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KaryninMiami

(3,073 posts)
Sat Nov 22, 2014, 10:54 AM Nov 2014

Joint pain post chemo anyone?

Happy to report that all in all, I'm finally feeling more like myself (3 months post stem cell transplant) - getting stronger and doing more every day.
Besides some occasional waves of exhaustion, I have some pretty intense joint pain-especially in the morning. Hands/fingers, shoulders and knees especially - not unusual following massive doses of chemo. Besides Advil or Aleve, does anyone have any other things that worked for them post chemo?

Thanks so much!

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Joint pain post chemo anyone? (Original Post) KaryninMiami Nov 2014 OP
Turmeric is an excellent anti-inflammatory, as is unsweetened cherry juice Siwsan Nov 2014 #1
Thank you! KaryninMiami Nov 2014 #2
So glad to hear you are past chemo and... YvonneCa Nov 2014 #3
Thanks so much! KaryninMiami Nov 2014 #4
Be kind to yourself... YvonneCa Nov 2014 #5

Siwsan

(26,276 posts)
1. Turmeric is an excellent anti-inflammatory, as is unsweetened cherry juice
Sat Nov 22, 2014, 02:45 PM
Nov 2014

I'm not on chemo but both are said to work well for joint or any inflammatory pain. I get pharmacy grade turmeric from my local health food store and use it to keep my costochondritis under control.

YvonneCa

(10,117 posts)
3. So glad to hear you are past chemo and...
Sat Nov 22, 2014, 04:44 PM
Nov 2014

...feeling better. I only did radiation, no chemo. But I have learned that anything that stresses my immune system causes me to fatigue and my joints to hurt...more so in the morning.
My solution is twofold. I take aspirin or Advil when I get up. And I always sleep and rest when I need to. Most days that works for me.
I think chemo is probably harder on ones immune system than radiation, so it may take longer to bounce back. But don't rush it. It took months for me to feel normal...and I still tire more easily than before.

KaryninMiami

(3,073 posts)
4. Thanks so much!
Sat Nov 22, 2014, 10:45 PM
Nov 2014

Hopefully the chemo is over forever and once my immune system gets back to normal (many months to go- the transplant really flattened it), these painful symptoms will subside. You are correct-rest is essential and in spite of feeling more "normal" then I have for months, I still spend time resting every day. I keep Advil by my bed and so it's handy in the morning. Sometimes I cannot get out of bed until it starts to kick in.

YvonneCa

(10,117 posts)
5. Be kind to yourself...
Sat Nov 22, 2014, 11:36 PM
Nov 2014

...and patient with your recovery. You have been through a lot. When you are stronger and up to it, simple exercise like stretching and walking helps.
Check in here and let us know how you are. DU has a lot of great supportive people.

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