You are here

First 6 months and side effects of Imatinib

For anyone who has been recently diagnosed and suffering from really bad bone pain and muscle cramps I wanted to share with you that time really does heal. I was diagnosed in June 2020 and the bone pain which started in August was so bad that I couldn't walk for more than 100 metres up until early December (even with the help of paracetamol) but now able to do up to 2km most days at the moment. Muscle cramps are still noticeable in the evening, especially if I don't move around during the day. Bone pain tends to come back the odd day but never persistent anymore and haven't needed painkillers for the past 8 weeks. I have a desk job at home and regularly allowed myself to sit without a break for hours at a time which I have stopped doing with more discipline on regular breaks. I am on 400mg Imatinib and thankfully the 6 month bcr-abl is moving in the right direction, currently at 1.5%. My hematologist has been excellent and along with this forum really helped me to hold it together when I was at my worst back in September and October. If you find yourself in this position just hang in there...

Good luck !

Roza

Hi

I was diagnosed in December 2020 and I'm on 400mg Imatinib. Thank you so much for your post. Its reassuring to see there is light at the end of a very gloomy tunnel at the moment for me. I've been getting bone aches in my legs starting over the past few days. Also battling through tiredness and dry skin on my face that any joiner would be proud to use as sandpaper !!!. 

My nurse specialist has said all my bloods are moving in the right direction and I have an appointment with my haematologist tomorrow for a catch up. Fingers crossed for positive news.

Good luck and stay safe.

Take Care

Denise x

Hello Denise

I was diagnosed two months before you and went through the dry skin/rash phase, although not on my face. The rashes only lasted for about a month, and after 3 months on Imatinib, the tiredness is just starting to fade.

So there is light at the end of this tunnel. Keep well.

David