11 replies to this topic

[Gail's]

Just getting over the pukes and the runs have gotten better. And now, holy cow, do my arm and shoulder muscles and joints hurt!! Onc said it's gleevec. I want a break!! Please tell me it gets better!

[Billie Murawski]

Hi Gail, I'm so sorry you're going through this Gleevac did a number on me too Your muscles and joints probably hurt because you have strained them, Immodium will help your runs and it has never upset my stomache. Alleve or Ibuprofin should help your joint pain if your stomache is settled down. I can only take tylonal. I was on G for 3 years It was really rough for me to get used to it. I was so glad to switch to sprycel. Probiotics are supposed to help. I wish I could give you better advice. Take care Billie

[gerry]

Gail,

Have you started on some magnesium yet?

[Gail's]

Thanks Billie. Gerry, I did just get the magnesium and will start it today. Thanks for letting me vent everybody.

[Dom]

I was going to start a new thread, but I will just continue on this one.

In the morning, my lower back and upper thighs are really sore and weak. Usually I just stretch it out. But this morning, in the shower, I twisted the wrong way and I feel like I have a torn hamstring. It's severe enough that it's hard walking.

I've been on Gleevec for a year now, but I'm also on HBP and cholesterol medicine, but not statins. Did gleevec cause this? And since I'm here, does anyone know how to treat a torn hamstring? next month I'm taking a trip to Italy and I really don't want this to get in the way. But I'll have to back out of it, that's how bad it is.

[RichCML]

Not sure about the cause of the bad hammy as far as it relates to Gleevec, but I've used kinesio tape for pulls and strains. You can get it in a sporting goods store. The stuff is like magic. Here's a video showing you how to tape a hamstring.

https://m.youtube.co...h?v=qqNbgidEjtk

[Dom]

Thanks, Rich, I'll look into it. Does the pain end? I'm hoping it will heal if I don't stress it in about a week or so. I'm biking in the first week of June.

[gerry]

Hi Dom,

I've done permanent damage to my calf muscle and thigh muscle from stretching while on Gleevec. Recovery can be slower as well.

Good luck.

[Billie Murawski]

Hi Dom, The first thing I would do is call my pcp, he would probably put you on an anti-inflammatory right away maybe some pain medicine too. Some injurys we are supposed to keep moving and stretch but there are other things that you should keep as immobile as possible so your doc can tell you what's right for you. A trip to Italy sounds wonderful I bet if you call your pcp tomorrow and get started on some meds you'll be fine. You shouldn't stretch or ride your bike unless your doc says so. You'll be walking all over the countryside, I hope you have a big appetite I was raised by italians boy I sure miss those big dinners. manja,manja.

                                                                                                                                                Billie

[Dom]

Hi Billy. Boy, I love your answers. I was just sitting here thinking "I wish someone would cheer me up", and then you came along with that great answer.

I'm starting to rethink things. I said I twisted my leg, but now I really think I was just standing still and the muscle sort of went bad with me. But you're right I should talk to my PCP before I get all depressed about this.

[rnowinski]

So sorry that you are having trouble. I was on Gleevec for a little over a year before my PCR test came back not-so-good. Don't worry, it does get better on Gleevec after the first couple of months. If you can not tolerate the dosage (400-600mg per day), ask your doc if you can slip down to a lower dosage for a few weeks until your body adjusts. Make sure you take Mg supplement (with food for absorption) but not at the same time that you take the Gleevec. Also, Vitamin D3 is VERY important. This will help with the bone and muscle pain and cramping of the muscles since it helps the body absorb Calcium. Hope you feel better! Prayers and hugs.

[Dom]

I just got back from the pcp, and he said it looks like a torn muscle, not the hamstring like I thought (what do I know, huh?). He said he wants an X-ray to make sure it's not a broken bone or a herniated disk. In any case, it should heel over time. I'm on Percocet for the pain.

He also said neither cml nor gleevec would have caused it, although cml may weaken the bones.