Stiffness/aching

Boobits
Boobits Member Posts: 28
in Anal Cancer #1
In the last few weeks, I have noticed that I am extremely stiff, esp. in my legs and hips. It's like I have no flexibility anymore. Almost like my bones "ache" for want of a better description.

Anyone else experience this? If it's not one thing, it's another! I'm about 3 months past tx.

Comments

  • Lorikat
    Lorikat Member Posts: 681 Member
    #2
    Yep! Three months out from
    Yep! Three months out from treatment with stiffness and pain in hips, legs and lower back. Just had my first post tx checkup and doc says most likely arthritis exacerbated by radiation. Oh well......it is what it is!
  • torrance
    torrance Member Posts: 118
    #3
    stiffness/aching
    Ditto for me. I am one year out from the beginning of treatment. X-ray and MRI showed no bone issues. So that is a good thing! Being a side sleeper sure doesn't help. For me it seems to be getting worse. I see my rad onc this week for regular follow up and will bring it up again as it has not improved since last visit. I think he will be giving me a referral to Physical Medicine and probably physical therapy. Like you said if isn't one thing it is another! However, I'll settle for this.
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #4
    torrance said:

    stiffness/aching
    Ditto for me. I am one year out from the beginning of treatment. X-ray and MRI showed no bone issues. So that is a good thing! Being a side sleeper sure doesn't help. For me it seems to be getting worse. I see my rad onc this week for regular follow up and will bring it up again as it has not improved since last visit. I think he will be giving me a referral to Physical Medicine and probably physical therapy. Like you said if isn't one thing it is another! However, I'll settle for this.

    Stiffness/Aching
    These seem to be very common issues with anyone who has been through this treatment, so you are not alone. I would suggest doing lots of stretching and getting some daily exercise, such as walking. If things don't improve, a couple visits with a physical therapist for instruction in a home exercise program might be helpful.

    As for being more comfortable when sleeping on your side, torrance, if you are not already doing this, try putting a pillow between your knees to keep your back, hips and legs in proper alignment. I can not sleep on my side unless I do this--it really helps me.
  • AZANNIE
    AZANNIE Member Posts: 445 Member
    #5
    Me, too...
    I'm seven months post treatment and have stiffness. Seems to improve after I get up and move around, but thankful to still be here! :-)
  • Boobits
    Boobits Member Posts: 28
    #6
    AZANNIE said:

    Me, too...
    I'm seven months post treatment and have stiffness. Seems to improve after I get up and move around, but thankful to still be here! :-)

    To tell the truth, I kind of
    To tell the truth, I kind of figured that it went with the territory. As time passes I wonder what other little goodies I will have to deal with. A year ago at this time I was seemingly healthy with no health issues other than Addison's. Now I feel beat up and bruised, stiff and much older. BUT I am alive, hopefully cancer-free, and I will cope with whatever is thrown my way.

    Above ground is always better!
  • sissy310
    sissy310 Member Posts: 300
    #7
    Boobits said:

    To tell the truth, I kind of
    To tell the truth, I kind of figured that it went with the territory. As time passes I wonder what other little goodies I will have to deal with. A year ago at this time I was seemingly healthy with no health issues other than Addison's. Now I feel beat up and bruised, stiff and much older. BUT I am alive, hopefully cancer-free, and I will cope with whatever is thrown my way.

    Above ground is always better!

    Me too...I notice it got
    Me too...I notice it got worse as time went on after treatment and then appears to get better now if I stretch and keep mobile and do not sit for long periods of time. Keep moving...it really does help. I do find though if I overdo it with cleaning or moving about and trying to get something done all in one day rather than slower I am in more pain the next day. There is a fine balance. Marilyne
  • cap630
    cap630 Member Posts: 151 Member
    #8
    Me too!
    Six months out of treatment and I have pain too. The inner thighs are very tight. Have been doing alot of streching and it see to help.
  • cap630
    cap630 Member Posts: 151 Member
    #9
    Me too!
    Six months out of treatment and I have pain too. The inner thighs are very tight. Have been doing alot of streching and it seems to help.
  • cap630
    cap630 Member Posts: 151 Member
    #10
    Me too!
    Six months out of treatment and I have pain too. The inner thighs are very tight. Have been doing alot of streching and it seems to help.
  • Boobits
    Boobits Member Posts: 28
    #11
    I spoke to my P.T. About
    I spoke to my P.T. About this yesterday (I go for a shoulder problem) and she gave me some stretching exercises to try to see if it helps. We'll see!
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #12
    Boobits said:

    I spoke to my P.T. About
    I spoke to my P.T. About this yesterday (I go for a shoulder problem) and she gave me some stretching exercises to try to see if it helps. We'll see!

    That's great!
    I find stretching to be very helpful with this and I hope you do too.
  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #13
    mp327 said:

    That's great!
    I find stretching to be very helpful with this and I hope you do too.

    Stretching
    Hi, like everyone else I too am/was stiff and aching. I recently found a yoga for people recovering from cancer class. Its been GREAT. We work on very light stretches and lots of breathing techniques. I feel like this should be part of our treatment program. Its helping me feel better all around.
  • RoseC
    RoseC Member Posts: 559
    #14
    eihtak said:

    Stretching
    Hi, like everyone else I too am/was stiff and aching. I recently found a yoga for people recovering from cancer class. Its been GREAT. We work on very light stretches and lots of breathing techniques. I feel like this should be part of our treatment program. Its helping me feel better all around.

    Sounds great
    Where did you find such a class? Was it offered by the hospital? Sounds like a really good thing to do.
  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #15
    RoseC said:

    Sounds great
    Where did you find such a class? Was it offered by the hospital? Sounds like a really good thing to do.

    Yoga
    It is offered at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. This is not where I live or was treated but strangely enough my husband also has cancer and underwent a bone marrow transplant there in Dec. We need to stay in the area for 3months to be near his doc.and in my quest to not loose my sanity I found this....it is wonderful!! Im hoping to get something similar started at home when we return. Wouldn't it be great if this was offered all over?
  • RoseC
    RoseC Member Posts: 559
    #16
    eihtak said:

    Yoga
    It is offered at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. This is not where I live or was treated but strangely enough my husband also has cancer and underwent a bone marrow transplant there in Dec. We need to stay in the area for 3months to be near his doc.and in my quest to not loose my sanity I found this....it is wonderful!! Im hoping to get something similar started at home when we return. Wouldn't it be great if this was offered all over?

    Thanks
    Thanks for the information - I looked locally and don't see anything like that offered in my area. But I have an appointment with my PCP on Monday and will ask him about it. Thanks!
  • sandysp
    sandysp Member Posts: 868 Member
    #17
    This is true for me too . . .
    I am six months post treatment and have stiffness and occasionally a feeling like I am burning from inside out. Especially in my bones, muscle tissue and even nerve endings in my skin. But not all the time, thank Goodness, like during treatment. I am on Lyrica which seems to be keeping the inflammation in check but when a new weather system came in yesterday, it brought it all back. I felt like I could hardly move. I do Chi Kung and Tai Chi with DVD's and have for several years. Dr. Alan Johnson, Chris Pei, and Christopher Anderl each have good ones. Even Scott Cole has a very good one. No need to feel pain with the stretching. Be gentle with yourself. Each week has been an improvement overall so hang in there!
    All the best, Sandy

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