Hi Warrior I feel for you! I was also on anastrozole but I've also had 4 spinal surgeries and the side effects took me back to pre operative levels. I was then offered Letrozole which is the sister drug to anastrozole same side effects so I wouldn't even try it. Then Tamoxifen was offered but that can cause blood clotting since dvt is in my family and I've had my varicose veins Stripped that was a firm no. I asked for a new drug Nertinbib worst side effect is diarrhoea I'm on that and I can honestly say I have not suffered and I'm really pleased. I'm in the UK and I'm sure you must be able to get it in the US if its suitable for you. I was HER2 positive the manufacturer name is Nerlynx it might be worth your while checking it out. Please let me know how you get on. I did a lot of research into these maintenance drugs and the side effects can cause some major
l health issues. Good luck brave sister love 😍 and hugs to you

Hello,
I hear you!
The Aromatase Inhibitor(AI) drugs are harsh! There are only three of them. It sounds like most Oncologists start people on Anastrozole. That is the one I was started on as well. I did good for about 2.5 months and then wham! Major side effect. Felt like I was walking on shards of glass, my hips and ankles were unbearably painful. Muscle and joint pain, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, eye dryness, and more. I did research and talked with others and added the following:
*)CoQ10 -Joint Pain -Outstanding relief in about 3 weeks
*)Estroven Complete-Hot Flash relief - NO ESTROGEN it is a Rhubarb extract
*)Systane Eye Drops (Generic)-Eye dryness
*)Replens-Vaginal moisturizer, works great

These all helped with the side effect about 70+%, but I did talk with my Medical Oncologist and switched to Letrozole after being on Anastrozole for about 9 months. The difference is about 90% in pain relief and I am so much better. I also walk 1.5-3.0 miles every morning and do stretching and range of motion exercises daily as well.
The AI drugs are different for everyone.
Sending positive vibes your way!

I recently switched from anastrozole to letrozole... world of difference for me. Give it a try. Everyone reacts differently.

My Dr switched me from Anastrozole to Exemestane and it seems to be better so far.

Let both your oncologist and PCP know about the joint pain, the oncologist has a very focused view of pain- the PCP is broader. I had terrible pain in my shin during chemo with Neulasta- the oncologist said it would improve once chemo ended. It didn't, it just got worse. The nurse practioner mentioned it could be pressure on the sciatic nerve and to share the info with the PCP. Long story short, it turned out to be the nerve- I have one leg longer than the other, and to accommodate that I would not stand straight- decades of this, and my body decided it was time to complain.
It's worth having both aware of your pain, and looking for answers! I hope you get your answers and relief soon!!