I have been on Arimidex for 6.5 years. I did have some minor joint pain. Using supplements (fish oil, glucosamine) helped. I know, because if I missed a day or two, I would really feel it in my hands especially. The last year or two, I haven't had any joint issues and I have gone off my supplements. Think my body finally adapted.

As far as memory problems, I do have CRS (can't remember s*&%) Don't know if it residual from chemo or from the Arimidex. I know at least a couple of women who said once they completed Arimidex, their cognitive function returned to normal. So I am hopeful that is the case!

Marilyn, interesting we all get different side effects from this. My biggest complaint has been hot flashes and some night sweats, but they are manageable. The black cohosh my ND recommended seems to help quite a bit. I agree that i beats the CRAP out of a possible recurrence of bc, and my MO told me that if I didn't do one other thing, he would not let me leave his office unless I agreed to take this and at least give it a try. I don't think it's too bad. He also mentioned that older women seem to have way less problems with the AI's. So I guess there are some benefits to age :)

Well, here it is Sept. 2014 so I've been on this drug for two years now. My medical onc is saying I need to stay on it with no end in sight. I just had hand surgery on my right hand in two places for trigger finger release---a type of tendonitis. Next week I will go in and have the same surgery on my left hand on the same two fingers. I'm not sure if the Anastrazole is causing this or not. It seems to be lymph related because when I do some massage, it seems to help. I'm hoping I can get off of this drug after the third year. I would like to know what others have been told about the length of time necessary to be on this stuff!

Exercise helps tremendously with stiffness. My hips, knees and ankles used to just hurt so much and now after exercise it has helped. Also I take fish oil, vitamin D with calcium, vitamin c, multi vitamins and anti depression meds were increased after cancer treatments. That seems to be common in other BC patients. My skin definitely has gotten dryer since my radiation treatment and I apply emollient rich lotions and ointments to that area. I would take Black Cohosh if I weren't taking anti depressants at this time. Herbs can interfere with some drugs like St Johns Wort. I took this with anti depressants and got a VERY negative reaction! I was trying to go off my medication and switch to just herbs.

I looked up the possible side effects of Arimidex on the internet to find that some of the complaints mentioned here are also mentioned there. I tell friends that the hot flashes just let me know I am alive. It is nice to know I'm not alone though. For hot flashes I was prescribed Neurontin of all things.