Fibromyalgia or Aromasin side effects?
Meet the Experts
Kristin Brill, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a breast surgeon and clinical instructor at the Thomas Jefferson University Department of Surgery in Philadelphia, PA. She also maintains a practice in Cherry Hill, N.J. Dr. Brill is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In addition, she has published breast cancer research in medical journals such as Annals of Plastic Surgery and Cancer, and she has presented research at the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Linda Miller, P.T. is the clinical director of the Breast Cancer Physical Therapy Center, LTD, a private practice serving the Philadelphia, PA and southern New Jersey areas. Linda specializes in treating post-operative complications of breast cancer surgery, including lymphedema.
Question from HKR: I have muscle and even bone pain. How do I know if it is fibromyalgia vs. side effects from Aromasin? Pains move from one place to another and worsen with cold and when tired.
- Answer —Kristin Brill, M.D., F.A.C.S.: Bone and joint pain with any of the aromatase inhibitors is common. Typically, it's worse in the morning when getting up and beginning to move, and subsides with activity. Typically, it's symmetrical: for instance, in both knees or both hips, and sometimes in the long bones. For anyone who notices a new pattern of bone pain or ache (for instance, one pin-point spot that is new and doesn't seem to relent during the day or with anti-inflammatories), this may be something your doctor will investigate further. Still, this is likely to be arthritis or some benign cause.
On Wednesday, May 21, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called After Surgery: Short-term and Long-term Effects. Kristin Brill, M.D., F.A.C.S. and Linda Miller, P.T. answered your questions about short-term and long-term side effects of breast surgery, and what you can do about them.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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