Topic: Arimidex, Fatigue - Coping Suggestions?

The best thing I found was to get enough sleep, just like you said... even if you must take something to help you sleep and realize the fact that you do need to rest more.

I did not find any supplement that helped with the fatigue.However, I denied for the whole five years that I was depressed because it is not my nature and I had never been depressed.

Now after finishing my 5 years and being off since May --- I realize that I was indeed depressed because it is just like a veil has lifted.

Depression can cause big time fatigue. If I had it to do over (or God forbid, I ever have to take Arimidex again) I will ask for something for depression when I get to feeling like I did.

Perhaps you should consider these things.

Hang on! It is not easy but it is doable. I never thought I would make the 5 years! I know that you don't know me --- but if I can do 5 years most any body can!

JO

My worst SE's kicked in at the 3 month point too!  This may be hard to 'hear' - but honest, it does usually get much better!  I'm going into my 3rd year - and really do feel good.

First thing, I suggest you have your thyroid checked.  Make sure your TSH is below 2.5.  The chemotherapy helped to know out my thyroid, and taking meds for that made a tremendous difference.  I don't know your age - but that is a factor in thryoid function too.

I learned so much on these boards - vitamins, calcium/magnesium, GOOD quality Vitamin D3.  Good idea to have a Vitamin D3 blood test - to make sure you are absorbing it.

 There is something about the 3 month point on Arimidex -it is really the 'crunch' time.  After that, our bodies seem to learn more about how to adjust to having no estrogen.  I am amazed at how different I feel now at the beginning of my 3 rd year than I did at 3 months.  Then, I had such horrific CTS ( carpal tunnel syndrome) I had to stop taking Arimidex for 6 weeks - went to a hand therapist, did exercises and wore wrist splints for about 6 months!

And, I think it's all worth it.  I am grateful I have the kind of bc that can be 'treated' with these newer medications.  I wish you well.  Don't know if some of the older ( 2 years ago) posts on the side effects of Arimidex are still available online.  They were wonderful.

I agree about checking the 'Depression' aspect - I had that ( and still do) before bc, but I can't imagine any women going through what we do without getting depressed.  I use an antidepressant and again, am thankful how effective it is.

Don't give up - there are so many things to try - and know that those of us who are just a little further along the 'Arimidex' path have had the same experiences, or almost the same, as you are.  You're not alone - and it IS the Arimidex.  Damn, for a few years some oncs were trying to say it was 'all in our head' - not mine, but other women on these boards were reporting that.

The SE's of all the AI's are difficult - but they sure are effective medications!

notself- if you haven't yet had your thyroid checked - it's an easy blood test to check your thyroid function - a TSH ( thyroid stimulating hormone) blood test - your gp/pcp can easily do it.  That was the cause of most of my fatigue.  Fatigue is a SE of Arimidex, but there can also be other contributing factors.  My oncologists are wonderful, and they kept kindly telling me to be patient with my recovery, as I was just finished with chemotherapy.  Thank goodness women in my BC support group suggested I get the TSH blood test. It's made all the difference for me. 

Thanks all for the input and personal experiences. It's all good information.

In my case it is not radiation or chemo as I didn't have to go that route this time ("ONLY" mastectomy). I did do rads and chemo with the first diagnosis, but that was 9 years ago. Gotta let that excuse go, but confess I claimed chemo brain for a loooonng time. I do know my vitamin D is very low (found out over a year ago) and responding slowly to supplements. My thyroid is within normal limits. I could try debating the "normal limits" issue but haven't got the strength.

Depression is a strong possibility. Cancer twice and not necessarily dealing with the missing breast very well. Major hit to the body image. Children are leaving the nest and it's not all smooth launching. I'm not sure I'm ready to accept pharmaceutical intervention quite yet. It's like the side effects of the Arimidex have been a tipping point?

I'm just over 50 and have maintained a healthy weight all my life. I haven't been as dedicated to true exercise as I should have been, but I've always been moderately active. Got serious about walking almost a year ago, I toss in a little jogging and incorporate some hills. It's been good for the stress level if nothing else, but I think it also helps with the hot flashes. The walking has been tougher since Arimidex, though I have not allowed it to stop me. The aches have impacted my pace.

I'm not ready to switch drugs yet, but it's curious how these different AIs hit each of us differently. I will keep an open mind about looking into the depression aspect if things do not improve. Part of me readily agrees that I might have earned the right to a little depression? 

Sunflowers,

Thanks for the kind words and advice.  I will ask my GP about it when I see her in November. 

For those who are experiencing joint pain, try Tumeric and Bromelain.  Both are anit-inflamitories and helped with my joint pain althought the pain was probably unrelated to Arimidex.  Tumeric is the same spice that is used in curry and bromelain comes from pinapple.  Do not use either if you are on blood thinners without clearing things with your doctor.   

Best wishes and metta to you all,

notself

I've been on arimidex for a couple of years now.  I had depression before bc, but I've noticed the seasonal fluctuations are worse with arimidex.  I discovered last winter that adding magnesium, calcium and CoQ10 to my supplement list in the winter helped considerably with the fatigue. 

The fatige SE from antidepressants goes away about a week after a dose increase, may take a few weeks to fade out when you start taking a new antidepressant.  It takes up to 6 weeks to see the full effect of an antidepressant, so be patient if you go that route.   

WOW, notself - that is fascinating about parathyroid possibly being supressed.  Do you remember where you read or heard about it?

There are so many instances where woman are taking massive amounts of Vitamin D3 - and still not raising their blood test levels.  I'd be very interested in learning more if you can remember your source.  Thanks!

This isn't the link where I saw the mention of parathyroid suppression but is does link Arimidex to hypothyroidism.  I hope this helps.

http://www.upmc.com/healthAtoZ/Pages/HealthLibrary.aspx?chunkiid=11757

Aromatase Inhibitors 

Aromatase inhibitors can cause osteoporosis and bone fractures. Other side effects include lack of energy, hypertension , nausea, vomiting, hypothyroidism , and skin rash.

I have been taking aromisin sincer summer. the fatigue was horrible, worse was  muscle and jount/bone pain. I started accupuncture for the pain and after the pain was controled I noticed my fatique disappeared. also I was started on celexa for hot flashes and mood cjhhanges. These have disappeared and my energy improved. I did not realize how much my mood influenced my energy level. You might want to try antidepresseant, I did not think I was depressed, but the change to my body fromloss of estrogen affected my mental status more than I  realized. good luck Anne26