TAMOXIFEN AND ANKLE/FEET SWELLING
[color=#400080:pu2xxfg2]I started taking the 'dreaded' tamoxifen about 3 weeks ago now and my ankles in particular, along with my feet are fairly swollen. There are crease lines where the swelling is on my feet/ankles. Keeping them well moisturised but they are sore and can feel then a bit 'cracked' or dry. Have a general feeling of water retention in my body and my weight on the scales is 
to say the least. I am going back to the oncology team and will chat with them. Mentioned it on my last visit and they said give if 4-6 weeks if I could to see would it settle itself without diuretics. Find it hard to walk at times with the swelling but trying to keep moving as know it helps. Wearing crocs to give them room to 'swell' so to speak...regular shoes very uncomfortable. Luckily not any other adverse side effects so far, just this. Anyone else find this side effect on Tamoxifen? Thanks ladies. [/color:pu2xxfg2]
Comments
I get swollen ankles and I'm only on a blood pressure tablet !!
[color=#8000BF:39m72fut]Well turns out I was right to be concerned.....what initially began as 'just a quick question' turned into a long day but with a good outcome. When the breast care nurse saw my legs and ankles she said indeed they were very swollen and she was concerned enough to ensure I saw the oncology team straight away. After a general check up and blood tests I then had an ultrasound done of my legs and the bottom legs were so swollen the doctor couldn't see the blood vessels. However, the top looked fine on ultrasound so blood clot was ruled out of the picture for now. (A possible side effect of being on Tamoxifen). Then a tablet I was put on for peripheral neuropathy was taken out of the mix in case that was the one reacting with the Tamoxifen. I'm now on a diuretic for the next two weeks to ease the water retention. So lesson learned.....when they say ASK, ASK, ASK! they do mean it. What began as a simple question that I thought would take a few minutes became a day of tests etc. but at least I know now what to look out for. [/color:39m72fut]
[color=#0040BF:1pabiv8k]Meant to say, Resolute, that I'm on them less than 3 weeks. But not giving up yet. I expect some side effects and will roll with them. After all I've been through I can do a little more.....one day at a time. I'm not jumping ahead and worrying....just getting through today. Hope you have a 'no side-effects' experience with Tamoxifen....but sure it makes the day interesting? [/color:1pabiv8k]
[color=#008040:37bwh7o3]HI AGAIN, JUST WONDERING IF ANYONE HAS TRIED ACCUPUNCTURE FOR SWELLING IN THE LEGS/FEET RESULTING FROM WATER RETENTION ON TAMOXIFEN. MY POOR POOR FEET ARE GETTING SORE AND MY LEGS LOOK LIKE TREE TRUNKS. NOT A GOOD SUMMER LOOK HEARD THIS TREATMENT CAN BE GOOD AND MY ONCOLOGY TEAM HAVE NOT SAID NO EVEN THOUGH THEY CANT SAY YES!!![/color:37bwh7o3]
They don't comment as they don't really believe in alternative medicines but it wouldn't do any harm I'm sure
[color=#BF0000:3led91qy]Just to update still on Tamoxifen and . But getting to grips with the old leg swelling. In fact they are looking pretty okay today. Still doing a bit of everything and not sure whats working but will keep it all up. And other half just got me my pillow from aldi to help raise my legs for sleeping.......every little bit helps. Nice to think Aldi thought of me with their pillows for resting poor legs like mine on [/color:3led91qy]
Hello Sunshine71
Sorry to hear that Tamoxifen is still causing you some problems.. I must say when I started taking them in June I thought it was going to be horrible, I was soo tired for the first few weeks.. but actually once I got over that my body seemed to get used to them and I honestly don't notice side effects now?? It must be a pain for you to constantly put up with the swelling?? life's hard enough eh without any complications on top Hope the pillow gives you some relief!
Resolute
x
Hello sunshine71!
I'm sorry to hear about your swollen feet, it sounds like quite a nuisance
have you figured out yet if it is a side effect of tamoxifen?? I have taken tamoxifen tablet number 1 today (1 of 1825!!) 
so I cannot comment at this stage on side effects.. I'm trying to stay optimistic and hopefully I wont notice too much change..