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ZYTIGA PREDNISONE EXHAUSTED AND PAIN

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Posted 8/29/2022 3:21 PM (GMT -5)
been a while since posting. hubby has been on zytiga and 5mg prednisone since 2017. been doing great but recently started having extreme fatigue and body aches mainly joints especially back and neck. wondering if any others experiencing this and what has helped you deal with it. psa has been holding at 0 which is GREAT. he is still active, works, hunts, fishes, rides bike. but these are all getting much harder to do. dr actually suggested he think about getting on disability. he was diagnosed at 50, is now 58 still has a lot of living left to do. Thanks
Posted 8/29/2022 3:25 PM (GMT -5)
Each case IS different, but I have been on ZYTIGA (Abiraterone Acetate) for 7 years and haven't experienced these side effects.

Best to consult with your oncologist ~ different medications can affect each one of us in varying ways.

XTANDI might be another option - and worth asking about!

With my best,
CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University
Posted 8/29/2022 3:40 PM (GMT -5)
CABORED.
Like Cyclone-ISU(my main man) said, everyone is different. I have been on Zytiga eight years now, and yes the fatigue factor seems to be getting more and more. Experiencing some pains here and there, might be I am getting old at 67 yrs.
If I thought would qualify for disability, I would quit my job tomorrow. I don't know enough about the qualifying criteria, but maybe I should find out. Todd Seals (Todd1963) has a great story on Zytiga and also just got his disability approved a few months ago.
Keep the faith,
Wings

PS How did you pick your screen name CABORED?
Posted 8/29/2022 4:39 PM (GMT -5)
Another thing to suggest for exhaustion ...

Ask your doctor to order a ferritin test, for your next set of labs.

I felt some weariness a few years ago, and it was discovered I was low on iron - which the ferritin test immediately revealed.

So - next time you do labs, put this on your checklist with your doctor!

I take a low-dose iron supplement each day, which was an easy solution.

With my best,
CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University
Posted 8/29/2022 6:35 PM (GMT -5)
Cyclone,
I also had a ferritin test last year ,and yes very low in that and iron binding capacity is the root cause, along with the primary cause, Zytiga. It has also brought my RBC down. I am now borderline anemic with a RBC averaging 3.7 instead of the normal 4.0 to 4.7. Onc Doctor was and still is cautious to recommend iron supplements to me, some studies show it is not good for the big C, but maybe the low dosage might help. I'll ask him next time. Thanks
Wingin it
Posted 8/29/2022 8:56 PM (GMT -5)
Wings Of Eagles ~

A surprisingly easy way to bolster iron ~ POST Grape Nuts cereal has high iron content!

Easy to sprinkle that on some yogurt or sprinkle over a bowl of fruit ...

Asking for a ferritin test is commonly overlooked by doctors ... and so easy as a patient ~ to ask for!

Easy tip for bolstering iron!
CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University
Posted 8/29/2022 9:07 PM (GMT -5)
Yes, let's get more data
CBC, Complete Metabolic Panel, Thyroxine etc. all seem warranted (right now). These are routine lab tests and usually covered by insurance.

Post Edited (Sr Sailor) : 8/29/2022 7:14:34 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 8/30/2022 1:35 PM (GMT -5)
Thank You all for your responses. much appreciated. he was tested for his iron a few months ago. it was low so he is on ferrous sulfate now. he switched from zytiga to the generic Aberiterone form as you all know it is a constant battle with insurance for brand. he switched once before and had similar effects. i am still not convinced it isn't an additive in the generic form causing some issues. i told him i don't enjoy it, pisses me off, but i am totally willing to constantly battle insurance if he wants to get back on brand. his nurse practitioner says he is an anomaly as most people on this regimen usually go on disability within 2 years. he is very active, hunting, fishing, biking so it's hard for him to think of slowing down.and the brain fog is driving him nuts. especially when it affects his work.
Posted 8/30/2022 1:36 PM (GMT -5)
i have shown him how to log onto this forum, so hopefully he will reach out.
Posted 1/7/2023 5:47 PM (GMT -5)
Checking back in with you, CABORED, as the NEW YEAR begins ...

Has the fatigue factor improved?

My oncologist watches all my lab results with an eagle eye ... watching all components of my blood work.

I also try to focus on adding more fresh fruit and vegetables to my meals ~ and more water.

I try to go on a great walk each day ~ including weekends. That helps bolster my energy, as well.

Just hoping you are feeling your best ~ and feeling that good flow of energy.

With my very best ~

CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University
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