Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Thanks for all the ideas!!
First I have not taken my arimedex since September, I think. The side effects were horrendous.
First time I tried my blood pressure went sky high, hot flash that was 36 hours long, and suicidal thought (never in my life have I ever had). I reported to Dr and he said quit for a few weeks and try again...so I played that game and did. Side effects were all joint soreness and high blood pressure, but Dr wanted me to continue. He would start me on blood pressure pills and vitamin C and depression. Come on!!
I am off..next appt was Feb 5 and he gave me aromasin, but I had a hysterectomy the next day and wasn't about to add pill to that mess.
My pharmacist was pleased with this next one and suggested start every other day. I will begin in a few weeks.
Watch your blood pressure is my only suggestion and again quality of life has to take front seat here, too! I am only 64 and not ready to give in!

Thanks! Glad chemo and radiation are behind you!

I did not mind the lumpectomy or radiation. The Femura has been the worse part of this treatment. Being off of it for 2 weeks has been a blessing. I dread going back to and trying another AI. From what I am reading Arimidex side effects sound worse than aromasin

Hi again. Yes I've had the dryness everywhere too. But I'm just so glad all the chemo and radiation is done, that I'm trying not to complain too much cause I figure I've gotta be on this lousy drug for five years, make the best of it. I actually had the strength to bake cookies today. Haven't baked anything in a year! Kwanless, I hope things start getting easier for you. Hang in there. You can do this.

Thanks! I have tried the coconut oil. I will try the blue emu cream. Mornings are so bad with the stiffness in my fingers

@kwanless
I rub some extra-strength blue emu cream on my hands before bedtime and try to bend my fingers a little. If I keep them straight, then it's difficult to start moving them. The gynecologist suggested using olive oil or coconut oil in my "lady parts" area and this helps somewhat to keep a little moisture there. This stuff is brutal! I find the headaches are one of my worst complaints over all the other stuff as well as my vision is a bit blurry.

Yes but she said this is the best there is for someone my age. Instead she talked to me about dealing with side effects.

Have you asked your oncologist to switch you to another Pill?

I have been on anastrozole which is generic for Aridimex for a year and a half. I have aches and joint pain every where. I have trick fingers and fingers that lock. I have insomnia. I have gotten deep wrinkles overnight. I have no moisture in any parts of my body including my lady parts. I’m 60 and feel like 90. I hate feeling like this!

@francine6829, I've been on arimidex for about a month now and have just noticed a few aches and a bit of insomnia. I hope this is as bad as it'll be cause 5 years seems like such a long time to have to take it.