Bone Mets or Arthritis?

I have degenerative disc disease and have for years; I am 46.  15 years ago I had a plate and screws put in my neck for severe damage to my C spine.  My lower back is also very bad.  Mine does not always show up on X-rays, but does on my scans.  Change of weather causes me much pain and stiffness - which I am really feeling now with the beginning of fall and cooler weather.  Femara, Arimidex, and Tamoxifen all made my symptoms worse.  (I am currently on a six month drug vacation, MO approved, for this very reason.).   I have had numerous cortisone shots in my neck from a pain clinic over the years.  Aleve or Motrin, taken regularly during a bad spell, also helps a bit.  I also use a heating pad, for only 15 minutes at a time for some relief.  The medicated over the counter pain patches/stick on pads also help (Ben Gay  type med).  I also have experimented with several pillows, and need one that provides extra support under my neck, and wake up with fewer pains.  Give these things a try.  Hoping you find some relief.  I think you are on the right track with it being arthritis.  

I too have degenerative disc disease.  Bayou we sound like twins!  I have had surgery, have titanium plate/screws as well.  My neck is so bad but it was before I began an AI.  However, I do think that it has gotten a lot worse since I started on Arimidex.  I have had multiple steroid injections, an ablation, countless different meds.  I take gabapentin and now and on a fentanyl patch.  Sleep is so difficult because I can rarely get comfortable.  I have gone through so many pillows!  I also am best friends with my heating pad.   My pain specialist wants me to consider a neurotransmitter next.  Maine, I understand the worry but please know it is very unlikely mets.  Only your doctors can tell you that of course, but it sure sounds like you are beginning to have some neck problems from something else.  Mine also shows nothing on x-ray and my blood work tests normal for inflammation.  My doctor think mine is likely nerve damage.  BTW I am currently taking a short break from the Arimidex as it does seem to help.  Talk to your doctors and hopefully they can help you with a course of treatment.

Bevin I wish those injections had helped me.  You are really lucky to get four months relief from them.  Bravo!

Hi Matsgirl, be careful when you Google only because it is important not to try to diagnose yourself.  Popping and grinding is the result of air between the joints and is not uncommon.  I am not sure about supplements, again your doctor may be able to help you decide.  A chiropractor may help and having BC will not affect that.  I had PT for awhile and that also helped some as well as neck exercises.  Not everyone responds the same to any given treatment.  I certainly would consider seeing an orthopedist if it gets any worse.  They have different tools that might be able to provide some relief.  I understand not wanting to take any more tests!   BayouBabe  offered some good suggestions as well.  I did not have a bone scan on my neck, so I can't answer that question.  I have had neck problems for years and I know how that 'kink' feels.  Try applying the heat or the topical meds and see if that helps.  I do love my heating pad!  Also they have those heat patches you can buy OTC.  They make them for the neck and I have used those as well.  Good luck and try not to worry.  I know how hard that is.    Hugs!

matsgirl thanks, I love  this quote too.  With so many really strong women fighting this disease, I figured it was appropriate.

How is your neck feeling?  I hope you find something to help when it flares up again.  I hate my neck!  I keep asking my surgeon for a neck transplant.  As soon as they develop that, of course!