Aromatase Inhibitors & carpal tunnel and trigger finger: Anyone?

I was a little over a year into Anastrozole when several side effects kicked in. Noticed slight hints of what I thought mIght be carpel syndrome. Then woke up one night with hands/fingers frozen like a claw in pain. Just kept walking around and it subsided a little but not enough. I researched and found it was nerves being blocked and recommended laying on your back with your arms at your side. It worked for me and now if i get that feeling I go to that solution. I have stopped taking Anastrozole for 3 months at my oncologist suggestion. Not sure what thoughts will be offered at that time. I hope you get control of this side effect you are dealing with ❤️

@ginip Pray that bring off AI for 3 months help. Wonder how the doctor decide on length of time to stay off. Everyone is different. There is not a One Size Fits All. My doctor said a few weeks, which did not make a difference. I pray it works for you … but then what? Go back on and have the side effect issue again. I hope not. Time will tell. I had terrible hip pain and issues, where I could not hardly walk or get in and out of car. I’ve been off Anastrozole for a year. It took me 5-6 months before I was back to normal. Hugs & blessings

Thank you so much for responding! Every little bit of info from women who are actually experiencing this is so helpful. I have no idea why I was told 3 months. I still am hoping my knee and a couple of other side effects go away but you are right - TO WHAT END🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️
Keep me posted please!

I do not have cancer. I had a lumpectomy a year and a half ago for LCIS, ALH, and FEA. I am going to be 50 in September. I took Tamoxifen for 10 months with no real issues but after a total hysterectomy (to include ovaries) was switched to Letrozole. I stayed on for 4 1/2 months hoping the joint pain in my wrists, elbows, and knees would get better but to no avail. Afterwords I tried Exemestane for 6 weeks and then Anastrozole. Both continued to cause extreme joint pain. I am now going back to Tamoxifen. Although it’s not as strong of a drug it’s the only one I can livd with. I’m very active with weightlifting and running but all the AIs were debilitating for me. I’m too young not to enjoy my life. Additionally, I have a very extensive plan for detection. I see my oncologist every 3 months, my breast surgeon every 6 months, 20 mg Tamoxifen and have a breast MRI and mammogram every year 6 months apart.

@ginip How long we’re you on Anastrozole? I’m 70 snd pretty active so quality of life is important. My oncologist didn’t say much one way or another if me quitting Anastrozole. He did recommend an Onco test, which at time of surgery I knew nothing about (Thank MCC!). He told me they keep the tissue for 7 years. So a few months back - 3 1/2 year’s following my surgery he requested the test. It’s just the company doing it. Nothing in my part. My numbers came back very low for reoccurrence & I did take Anastrozole for 2 1/2 years. When asked how much that counted , he couldn’t tell me. Please come on back & let us know how you’re doing. I pray some of your side effects lessen or go away completely. Remember, everyone is different. Some Folks here stay on meds for 5 years without any problems.

Off Anastrozole for a month now. I am excited that I am experiencing hints of what I remember as a quality life but the return seems slow and incremental. My deal with with my oncologist was a three month hiatus. I hope by then I have the return to something of value to report.

Off Anastrozole for a month now. I am excited that I am experiencing hints of what I remember as a quality life but the return seems slow and incremental. My deal with with my oncologist was a three month hiatus. I hope by then I have the return to something of value to report.

How wonderful for you. Wishes for better health.

At first I chose to believe that the medical profession was trying to help us focus on the war rather than the side effect battles. Fair enough!
As an understanding soldier you get this and focus on the goal line. But!

Time and side effects mentally begs for a dialogue with the prescribers that folds in the need to persevere with the understanding of how these battles keeps its purpose with some sort of quality of life.

I am definitely grateful for the crumbs of understanding that only people who have never walked our walk can offer.
Hence here we are together trying to share and hopefully help with our individual efforts to figure out this pursuit that I refer to as an intricate Sophie’s Choice.

This is hard. I am always looking for evidence that can blend with faith. I value this space that allows my questions to have a voice. We can always hope someone is listening with a better choice of weapon for these battles we fight ❤️ 🤷🏼‍♀️🙏