body pain after chemo

Hi Vinn. I experienced painful joints and tendons after chemo and radiation. My chemo nurses said this was normal. I had mild arthritis before chemo but afterwards it seemed to go into overdrive with lots of achy joints and the general hit by a bus feeling. I struggled with my hands, knees, feet, hips, lower back and shoulders. I tried normal pain killers but in the end had to go on Norspan patches just so I could walk around. The pain prevented me from doing so many things as well as going to the gym. I also lost sleep because of the pain.  In the last few weeks I decided I had had enough and I needed to do something because I felt like I was 150 yrs old. I decided to give an anti inflammatory diet a go. I am so pleased with the results so far. Basically I aim for 1000 calories a day and have cut out caffeine, dairy, carbs and processed sugar. All I eat is eggs, meat, vegies, berries and bananas and a tiny bit of greek yogurt. I drink fresh ginger and a little lemon in water during the day. So far this diet has made a huge difference to my pain and I have cut right back on my pain medication. I've also lost another 4.5 kgs bringing my total weight loss since chemo to 14.5 kg which is also helping my joints. However I still have the occasional flare up of pain. Last night  my foot was so bad that I ended up having to take panadeine but this morning I am fine and I have just spent 2 hours gardening. A nice hot bath also helps my joints enormously.  I think it is worth talking to your oncologist about it and hope you get some relief soon.

All the best, Nadi