Joint Pain after Reconstruction

[sehqltr]

Bilateral mastectomy 18 months ago (at age 47) with reconstruction - saline implants.  Invasive lobular cancer in left breast, extensive LCIS in right breast.  No lymph node involvement - no chemo - no radiation - no additional treatment.  Now experiencing hip, knee and shoulder joint pain. Any chance of rheumatiod arthritis from silicone in implant casing?  Or is this normal perimenopause pain?  Any way to tell the difference?

[Miss Pat]

I'm a 4-yr survivor, bilateral mastectomy followed by Chemo and then Tamoxifen.  Reconstruction with gel implants.  In colder, winter weather,I am in horrible pain.  Joints in my hands, knees, hips are very painful and I am so stiff and sore I feel like I'm 90.  I've heard that Tamoxifen can cause joint pain and I know that leaking gel implants can -- but does anyone have any specific information?

[debim]

I also am having severe joint pain in most joints: fingers, toes, wrists, ankles, knees and hips. I am 49, had 4 A/C followed by 12 weekly Taxol ending 2/04. Pain began 8 wks post chemo Also, I had just began taking Exemestane hormone therapy when pain began. Doctors don't know what is going on, just say they hear these complaints often after chemo. I am practically crippled with this and was very fit and healthy prior to treatment. Have taken various meds, Vioxx, Ibuprofin and get some relief.

I would like to know how common this is and will it get better over time? Also, what causes? Is it chemo, chemical menopause or hormone drugs? Or combination?

Thanks.

[susan m k]

I have an almost identical problem. ILC, double mastectomy 2 years ago today.  I turned 50 last week.  I don't believe the "pat" answer that it is arthritis.  I have incredible pain in what I think would be called the connective tissue at the joints (ie fingers, wrists, shoulders, knees, ankles, toes and neck.) The pain started 2 1/2 months after last chemotherapy.  Numerous tests have turned up nothing.  Saturday I started taking Hyaluronic Acid (do a web search).  It's too early to tell but (if I could actually cross my fingers...)I'm hoping for results.  I will post if I find it has helped.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear sehqltr:  To my knowledge, there is no evidence of the outer silicone casing causing any systemic problems.  In fact, the data regarding the leaky silicone is not very strong.  You should probably see your doctor and get a formal diagnosis but this sounds like arthritis.  In most cases, this is osteoarthritis.  It may or may not be related to perimenopause.