For Arimidex (Anastrozole) users, new, past, and ongoing
Comments
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I haven't been watching my diet and haven't been excercizing so it's probably high but I'm afraid to take it. The dr. didn't.
The blood freaked me out. Hopefully the antibiotic will clear it up.
And I'll get serious about taking care of myself!
I think I need another break from anastrazole. It's almost 3 months since I went back on it and I can't excercize if I'm in too much pain to walk!0 -
Timbuktu Hope you called your onc too. You know when something is not right. Just throwing a pill at it without knowing what it is, is not good medicine. Blood is never a good sign. Did they check you for diabetes?0 -
Oh yes lago, did I forget to mention that? I have borderline diabetes. I've had a long series of UTI's. He has been strict in the past about not giving me antibiotics until he sees bacteria. A couple of times I had to run to the ER because the bacteria did not show up but I knew I had a UTI. I never used to get them. The diabetes makes me prone but according to this thread the anastrazole also causes them.
The UTI's I've been getting have been extreme, sometimes even with blood.0 -
Hate UTIs. I used to get them when I was a kid all the way into my early 20's. Went to see this doctor when I was 21 when I had one. He said "Ah I see the problem. We need to dilate your urethra." OMFG he didn't explain what that meant. The procedure I endured was painful but it was over quickly… but the asshole didn't warn me that peeing would be hell for several days…
But I have never had a UTI since. That's over 30 years!
I used to drink a lot of Cranberry juice (wouldn't recommend because it's made with grapes too. Way too much sugar for a diabetic). I don't know if it prevented them but in general I think drinking lots of water helps.0 -
I'm currently on my 5th UTI. My former PCP said to drink 3 liters of water daily. May as well just camp in the bathroom! Not happening. It's the devil pill, I'm sure.
Tim, they will most likely put you on Lisinopril. BP med for your kidneys. I I think if you used your meter you would get inspired.0 -
I am dealing with a UTI now, but I had some leftover....antibiotics and started them last night so hoping it clears without seeing urologist
I get them all the time and never blamed them on the BC med...guess I should bring it up to the onco but not sure it would change anything. Urologist says I am just prone to them....generally she insists on a test before giving me the anti0 -
OMG - lago - I used to get those urethral dilations years ago - talk about medieval torture instruments!!! One thing a nurse taught me back then was when it was time to go to the bathroom afterwards, try pouring a very warm glass of water over your nether regions as you pee. It helps to diffuse the pain from urination.
Well, it sort of worked....0 -
Yes, I've been guzzling cranberry juice and water for a couple of days. Don't know if I'm doing myself any favors. Hopefully the antibiotics will kick in by tomorrow.
I'm sure my problem is NOT a urethra that is too tight, if you get my drift! I've been having trouble holding it ever since chemo.
This is weird as there is no pain. I wish there was some so that I could be sure the blood was from the urethra.
Nothing to do for now but distract myself and hope for the best. Maybe I'll call the gyne and ask her to move up the appointment which is for Friday l3, December.0 -
omg....urethral dilation????? That almost sounds even more horrible than you describe!0 -
Optimistictraveler, Funny that you mention the herniated discs. I just yesterday finally got a diagnosis on my back pain. I have two herniated discs in lumbar spine. Have been dealing with pain since mid August. After Xrays, PET Scan and two sets of MRIs it has been determined that it is herniated discs. I have been on anastrozole for 14 months and can't help but wonder if there is a cause and effect here. I have no recollection of lifting anything heavy or twisted oddly. Being referred to surgeon. How did you deal with your discs issue?0 -
I did some lifting when clearing out my mother's apt. after her death, also around that time -- one time I "felt" something in my back and thought "Oh, I probably shouldn't have lifted that." I also tripped over a box when many of us (family members) were busily packing things up, twisted & kept myself from actually falling. My PCP also mentioned that I have been in several car accidents (none recent, though) and have had back pain before. The incidents last summer may have just been the crowning blow -- I might have had some asymptomatic herniation previously that just wasn't very bad -- I had never had a spinal MRI before.
The pain was pretty bad. I couldn't walk 100 yards without stopping to sit (really difficult getting through airports), could only sleep on my back (not on either side), and had pain starting in the hip, bad on the outside of the calf & extreme pain on the outside of the ankle. I also had some numbness & tingling in the toes. Funny - I really didn't have actual "back" pain.
I had a few courses of oral Prednisone dose packs (this before the MRI), muscle relaxants (only at night so I can drive & work), Motrin which I was already taking for long-standing arthritis (just upped the dose), heating pad (very helpful!), a couple of Prednisone injections into the sciatic area, gentle exercises and most importantly, hanging upside down on an inversion table. The last was probably key. My husband had bought this years ago, which I thought a waste of money -- but I was proven wrong.
On the other hand, I read (yes, from "Dr. Google") that many cases like this will resolve within about 6 months without surgery. Mine took a little longer -- more like 8 months. And I still try to keep up the exercises, hang occasionally, use the heating pad, and still take my Motrin & Flexeril. Keeping the back muscles from getting too tight will help -- it helps decrease the compression on the joint space (which is what causes the pain).
I really don't think the Arimidex had anything to do with my back problems. Sometimes, we just get these things -- people who aren't taking these drugs get them, too!0 -
Hi all, just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents - first, Lago, you make me laugh. I love that you swaer, cuz i do too. I was just reading about the urethra dilation and you said OMFG and I just cracked up - a very good way to start the day.
If i said JFC would you know what I mean? lol. next, I'm off arimidex in jan. No ifs ands or buts. I thought my onc & i would have a discussion but nope. No way. She said there is simply no scientific proof at this time that 10 yrs is better and has to be concerned over bones, heart and cholesterol issues - yes, on another thread we've been looking at something metabolized from cholesterol to become estrogen! But I'm just stage 2 and no nodes so and super weakly er+ so I guess easier to walk away. However, I do intend to look more closely at DIM, sulphorafane (broccosprouts) and green tea etc. also try to start walking more. ick. who wants to walk in winter. and i hate gyms.
I have severe lower back pain from time to time, with mine i don't believe it has anything to do with arimidex as it started many yrs ago. But for sure, in 1st 2 yrs, was like I went from 62 to 82 all at once.....awful. Got carpal tunnel. My hair is half as thick as it was. Could barely move in the morning . etc. Will be interesting as heck to see what happens...0 -
flannelette what do you consider weakly ER+. I'm 30% ER+. Invasive part of my tumor is 5.5cm (we'll leave the 1cm DCIS out of this equation). That means that 1.65cm of my tumor is ER+. There are stage I and stage IIA tumors that size, node negative that are 100% ER+. I would think that if I was told to stop at 5 years they would too. It will be interesting but my onc is going to have a tough time convincing me to continue past they 5 years. Right now I'm not happy about this first 5 years due to the osteoporosis at my age.
sherryh16 have you emptied the dishwasher? I swear that is the worst thing that anyone can do to their back. Bend and twist at the same time.0 -
I was weakly positive (11-25%), and no nodes; so was happy, happy to be done. Just got my blood work for an upcoming physical and (a year off Arimidex), my cholesterol is back to the normal range. I am going to ask for a DEXA & I think I will get good news there too. Come back to exercise, flannel, we will figure out something you can stand to do
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Only 10 % ER+. Yes, rob a bank, immediately fly to the Turks & Caicos & fall into the ocean. Really. but the airfare's so'$$. so is the place.....but, and this is wildly off-topic, Grace Bay Beach IS often voted best beach in the world....and I love to swim...(but not in the pool at the gym) thank you ruth Bru for trying...0 -
Interesting read gals, I am having a problem with my index finger locking up and being kinda "achy". Many years ago I had a locked middle finger on the same hand and had a shot of cortisone and it really took care of the problem. I am wondering if this is coincidence or if it could be a se of armidex.. I have an appt to see dr. Dec 3, I may not know if this is se or not. If I had never had the problem before I would surely attribute it to the med but just wondering if any of you have any good advice. I dont have too many other arthritic problems, I try to exercise but with winter coming suppose the treadmill will get started up, I dont live close to a gym but sure wish I did. Thanks in advance if any of you gals have some input for me.0 -
ndgirl it's the Arimidex. I had it in 2 fingers on my left hand when I woke up in the morning. I don't anymore as far as I know. Guess my body got used to the Anastrozole.0 -
Did you get any shots or any treatment for it, is there an exercise that would help? not fond of getting shots but wow it is hurting.0 -
No. It resolved in a few minutes after I would wake up0 -
nd girl - me too. I had trigger thumb in both thumbs and they both resolved over time. No thumb problems any more except the pre-esixting basal joint arthritis (which really sucks too, btw).0 -
Good for you, mine does not do that, gets a bit better but very bad in morning, I am afraid that if I can get it down it wont come back up, grrr. Thanks so much lago!0 -
Keep moving your hands, trace figures in the air etc. see if that helps.
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Thanks, Ruth, I have been doing that as well. It has been so long ago with the other finger but I dont remember it hurting this bad, but still nothing I cant stand, if this pill keeps the cancer away I can put up with alot. Thanks0 -
Moist heat can help. I know mine typically felt better for a while after a warm shower or washing dishes. Mine were quite painful to the point where if it my thumb would accidentally bend while pulling up my pants, or pulling on a sock or something like that, the F-bomb would definitely burst forth from my mouth. I was really happy when I realized it was getting better.0 -
Thanks sweet, sure mine resolves itself too. I even hate taking ibufrofin, but it does help the achy part.0 -
Today has been a better, less painful day. Woke up and did my careful roll and get up out of bed, and right away I noticed less pain in buttocks and left leg. It's been less all day, manageable with just couple of Tylenols, rather than numerous Tylenols, and couple of hydrocodone. Vast improvement from having constant pain whether walking, sitting, or laying down. I think my back issues are beginning to resolve themselves. If improvement continues I will not see the surgeon. Not how I want to spend the holidays! And as I've understood it surgery may not be a permanent fix and could actually make it worse in the future as there is then scar tissue to add to the problem. I'm hoping, leaning toward the non-surgical resolution. Will be googling for some back strengthening exercises, and perhaps seeing a good physical therapist. Thanks everyone and have a good weekend.0 -
Absolutely try non-surgical methods first. A PT would be a good start, to get you going on the right back strengthening exercises.
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Hi Ruthbru,
I check this board often as I started Aromatase Monday. I appreciate your words of wisdom! I am hoping for minimal SE's. I exercise often so hope that helps. I think I will miss estrogen as it has served me well in many respects. My cancer is mostly driven by HR+ status and I am weakly estrogen positive. Have a great weekend!
Gracers550 -
Absolutely exercise will help! Gracers, come over to the 'Lets Post Our Daily Exercise' thread on the fitness forum if you want a fun group of exercise buddies.
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I'm on the running thread. Will check out the daily exercise thread as well.
Take care,
Gracers0
