Arimidex/joint prob update

harrie · 03-04-2008, 11:50 PM

I have been on Arimidex since mid-May of this yr. By around 6 months started getting this "trigger-finger" in my thumb. I was almost ready to swtich to another AI, but I had acupunture done about 1 1/2 wks ago and it feels improved. It still locks, but it feels stronger and it has less discomfort.
I have some joint discomfort, but I only feel it at night when I wake up in the middle of the night. During the day I am pretty much fine except for the very limited motion in my left thumb only.
I do yoga 3 to 4 times per wk and I think that is helping overall with the joints.
Harrie

Karen W · 03-05-2008, 10:53 AM

I have a real problem with the fingers on my right hand. The middle finger tends to feel like it is going to lock and the others are just really stiff. I don't know what to do.
I have an acupuncture appointment next week, so I'll see if he can help me.

Karen

MJo · 03-05-2008, 11:51 AM

Yes! My finger joints seemed to pop. I was afraid they would pop out of their sockets. Trigger finger is a good description. The oncologist's nurse practitioner nodded when I mentioned it. I've been on arimidex two years and, Glory Be, my side effects have eased up some.

PinkGirl · 03-05-2008, 02:04 PM

Hi Harrie
Like MJo, my symptoms are easing up. I've also been
on it for about 2 years but my pain is mainly in my feet.
I hope it settles down for you too.

Patb · 03-05-2008, 05:50 PM

When I wake up in the morning I feel 100 years old, but as the day goes
by I get younger. By bedtime, I am fine. I have been on Arimedex for one
year, four months. Exercise does help, its just that first step!!
patb

Bill · 03-05-2008, 06:45 PM

Hi Harrie! I'm sorry to hear about your joint pains (and the rest of you as well). I wish I could help more, but I'm glad the yoga is helping. Also, maybe a little T'ai Chi would help, too. And last, but not least, maybe get one of those warm foot-bath things. If you're feet are warm and relaxed, that feeling can transfer to the rest of your body. And my usual prescription of a nice, long hot bath along with scented candles and soothing music, as you visualize the aches and pains and worries and stress leaving your body and floating away. Love, Bill

Joan M · 03-05-2008, 08:29 PM

Hi Harrie & Karen, I'm estrogen negative, so I have no experience with Arimidex or "trigger finger," but I'm wondering about trying acupuncture for osteoarthritis in my knee.

Can you give me any tips?

My right knee started bothering me last November and I started physical therapy a few weeks ago because the pain wasn't going away, but it doesn't seem to be helping much (an x-ray and MRI showed no cancer).

I'm considering acupuncture, which I've never tried before, and thought I'd ask my oncologist about it. She's very sharp, has a doctorate in microbiology for breast cancer studies and, as luck would have it, was also born and raised in China, and went to medical school there, too.

Any suggestions?

Bev · 03-05-2008, 10:12 PM

I've been on Aimidex 8 months and my right thumb is a mess, with all the fingers feeling stiff. I wrap my hand around a nice hot coffee mug before trying to bend that thumb. Pops like crazy for a few hours in the morning.

Would acupuncture be covered by insurance? Glad to know it gets better over time.

BB

harrie · 03-05-2008, 11:32 PM

The acupunture definitely helped my thumb feel stronger and more functional. It still does NOT bend without assistance. But, even with a stiff left thumb, I can still function and use my hands normally. I believe the acupunture opened up the channels and that is when it feels better. I would suggest trying it if you have not already. Also, if one acupunturist does not work well, try another person before giving up.

Thank you for all your responses! I appreciate it!
Harrie

Anne C · 03-05-2008, 11:50 PM

Is it all aromatase inhibitors that cause joint pain?
I have been on Aromasin for three months.
I feel like the Tin Man who was caught out in the rain without his
can of WD 40.
I had my tx yesterday. I have Zometa and Herceptin every three weeks.
Afterward for 3-4 days have terrible joint pains. Anywhere where you have had a previous joint problem or arthritis , pain is magnified.
Has anyone else experienced these symptoms with zometa or
aromasin?
This is a wonderful web site, so many wonderful positive,intelligent
women. God Bless you all.
Anne C.

harrie · 03-06-2008, 12:04 AM

Anne C,
You can try switching to another AI. My good friend had significant joint problems with Arimidex and switched to Femera and is doing well. But I did hear that Femera has similar side effects as Arimidex.
Arimidex at this point for me is manageable. If it becomes more of a problem, my oncogist is suggesting I switch to Aromasin and try that.

I am not familiar with Zometa as far as it causing joint pain. As far as what I have experienced, Herceptin caused me minimal if any side effects and there was no joint discomfort.

Hope this helps you.
Harrie

Joan M · 03-06-2008, 06:52 PM

Thanks for your input about acupuncture. I'm going to look into it. Joan

Bill · 03-06-2008, 07:02 PM

Hi everybody! Anne, my wife had Zometa once a month, and when she started, her doc. told her it was known to cause "flu-like" symptoms, and sure enough, it did, aches and pains.

TSund · 03-06-2008, 07:52 PM

Hi, I posted this on another similar thread, but can anyone tell me the "whys" behind the joint pain? Is it the lack of estrogen or some other thing associated with these drugs?

Thanks

TRS

PinkGirl · 03-06-2008, 08:02 PM

I have read about that and it looks like
no one is really sure where the arthritic-like
pain comes from.

In every article I've read they talk about low
estrogen and low vitamin D being a possible
cause but don't know for sure.

Anne C · 03-08-2008, 11:20 AM

Thanks you for your response to my question re: AI's
I take a multivit daily with Vit D 400u.
I also take omega 3 daily to try to lubricate joints.
Bill, the first time I had Zometa aprox 8 months ago, I had terrible
bone pain. I could not even stand my glasses to press on the bones
behind the ears. This lasted 4 or 5 days but each succesive time was
a little better, but I still have the bone andjoint pain ( more than usual) for 3-4 days after Zometa.
Does anyone take CoQ10 to help prevent CHF from Herceptin. IF so what
dose. I am presently taking 125mg CoQ10 daily

Donna · 03-08-2008, 11:38 AM

It might just be that I am staying in the hotel in L.A. where they are hosting the auditions for Nashville Star for NBC on the country western song idea.

My only concern when it comes to my thumbs moving in and out of joint ( which does hurt! ) and my fingers locking is this: does it go away at the end of the 5 yrs and am I doing permanent damage by using my hands when they hurt so much, ignoring the pain. I doubt there are answers out there yet on this, but shouldn't we as a group let the AI people know this is a significant problem requiring their attention and answers?

Donna

harrie · 03-08-2008, 02:53 PM

Anne C, I know the CoQ10 is really good for the heart. I am not sure of the recommended dosage, but I know that there are others on this board that have this info. I believe there are other threads out there on the CoQ.
You might want to consider taking Vit3. It is 1000 IU. I take a total of about 1800 IU of vit D per day.

Soccermom · 03-08-2008, 04:51 PM

Count me in,AGAIN, on the joint pain. Arimidex since February 2006. I thought it was getting better while I was out on medical leave for recon (this Aug-Feb) however now that i am back to work (retail) I am in more pain as each day passes. Last night I did not sleep a wink....sigh...I have tried Armomasin and Tamoxifen...eat right ,take vitamins dont drink alcohol (maybe I should?). I also had one ovary removed last year due to a persistent cyst. Hair has thinned a great deal. Face is rounder, arms arm MUCH heavier ...I *think* my body is SCREAMING for Estrogen which ,alas,I cannot take. HOWEVER, one must wonder when if ever "quality of life" is ever enough of a reason to discontinue AI's prematurely (before 5 years are up)?
Harrie, I DID have trigger finger last year that miraculously went away?!
I wear a pain patch and take oral meds for "breakthrough".
Marcia

Mgarr · 03-08-2008, 05:00 PM

Ok, was going to keep quiet but I CAN'T.

I was ER/PR- (no AI's) and I have some serious joint inflammation. It began in my thumb (this is not meant to scare) and then wrists, elbow etc. Apparently(I say this because I had no idea) I had some arthritis in my hip at my first bone scan but 2 months after finishing chemo/herception I began severe hip problems only to have a total hip replacement. Shortly after my hip surgery every joint in my body swelled up to the point where I could barely move.

After my treatments I would swell put on weight not sure anyway i was much heavier for 3-4 days until I flushed it all thru but after hip surgery it became a permanent severe state.

This inflammation may be from being forced into menopause, or the combined effect of all treatment on my immune system I just don't know. It is just strange that so many of us are having joint pains.

Both my mom & mother-in-law have been on Tamoxifen with no complaints of joint or bone pains. My mom finished her 5 yrs. Tamoxifen and started Femara and began severe joint pains, she went off it they went away, tried again same problem. At this point I believe the dosage has changed and she seems to be okay.

Just my ramblin' 2 cents.

Mary