muscle cramp in breast

Member_of_the_Club

Not exactly in the breast, but the area generally near my lumpectomy and node dissection scars. For the past month or so I will get an occasional muscle cramp, feeling exactly like a leg cramp or any other muscle cramp. Like someone took the muscle and twisted it. And when i shift my position it goes away. I'm three years out from surgery so it seems odd that this is sprouting up now. I'm also seeing a definite increase in foot cramps, so maybe related?



I do a pretty heavy workout with weights and push-ups and I don't have a problem, but perhaps I have been overdoing it lately, fatiguing a vulnerable muscle?

LisaSDCA

If you are experiencing an increase in foot cramps during this same period, and as you say, your workout stresses this area, I'd go for the possible potassium depletion rationale. Have a banana each morning and see if that makes a difference. You are staying well hydrated, right?

Wow - I can't wait until I can say I am back to "a pretty heavy workout with weights and push-ups "! Enjoy!

Lisa

Member_of_the_Club

This is me replying to myself. I just googled this problem and OMG it is a bona fide phenomenon that I have never heard of before. One website had a whole bunch of women describing it comparing it to a charley horse which is exactly what it feels like. Apparently this can begin months or years after breast surgery and is a result of nerve damage. There is even a discussion of it in an old breastcancer.org ask-the-expert transcript.



Anyone else have this? And how come I've never heard of it before?

Bugs

if you are seeing an increase in cramps overall, you should probably make sure you are getting enough potassium.  I notice a huge difference in muscle cramps if my potassium is low (i.e. low sodium diet).  I have had them bad enough after a run or workout that I have slugged some water with 1/4 tsp morton's lite salt mixed in. 

Muscle cramps in the breast?  Ouch..is all I can say.

Take care,

Bugs

Bugs

woops, Lisa beat me to it.  MOTC...interesting about the nerve damage.  What's that they say?  The gift that keeps on giving....

Bugs

juanita63

I've been having the same problem for 3 years, and thought I was crazy till I talked to the sports trainer at school.  She told me it was because the nerve endings are still exposed.  She said I could always do it.  And as I've lost weight and it gets cold the "cramp" gets worse. 

q13616

I had a lumpectomy 3 yrs ago and have had this cramping since soon after surgery.  My doctors all blow it off and think I am crazy.  Has anyone figured out how to fix this?