Aromatase Inhibitors: Did you decide to go on them or not?

Thank for the reply.

I'm wondering how to tell if the pain in my hip, leg, and knees is caused by my stenosis (L-3 and L-4) or by the Arimidex I've been taking for 15 months. The knee pain is much better after a 3 week episode, but now my hip is hurting. I know Arimidex can cause bone and joint pain, but my spine doctor thinks it's the stenosis and has ordered an epidural.

@sparklegram - I have had epidurals for stenosis. The epidurals will make you pain free for about a month

@francine6829- Hi Francine, yes I've had several and they did last about that long. However, the last one I had in2016 lasted until now! My conflict now is not being certain if it is stenosis or Arimidex causing the pain. I started taking the Arimidex in January of 2018.

@sparklegram - I stopped getting eipidurals and started to take Yoga classes. Same result with no drugs.

@francine6829
Be cautious with them as they are steroid injections. I had a number of them for my severe stenosis but it resulted in adrenal insufficiency and they will tend to make bones worse. Add in aromatase inhibitors which are also rough on bone structure. I've found walking daily helps with bone pain. I am 68 and have severe stenosis plus spina bifida oculta in my lower spine and stenosis in my neck. Had I known earlier what damage the injections could cause, I would have probably opted not to have them.

@trixie1313 - did you read my response. I said I stopped taking injections and now do yoga instead.

I have been taking anastrozole for almost a year. I was doing radiation when I started and had hot flashes which I have never had before. I think it may have been the combo of the two. I have aches and pains, but I’m 69, so it could just be old age...lol. I do have very mild aching in my knees sometimes.I have always walked for exercise, so have kept it up and I think it really helps. My knees seem to be achy when I do not get out for a walk. I think exercise is the key to minimizing discomfort from the AIs. The first time I had BC, I took tamoxifen and my bones really ached. That was 11 years ago. I decided that as long as I knew what was causing it, I would just deal with it. Also, I figured it was a sign that the medicine was working. I never had stenosis, so cannot go there. If you can, try to get in some exercise and see if that helps.

@francine6829 Yes, I did read that - I was only inputting my own history. Sorry if I offended you, but some folks are talking about doing the injections and should be aware of what can happen. I'm happy for you with our yoga. Everyone needs to find what fits them in their exercise.

I am in the same boat with quality of life . I decided quality of life more important . This medicine has destroyed my joints .