Arimidex side effects

[lizziecee]

I was dx invasive ductal carcinoma Jan 03 - 2 cm with 3/18 positive nodes. Had WLE and total axilliary clearance, 6 x FEC and 25 rads. Have been on Arimidex since Feb 04. For the past 2 months I have had quite severe pain in my left thigh, extending down to my knee. I was discharged by Oncologist Feb 04 and have no contact with the Oncology Dept. Saw my GP 2 weeks ago for the pain and he did alkaline phosphatase blood test - normal. Could this pain be due to the side effects of Arimidex? I am concerned it could be bone mets due to the lymph node involvement. I am seeing him again tomorrow, Sept 6 for further investigation. If I stop Arimidex how does this affect my survival? I am having trouble sleeping as the pain is worse when I lie down. Thank you for such an enlightening forum.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear lizziecee, The pain needs to be evaluated, so it can be treated appropriately.  It is unlikely this type of localized pain would be attributed to Arimidex.

[lizziecee]

Thank you for your response. I saw my GP yesterday and today I went for an x-ray on my left hip - not my thigh as I thought - guess I need to learn something about biology. Radiologist seems to think I have a left hip crumbling - probably due to 30+ years on prednisone for my Crohn's. Looks like I need a hip replacement, but better that than bone mets. Many thanks for your time and caring in posting.
Liz.