Hand, wrist & finger pain post treatment

Thanks Michelle I forgot about ginger being a natural anti inflammatory, I will definitely give it a go.  I lived on ginger beer whilst on chemo as I couldnt drink or tolerate anything else. When I went to my GP he blew me off & just said your ligaments look inflamed, well no shit sherlock & suggested anti inflammatories.  Not much help. Off to the market for giner!

Yes, Leanne....I know where you're at.....After masectomy, chemo and  radiation  Sept '12 to Feb '13 and now being on Arimidex since March '13, the last few weeks have been nearly intolerable. I've got trigger finger in the little finger on my right hand, burning sensations in both hands and I can hardly make a fist with both hands, especially my left.......the knuckles are sore and swollen.  I saw my oncologist about 2 weeks ago, told him my hands seemed to be getting stiffer and sorer but didn't change any meds for me - see you in 6 months...... After seeing my GP and physio within the next couple of days they both couldn't believe how bad my hands were. My GP started me on an anti-inflammatory but I don't like taking it....doesn't seem to be doing any good anyway. I walk around like an old lady (I know I'm getting there but....) hip and knee pain, yes!!! - getting out of a car, walking for any length of time and stairs in the morning are a no no...........I am presently staying with my daughter and 6yo grand-daughter on the Sunshine Coast - which I should be enjoying but I am in so much discomfort it is taking all the joy out of my trip. I will definately be making an appointment with my oncologist when I get back to Townsville - I can't go on like this..........P.S in the mean time I'm going to try the ginger tea recipe you suggested Michelle...thanks.

Yes, Leanne....I know where you're at.....After masectomy, chemo and  radiation  Sept '12 to Feb '13 and now being on Arimidex since March '13, the last few weeks have been nearly intolerable. I've got trigger finger in the little finger on my right hand, burning sensations in both hands and I can hardly make a fist with both hands, especially my left.......the knuckles are sore and swollen.  I saw my oncologist about 2 weeks ago, told him my hands seemed to be getting stiffer and sorer but didn't change any meds for me - see you in 6 months...... After seeing my GP and physio within the next couple of days they both couldn't believe how bad my hands were. My GP started me on an anti-inflammatory but I don't like taking it....doesn't seem to be doing any good anyway. I walk around like an old lady (I know I'm getting there but....) hip and knee pain, yes!!! - getting out of a car, walking for any length of time and stairs in the morning are a no no...........I am presently staying with my daughter and 6yo grand-daughter on the Sunshine Coast - which I should be enjoying but I am in so much discomfort it is taking all the joy out of my trip. I will definately be making an appointment with my oncologist when I get back to Townsville - I can't go on like this..........P.S in the mean time I'm going to try the ginger tea recipe you suggested Michelle...thanks.

Yes, Leanne....I know where you're at.....After masectomy, chemo and  radiation  Sept '12 to Feb '13 and now being on Arimidex since March '13, the last few weeks have been nearly intolerable. I've got trigger finger in the little finger on my right hand, burning sensations in both hands and I can hardly make a fist with both hands, especially my left.......the knuckles are sore and swollen.  I saw my oncologist about 2 weeks ago, told him my hands seemed to be getting stiffer and sorer but didn't change any meds for me - see you in 6 months...... After seeing my GP and physio within the next couple of days they both couldn't believe how bad my hands were. My GP started me on an anti-inflammatory but I don't like taking it....doesn't seem to be doing any good anyway. I walk around like an old lady (I know I'm getting there but....) hip and knee pain, yes!!! - getting out of a car, walking for any length of time and stairs in the morning are a no no...........I am presently staying with my daughter and 6yo grand-daughter on the Sunshine Coast - which I should be enjoying but I am in so much discomfort it is taking all the joy out of my trip. I will definately be making an appointment with my oncologist when I get back to Townsville - I can't go on like this..........P.S in the mean time I'm going to try the ginger tea recipe you suggested Michelle...thanks.

I read your post with dread, 1stly I am so sorry that you are in pain and hope that someone can assist you with a way to manage it.

I have just finished my treatments and am about to start hormone suppressents, no idea which one yet but I know they all come with side effects.

I suppose I was just hoping that after this amount of time things would settle, I so want my life back and am doing what I can to reclaim it, I just never had constant pain on my agenda for the future.

Donna

Do you take Femara or Arimadex? I know these drugs can cause terrible joint pains,Also the chemo drug taxotere(docitaxel, taxol) can leave you with the sort of ailments you mention. Vitamin B6 and Magnesium can sometimes help with muscle and nerve pain.But I don't think you should be putting up with that much pain-what does your oncologist think?Tell him if you haven't already.I'm on Tamoxifen and it's sort of tolerable- I get abit of joint pain here and there but it doesn't wake me and I don't need to take anything.Best wishes, Tonya xx 

I finished chemo and rads 12 months ago, and also had tingling and stiff joints.

It sounds almost too simple, but I found that slices of freshly cut ginger steeped in boiling water for a few minutes - then add some cold water and green tea and steep a few more - really had amazing effects.  Quite a lot of our pink sisters also had good results.  I still start the day with it, and my husband found it eased his stiff shoulder.  Apparently ginger is a good anti-inflammatory spice and has been used forever as a natural treatment.  It can't hurt to try it.

Best of luck - hope it works for you - Michelle x