Letrazole and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

I've been on 2 different AI's over the last 2 years. I started on letrozole, no problems for about 6 months, then developed de quervain's in my right wrist/thumb. Managed conservatively with some response, but when it started getting worse again, my onc changed me to exemestane. All good for a couple of months, then my left hand/thumb started playing up, and quickly became the worst of the 2. I am left handed, so this has been a chore! I also have had injections for 2 trigger fingers on the right. My onc now wants to change me to Tamoxifen , but I'm not keen on that. Better the devil I know!
@HarleyB, I'm heartened to hear you've had such a good result from your surgery. I have lymphoedema in my left arm, so have had no treatment but splinting there, and after my last steroid injection on the right, I confirmed a fairly unusual side effect, and won't be having any more of those, so surgery may be an option for me

I had fairly mild carpal tunnel in both hands prior to my diagnosis. When I started on Arimidex 2 years ago it got MUCH worse. I wore wrist spints for about a year and then last year I had both release operations done.
I'm actually a bit pissed off that I put up with wearing wrist splints for so long. It did help but after the surgery the pain, the numbness, the weakness is ALL GONE!!
Currently I have De Quervains in my left thumb/wrist. I've had 2 HCLA injections which seem to work for a bit but if it comes back again I'm having surgery again. My only concern is that my left side is my lymphoedema risk arm but in the past year I've had 2 HCLA injections, carpal tunnel release surgery, IV for when I had the R carpal tunnel (yes I asked and was told it would be in my leg but at the last minute my anesthetist changed and the new doctor knew nothing about all the arrangements I had made!) so I figure another surgery on my left side is just one more!
I changed GPs during all this - the first one was quite conservative and wanted me to use the splints and have nerve studies etc but then my new GP said - you've got carpal tunnel and now you're on Arimidex - it's not going away unless you have surgery - 2 months later I had surgery. Best decision I ever made. 

There is nothing more frustrating than our sanity being stretched out .... for me it was the sensation of thousands of spiders crawling on my back that was through chemo I still struggle with it when I get tired....  only relief I get is dry brushing my skin which I need someone to do as I can't do my own back ...

I'm on Arimidex, started in December. I have trigger thumb left hand and joints all stiff and painful at times. I cannot write for very long due to pain and stiffness. I do have neuropathy from Taxol still and believe the joint stiffness is from chemo, zoladex, and now Arimidex. I'm 43 and feel like 80 I'm my body. All sucks. Hope you find relief.

Hello @Kazmar.

I have contacted one of our members who has had a similar experience regarding your post.
Hopefully you will  get a response soon.

Hi @Kazmar,
When I finished treatment I went onto Tamoxifen for the first 2 years. I then had my ovaries removed and changed to Letrozole. About 1 month into taking it I suddenly developed a lot of joint pain. My hands, in particular my right one, would wake me up most nights. I could not even rotate my stick deodorant or take off the toothpaste lid first thing in the morning.

My GP said it was Carpal Tunnel and gave me a referral to a specialist for nerve testing. However, around the same time I started taking Curcumin capsules (a natural anti-inflammatory made from the spice Turmeric). I did check this with my GP and onc before taking it. At my stage of treatment this was fine but it is not recommended during chemo.

The Curcumin was amazing and my hands improved almost immediately. I have now been on Letrozole for over 2 years. I have only had a couple of short instances of the painful hands since starting on the Curcumin. I have not bothered to follow through with the referral. My GP was sceptical that it was the Curcumin but I am just glad that the pain vanished just as quickly as it came. 

If you were going to try the Curcumin please check with your doctors first as it can interact with a few different medications. I hope that you can find a way to relieve your pain. Take care.
Deanne xxx

Kazmar I understand your pain. I was told it was not caused by my meds but I know a few people who say otherwise. I had it in my left hand and the pain was excruciating. I am left-handed in everything so was quite incapacitated.I had surgery to fix it and haven't looked back. Good luck convincing the Oncologist though. It is wonderful now to sleep without pain. Best wishes to you.

Thanks @SoldierCrab.
I have been ready to pull out what little hair that l have.

oh @Kazmar
 that sounds dreadful  I have not been on those meds so can't help with this but I wanted to let you know that ladies will respond later today who might have this experience with some hints and tips to help you before you see the Onc. 

hugs 
Soldiercrab