Aches, pains and menopause

Hi Debh1, 

Thats excellent news that your scans were all good, congratulations. 

It’s just my personal opinion but I think it’s the nature of the beast that we lose some trust in our physical well-being following a diagnosis of cancer or any other major medical condition for that matter. 

I’m 55 & just over 2 years post treatment & although I had niggles (osteoarthritis mainly in my feet) prior to treatment I feel my hips & lower back have worsened some what since the radiotherapy. I also now have sciatica which I didn’t have before! I haven’t gone down the HRT route but I do take some supplements which include a good quality multivitamin, EPA fish oil, a collagen supplement & vitamin D3 with K2. All of these are aimed at bone & joint support, especially the vitamin D3, as I knew the radiation would possibly effect my bones & with already having osteoarthritis I wanted to do what I could to help myself.  You’re probably right if you’re in the menopause, it’s often a cause of general aches & pains as the drop in oestrogen can cause many issues in our bodies including the beginning of degeneration of bones & joints. My GP checked my vitamin D levels at the beginning of the year & it came back the lower end of normal maybe your GP would check yours? a vitamin D3 supplement wouldn’t hurt though especially as we’re going into winter & wont be seeing much good quality natural sunlight for a few months. 

Many other members mention these aches & pains too so I don’t think we’re alone. I find gentle exercise also helps especially my hips & back. 

Hope that helps a little if only in reassuring you that it’s not abnormal to be feeling this way. 

Nicola 

Hi Deb1, good news about your scan, you must be relived. I'm 1 year 2 months post-treatment. I get aches and pain in my hip bones and in my back and after also  riding a bile I get weird pains at the tops of the backs of my legs.  I am of menopause age and whilst I didn't pay much attention to these niggling pains before my cancer diagnosis every twinge now takes on a sinister undertone.  The radiation definitely does affect the pelvic bones. I think your pains seem entirely normal and fit in with my experience too but you're right to mention them to the Oncologist. In relation to the menopause have you had a FSH test? x