8/25/23: I Have Back Pain

I tagged this post with "hormone therapy" but I don't actually know that it's a side effect. I hope it is, because that would mean it might go away or improve after I stop taking anastrozole. 

First, some clarifications. In the past, I've talked about this side effect as joint-related. On 12/23/21, while on Tamoxifen, I wrote:

My joints always feel especially tight, particular when standing up after sitting for any length of time (doesn't even have to be very long); I just feel like an old person, hobbling along until my joints loosen up.

Then on 3/19/22, after I started anastrozole, I wrote:

My joint stiffness has gotten worse again... I also have it in my legs, and its worst when standing up from a sitting position. After standing up, I usually have to walk around for a few moments before I can actually stand up straight and walk normally.

Looking back, I don't know why I characterized it as being a problem with my "joints" and "legs" when now it seems clear that being unable to stand up straight after sitting could be a lower back problem. I never took any human physiology classes, so what do I know. Also, I'm in my 40s and didn't think I was old enough to face back issues, but apparently it's normal to start noticing back pain around age 40!     

So I guess a better word to describe my symptoms might be "musculoskeletal", which incorporates muscles, bones, joints and connective tissues.

Anyway. About a week ago, I did some yard work and overdid it, so instead of needing just "a few moments" to stand up straight again after sitting, it took on the order of minutes. I paid extra attention to how I was sitting, being careful to sit up straight and support my lower back, and made sure to avoid bending over, using my knees instead. I moved around slower, but it was fine. 

Then yesterday, I forgot to pay attention while sitting down to breakfast, and when I got up - OMG. I mean, OMG!!!! I felt a sharp, shooting pain in my lower back that was unbearable. Not only could I not straighten up, I thought my legs would buckle under me! I hobbled my way to bed and managed, through great pain, to lie down. Then I lay there practically motionless for 2 hours, while my son brought me ibuprofen and cold packs. 

I never quite understood what it meant when people say they "threw out their back", but I am pretty sure that's what I did.

I spent all of yesterday mostly lying down in pain. This morning I was thrilled and relieved to have no trouble at all getting out of bed, walking around, and using the bathroom. But I know I need to continue babying my back, for who knows how long. I will follow this advice and these tips, and when I think I can handle it, will incorporate these exercises into my routine. I even ordered a standing desk to minimize my sitting.

Of course, these back problems could just be normal, age-related developments. But, muscle pain, and specifically back pain, could also be side effects of anastrozole. I'll add it to my list of concerns for my next oncology appointment.