Hi,
I was diagnosed with bc in Nov 2004, had chemo, surgery, radiotherapy then 2 years of tamoxifen. I also had my ovaries removed so was swopped to Arimidex last year in April. Side effects initially were hot flushes & a bit of joint stiffness but generally not too bad.
Recently I have been getting numbness in my limbs at night - I have had this in my arms for some time, happens when my elbows are bent, if I wake up and straighten them it goes away. GP said it’s the ulna (?) nerve getting compressed. Now I’m also getting it in my legs, if I sleep on my side then my foot goes completely numb & some of my leg - again, if I move it goes away. The leaflet I got on Arimidex doesn’t mention numbness as a side effect but having looked on the net it seems it may be. I also seem to be getting slight numbness/tingling in the day in both hands/legs (but maybe I’m imagining this as I’m worried about this now!).
I have consulted my gp who said v.unlikely to be cancer in spine as would be accompanied by pain. Having searched on the net I have read of some people getting numbness with Arimidex & 1 medical site mentioned as possible side effect. Has anyone had this?
Thanks
Sandra
Hi Sandra,
I wake up with a numb hand or hands most mornings and have read of this affecting others taking Arimidex.
Haven’t had the leg/foot thing at night but my feet can go numb if in the wrong or same position during the day just when I’m sitting etc. I may well get it at night but unaware of it.
Hope this helps a bit,
Sheana x
Hi Sheana,
Thanks for your reply. It is good to know that it’s not just me so maybe it is the Armidex causing this. Have you discussed this with your doctors, did they think it was anything to be concerned about? I spoke to my breast care nurse today, she had never heard of it as a symptom but is going to check with pharmacist & oncologist. I did tell her on Astra-Zeneca’s site they detail 5-6% of women in 1 of the trails having parasthesia as a side effect, but not exactly what, & later on it warns about Carpel Tunnel syndrome. I would not be too concerned if I knew it would disappear when I finish taking (though the foot thing wakes me up) but a lady I have spoken to on another forum seems to have had permanent damage (ie the carpal tunnel thing, she is in the states where she said they ackowledged it as a problem of Arimidex).
Take care
Sandra