has multiple myeloma, a blood cancer rare and incurable. This unexpected news turns his life upside down. David was immediately placed on intensive treatment, including chemotherapy, stem cell transplant and anti-cancer drugs. The diagnosis is difficult to accept, but David remains optimistic and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis when faced with unusual symptoms.

The start of a fight against illness

David then begins difficult treatmentincluding chemotherapy, stem cell transplant and anti-cancer drugs. Despite the ordeal, he remains optimistic and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis when faced with unusual symptoms. This late screening highlights the difficulty of detecting multiple myeloma, especially the rare form called light chain myeloma, which does not affects only 20% of patients. David shares his experience to educate others about these little-known symptoms and encourage rapid medical care.

Multiple myeloma is a difficult disease to detect, because its symptoms can be confused with other less serious pathologies, such as a herniated disc. Despite the incurable nature of his cancer, David Windle remains determined to live life to the fullest and spend time with his family. Its history also recalls the importance of raising awareness of rare disease symptoms. Although multiple myeloma is not curable, early diagnosis and treatment can prolong life and improve quality of life.