Hi All I’m just wondering if anyone can advise me I’m one and half yrs since lumpectomy and radiotherapy for DCIs high grade oestrogen positive was on Tamoxifen but been on Anastrezole for a year I suffer badly with fibromyalgia but the pains in my joint and bones are excruciating at night and morning I can hardly move until late morning, I had a Dexa scan my bones now have osteoporosis and osteopenia, but just been given even stronger painkillers but worried could be more to it and should I insist on a scan.
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I thought there were a handful of these post menopausal meds so that if one has too many side effects you can try another. I would switch my AI before I would get myself on strong painkillers. Self advocate.
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I would speak to your BCN about your options - changing brands , changing AI - is there a possibility to go back on Tamoxifen for example . It is a bit less effective after the menopause which is why they change you but you may decide it’s worth it if you were doing ok on it. I’m hoping that they have put you something to strengthen your bones ? I have a friend who didn’t tolerate Letrozole due to joint pain and stiffness but is managing ok on Exemestane so that might be an option. I agree that just offering stronger painkillers just isn’t good enough . Xx
Thank you Joanne I appreciate your advise, I will look at other brands as I cannot go back on Tamoxifen, I’ve also been put on calcium and vitamin D so 
I can be changed as this pain is taking over my life
Best wishes x
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Hi,
Ive been on the same tablets as you for the last 3yrs and suffer just like you.
Ive tried everything and everybody for answers and help to no avail, orthe than stronger pain meds.
The pain is so bad now i walk with a walking frame.
Ive been told i will be on the tablets for 5yrs in total, so im really hoping that when i come off them the pain will go.
Sorry i cant be of more help.
Jean
Hi
Absolutely talk to your team and try a different brand as this can affect pain levels
I use hot water bottles and heat up cherry stone bean bags for first thing in the morning plus do hand and feet exercises ( from NHS site)
I bath using Epson Salts and this helps too
Take care x
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Hi Preston,
Thanks for posting. It sounds a difficult time.
Joint aches and pains are a very common side effect of aromatase inhibitor (AI) drugs such as anastrozole. As you can see from the replies you’ve had, many women experience these and they can really affect quality of life,
The cause of AI-related joint symptoms is not known for certain, but it is thought that they are linked to a fall in oestrogen levels.
Although finding a brand that suits can help, it’s not always possible to get the same brand from the chemist.
As the pain is severe, your treatment team may ask you to stop taking anastrozole for a short period of time to see if your symptoms improve. You and your oncologist can then discuss your treatment options. They may suggest changing to a different aromatase inhibitor drug to see if that suits you better. This might also be helpful for @SleepyJean1 to know.
If this doesn’t help you can ask them if any type of scan would help find out if there is another cause for this pain.
You may be interested in our Moving Forward information and course. Moving Forward is for women with primary breast cancer who have completed their main hospital treatment in the last 2 years.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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