Joints ache and Inflammation - 1 Year after chemo

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I had 6 rounds of EC and 5 days of radiotherapy which finished last October. After the treatment finished my body has inflammation all over and had to remove my rings. I was referred to the rheumatology department who ruled out arthiritus.  I had a knee xray which showed a meniscous tear, I originally went for a large fluid build up on the knee. Had a knee op.  Now of the 5 years of tablets.  My walking is getting worse, not tired, just very painful joints and swelling. My rings and shoes don't fit. My oncologist appt is now not for a year (which must be a positive one). I was placed on steroids by the rheumatologist for a month and I was back to walking properly. They would not prescribe me more. On Tramadol, was asked if I want to take morphine again but dont really want to. Im taking Tumeric, Ginger and Ceremonial Matcha to try and get rid of the inflammation. Just wondering if anyone else has had an ongoing issue with mobility and inflammation 1 year after chemo. It seems to be getting worse not better. 

  • Hiya, I don’t have this after chemo but I do have inflammatory arthritis (diagnosed prior to chemo) and you are describing it to a T. I don’t have all the symptoms for Rheumatoid Arthritis or Psoriatic Arthritis, rather some symptoms for both so I can tell you the inflammatory arthritis doesn’t always tick the boxes you expect. I now take a drug called Methotrexate which mostly keeps it under control. I was on steroids for two years (I was trying for a second child)  they switched me to Methotrexate. You really need to insist on going back to the Rheumatologist and asking to go into an immunosuppressant, mine is the most commonly taken, there are many others too. I also get a full body flare up, or a systemic flare up and I feel for you because the pain is the worst thing I’ve ever experienced. A good Rheumatologist should’ve done this for you already not just prescribed tramadol. Go back, insist on help other than painkillers, or ask for a second opinion which is your right. The supplements you are taking did nothing for me and tbh I’d save my money. I’m really sorry for you, I found hot baths help and hot wheat bags too but sadly you need those drugs to dampen down the immune system. Did the rheumatologist gives you an emergency number to call? I am treated at Wexham Park, Slough and this is what they do. All the best x

  • I am in agreement with  if you had a course of steroids with such improvement, it does suggest you need to revisit that and insist that something is found to help. 

    Hugs xxx

    Moomy