Hi everyone.
Please can someone tell me if they have sore joints on Arimadex? I had my last chemo in Sept last and then finished rads in Nov. I was on letrozole for 3 months and because of side effects the onc changed me to Arimadex. I have been having problems with stiffness in my joints especially knees and ankles. Just wondered if anyone else is the same and if you can suggest anything to help. I have been walking to build up energy levels and although it helps it is not getting rid of the problem. I have spoken to my doctor and he says that there is very little he can do to help.
I am concerned because i am due to go back to work in sept and as my job involves using stairs frequently i feel i will have problems with this part of my job. I am a special need assistant and am on my feet for the best part of the day helping pupils to get to lessons.
Thanks
Majelsty
Hi Maj
I’ve bumped a couple of threads you may not have seen thanks to the site problems sometimes only showing one page on the Latest Posts. You may get some help from them.
I’m going on a “Letrozole Holiday” at my GP’s suggestion for a few weeks to see if I get any relief from joint pain/stiffness and markedly decreased muscle strength.
Hope you find something helpful - D x
Hi Majelsty
Have you given the helpline here a ring? If not, please do and have a chat about your problems, they may be able to suggest something to help.
Take care,
Jo, Facilitator
Thanks Jo will give them a call
M x
Hi. I think lots of people suffer with stiff joints with arimidex. I had really bad knees at first but after a few months that did get better so in time your symptoms may decrease. You may also find changing brand helps with side effects. I was on the original arimidex and then swopped to Teva’s generic anastrozole when arimidex came off patent. I had severe problems with my joints in my hands. My Onc and GP changed me back and they are now much better. I think it is something to do with the coating on the tablets as the ingredients are the same but the coatings give different rates of absorption. Another thing that I really think helps with the joint stiffness is exercise such as pilates.
Hope this helps.
Pam.
Hi Pam,
Thank you for your comment. I will speak to my GP but as like other women on here i am sure he wont give me the true Arimadex (cost). I will also look into doing some Pilates. I am already building up my walking exercise as it is something i have done a lot of before my diagnosis.
Thanks again
M x
Hi M I was fine on Arimidex but got changed as Pam says when it came of licence and had dire s/e eventually after a long sorry saga my Onc wrote to my GP and I have been on Arimidex since.
I have 2 sets of stairs up to my office an in and out of the car too. But if you have difficulties there is the provision on the ‘sick’ note for you to be able to go back to work with some provisos regarding the circumstances in your work environment I am now back to aerobics/gym and walking as well as working full time but it has taken some time to get to this stage I think it took about a yr then I tore the cartilage in my knee another long story but doing well now xxx
I am suffering with my legs too. I have not started on any drugs yet though as I have to have my radiotherapy first. It’s strange because I have had problems with my legs before the chemo, calves stiffening up and painful but as soon as I got going I was OK and only had the problem if I sat down for a few minutes. When I was on the chemo I was better than I’ve ever been for years…for the first two weeks and on the 3rd week when I am supposed to pick up from the chemo I went down with it again. Since I’ve finished the chemo I have got worse and the pain is there when I am walking all the time. I have seen my GP and he initially put my on anti inflammatories which didn’t touch it. Painkillers (even strong ones, dont touch it) He then examined me on my next visit and said my legs were swollen and has now put me on water tablets. This is not helping either and I am due to have a blood test this week. He said he doesnt know what it is but intends to find out. My previous blood tests came back normal. I have finished my chemo, and with surgery the cancer has been completely removed with the second op and I don’t know have to go back to the hospital to be checked for another year (after the rads). I should be jumping for joy. I had no side effects from the chemo at the time to speak of and sailed through it but now I feel awful and very tearful all the time and run down because I can;t seem to get on with my life because it is painful to walk.