Joint Pain and with Exemestane, and Neuropathy

Shee 5 hours ago

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282 subscribers
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Hi Lovely People

Im currently on endocrine therapy, Im 43 (44 soon!) and on zolodex and exemestane.

I have been taking exemestane since the end of May, and I have really bad pain in pretty much all of my joints, particularly bad with knees, and find it difficult to support my weight as my wrists particularly hurt. I'm also get pain in my knuckles and hands and this can be pretty bad too, and on top of this I have Chemo induced peripheral neuropathy in my hands so at times I have difficulty even typing, or holding a mug!

I have been recommended to try omega 3 fish oils and Glucosamine for joint ache, but no such luck yet. I am trying to keep active, walks and gentle yoga, but then the pain I get from doing these make it difficult to continue. I've also been recommended to use paracetamol more often for the joint pain, but I feel like I would be using them everyday. I'm a bit frustrated also as I'm aware people switch to different medications, but there has been no talk of that (Im guessing I need to make a real go of things first).

How have other people coped with joint pain or neuropathy? Do people manage with supplements (and what strength) or painkillers? Or do I need to just work through the pain?

Any recommendations would be welcome!!

Thanks xxx

Rozalia 3 hours ago

I am just finishing 5 years of exemestane. I also had some neuropathy but in my feet and my existing osteoarthritis got worse. The big difference I was 70 when I started taking it and you are only in your 40s.

I think exemestane is supposed to be the best for joints. I found it marginally better than letrozole. My consultant advised me to try different brands but that demands a lot of help from your prescribing GP and your pharmacist. I also got the last 18 months did water aerobics 5 days a week. This helped a lot. Macmillan got me some acupuncture sessions which helped a little. CBD oil also helped a little.

Finally as you are probably pre menopausal why are you not on tamoxafen. Even if you are postmenopause you can still have it.

Please go back to your oncologist and insist on more help. Always check that any of the supplements you use don't undermine the exemestane .

I really wish you the best and hope things improve for you xxx

Rozalia 3 hours ago in reply to Rozalia

Sorry tamoxifen

Shee 2 hours ago in reply to Rozalia

Thanks for the reply, the plan is 5yrs exemestane and Zolodex (to put me in menopause) then 5 yrs Tomoxifen. However, we did talk about that recently and its likely Ill be on exemestane for 10yrs. Its just all a bit daunting as I was so active before.

I'm actually having acupuncture for hot flushes, so will ask about having it for joint pain also. I was considering swimming again, but water aerobics sounds more fun!

xxx

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