Re: To: suzannerose423 A.I. Side Effects

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I had to write to you to let you know that I didn't have the swelling while

on the A.I.'s, but felt like I was 100 years old with

all the aching and pain in my joints. My quality of life was horrible. I

tried all the A.I.'s available, Arimidex, Aromasin, Femara and ALL of them

gave me the same horrible symptoms. Maybe you will get lucky and find one

that will work for you.

I switched to Tamoxifen and am really thrilled with my lack of side effects.

I now have a great quality of life!

I did and occasionally do have hot flashes, but I take Wellbutrin that has

really improved the number of hot flashes I have.

I have absolutely NO PAIN AT ALL and my energy level is back to normal.

They say that the A.I.'s are more effective than Tamoxifen, but as far as

I'm concerned, I'll take that risk...at least my quality of life is now

normal!!!

Good Luck,

Re: Tamoxifen and Weight Gain?

>I haven't used tamoxifen...my doctor has had me on Arimidex for just

> over a year. I've gained a significant amount of weight, both my

> hands are extremely swollen with severe pain in my fingers and wrists

> and moderate pain in my feet AND lets not mention the hot flashes

> (just let me live inside a meat freezer, PLEEZE!). I believe part of

> the weight gain is caused due to my inability to move around enough

> when I am feeling lousy most of the timee. I get very stiff and find

> it hard be " normally " active...so I think it's a vicious cycle as far

> as the weight gain. My hands are really bad. I can't fit any of my

> rings on my fingers, even a wristwatch is uncomfortable since my

> wrists are swollen, too. My arms are somewhat swollen, even tho' my

> lymph nodes were clean. My doctor has me taking water pills for the

> past few weeks to see if the swelling would go down...which it

> hasn't

> I will be switching to Aromasin next week. All aromatose drugs have

> similar side effects, but I've been told sometimes one may not cause

> as many side effects - it all depends on the individual. Well, I'm a

> bit nervous to try it, since I already know what the Arimidex does to

> me, but I don't know what the Aromasin will do.

> I could expand on the side effects, but I think I've whined enough

> for now!

> My one last thought for the moment...I try not to complain too much

> about being uncomfortable, I try to focus on being grateful that I am

> cancer free (for now) and trying to enjoy each day as best as

> possible.

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Actually, believe it or not, the aromatase inhibitors are supposed to

have fewer and less severe side effects than Tamoxifen.

Ruth

>

> They say that the A.I.'s are more effective than Tamoxifen, but as

far as

> I'm concerned, I'll take that risk...at least my quality of life is now

> normal!!!

>

> Good Luck,

>

>

>