Joint Pain with Arimidex

[jmdm1027]

The purpose of this post is for other breast cancer survivors on Arimidex - looking for experiences with joint pain. I had chemotherapy and radiation therapy in 2006 for a stage 2 invasive lobular carcinoma. I was on Tamoxifen from mid-2006 until late 2008 - when I had an oophorectomy (prophylactic). I had tolerated the Tamoxifen very well for two years - few side effects. I was switched to Arimidex in late 2008 and have been on it since. I am a pretty healthy (other than the BC) - 52 year old. I am physically active and appropriate weight for my body type and size.

I have stiffness in the morning mostly - or if I sit at my desk for a long time. Once I am up and about it takes a couple of minutes - but I am  pretty unaffected once I get rolling. In recent months (last 6) I find my hands not to be as easily flexible - and my thumbs in particular can ache a bit - but not too distraction.

I have found that morning simple stretching exercises for a few minutes (literally 3-5 minutes) make a big difference for me getting rolling in the morning. And I find a way to get a 20 minute walk in every day - just had to make it part of my new life.

No other meds - not even ibuprofen. Hope this is helpful


This discussion is related to Arimidex Long Term Side Effects.

[jmdm1027]

I have not experienced any of the  memory or higher thought process issues that you describe - yet.

The most significant long term effects that I suffer with have to do with my reconstruction and the aftermath of the radiation - contracture and scar tissue discomfort. But even that is helped by the stretching. I also had some signicicant nerve damage from the axillary node dissection - sensation on my right side has really not returned. That and a little lymphodemia (I use a compression sleeve when I travel on planes).

But life is good - all worth it to be here :) I am able to do everything I ever did - just not as painless as it used to be - but very liveable....

Be Well

[Kimberly Sue]

I have been on Arimidex for just over 3 years. I have had minimal obvious side effects, but some tough not so obvious side effects. It seems the longer I am on it, the side effects have been creeping in. I now have trigger thumb, hands are stiff. Had a bad fall in October, landing on my back and causing compression fractures in several vertebrae. I believe the anastrzole is complicating my recovery. Struggle with higher thought processes and memory issues.
However, considering the alternatives.....the AI has not been so bad. I did not have to have chemo or rads.....so if dealing with some bothersome side effects of an AI is all I have to do to help me remain NED....so be it!

[bluebutterfly2222]

Thanks for sharing your experience with Arimidex.

Sometimes the AIs get such a bad rep that people are afraid to even give them a try, to see if they can tolerate them.

Best wishes for continued good quality of life,  and NED (no evidence of disease)!

bluebutterfly