Hey Everyone!I've been on Arimidex for about 14 months now and side effects have been quite debilitating in terms of joint, muscle pain. I came off as recommended for 6 weeks and kept a diary for my Oncologist, I am yet due to see him but the symptoms reduced dramatically. I know there are alot of women who suffer side effects and there are some women who also suffer NONE! I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia about 14 years ago, as the years went on I forgot all about it and got on with life, lets face it who has time for it right?? My Medical Team said I suffered so badly through chemo due to Fibromyalgia and that for some reason it affects sufferers badly. I didnt think about it as I said I forgot all about it, it doesnt rule my life and I put up with pain. The other alarming thing that has come to light is and why I want to share this is, if you have FIBROMYALGIA any Aromatase Inhibitors such as Arimidex actually make the pain worse. I thought it worth mentioning to anyone else out there who has this and if you are suffering on medication this is most likely why. The answer??? I honestly don't know but will talk to my Oncologist, I know Magnesium is important with Vit D. but since going back on Arimidex the past 2 weeks have been horrific in terms of pain...and finally I worked it out. Melinda xo

It's good you have worked it out Melinda @melclarity but how awful to be experiencing pain like this. I really hope there's a solution that might help xxxxxx

@nikkid You know its so interesting because it's not something I thought too hard about, I just thought I suffered joint pain, but its so much worse than that. There is no cure for it and there is nothing I can even take to manage it, so am hoping there will be some compromise with the meds, I do think too menopause adds to the whole pain as well. I didnt have this pain really on Tamoxifen either that or I was just used to the constant pain I was in that I didnt realise? My next question will be to the Oncologist is if Tamoxifen didnt work how do I know if Arimidex will? and if not then I may as well have quality of life and not have it. x

Totally understand.....quality of life IS key xxxx

Jeez @melclarity, you've really been hit every which way! I hope the oncologist can come up with a solution for you. We're here for you!Aine

Fibromyalgia and Aromatase Inhibitors

melclarity
Member
8 years ago
@Chabrittson I'm not meant to see my Oncologist til end of May, but I'm going to reschedule. Yes I believe he'll try me on Femara instead..I really hope things are better on that. It took 2 weeks but I noticed a dramatic difference in how I walked and especially getting out of bed in the mornings. So theres no doubt in my mind about Arimidex for me. x
Chabrittson
Member
8 years ago
Oh Melinda,
You certainly have been through a lot.
Have you tried femara instead of Arimidex?
I too have a lot of side effects on Arimidex and my Dr has taken it off me to see if side effects subside. He said if it does, we will try Femara.
melclarity
Member
8 years ago
Tracey,

I saw my GP today had to get bloods done and I told him how bad my pain is and he said warm water is good for Fibromyalgia and strangely I said AHA!!! is that why I love a hot shower, OMG I stand forever because it really helps!! So thats why flotation tanks must help!!! Melinda xo
Anonymous
8 years ago
Hey Mel,
I hear you loud and clear, as you well know. Keeping a diary is a great idea. I see my oncologist next Wednesday, and will be discussing my options with him the. Have been taking turmeric as a natural anti inflammatory for about 1 week, and there is some difference in pain level, however my pain is still mobile, moving from my right arm to my lower spine to I between my shoulder blades today.
Hoping that you get some answers soon, Trace xxx
melclarity
Member
8 years ago
Hey Ally Jay, no I haven't heard of it used for Fibromyalgia, Ive heard of it used for other things though. Interesting! Ive heard of flotation tanks help alot though??
Zoffiel
Member
8 years ago
I've got one, but I can't figure out where to put the pads to target a whole leg! Works well on my shoulder though.
AllyJay
Member
8 years ago
Have any of you fibromyalgia sufferers tried using a TENS machine for pain management? Just curious to know as I know this therapy can help a lot with localised pain in either joints, muscles and tendons?
melclarity
Member
8 years ago
@Aine thanks I do too...I really wanted to post for anyone else who suffers the condition too. x M
melclarity
Member
8 years ago
Karen, I couldn't work out why the past 10 days the pain has been relentless and it honestly as been since I went back onto Arimidex after 6 weeks break. I'm going to pull my appt with him forward, but I know he'll switch me to something else and I just dont know it will be any better. I'm in a quandry with the meds, I can't take Tamoxifen, because inspite of being on it for 4yrs I had a recurrence, my Surgeon literally threw them in the bin, said cannot take ever again. Once I finished treatment, my Oncologist said he prefers Arimidex to Tamoxifen that he believed I would be better guarded. Who knows...I just laugh now looking forward to being off it all I think and moving on. :) x Melinda
Karenhappyquilt
Member
8 years ago
So sorry to hear about your pain and suffering. I too have fibromyalgia. I have had it for many years and like you often don't think about. I was wondering why you can't stay on tamoxifen? Wishing you the very best. Karen