Pain in affected arm after double mastectomy

PITA2015

I have a dilemma about whether to have a steroid injection or not. I am about to lose my mind! I had a double mastectomy in May 2015 and have had terrible pain in my arm/shoulder for 7 months! I have been doing PT for 3 months and not helping. I just had an EMG yesterday and no nerve damage, thank goodness. Dr thinks all my pain is stemming from my shoulder. I had MRI and diagnosis was tendinitis, capsulitis & bracitis in shoulder. Dr wants to do cortisone shot in shoulder but I'mnervous about getting Lymphedema. However, can't live with this pain anymore! Has anyone had a similar experience?

Leslie13

I had rotator cuff surgery a year before my Breast cancer dx, and my lymph dissection was almost 3 months ago. PT is very painful, especially with the implants.

I think your Dr. meant bursitis, with the tendonitis and other problems. I had multiple cortisone shots in my shoulder before rotator cuff surgery and it really helped initially. Cortisone will degrade the joint tissue over time, so you don't want to rely on it. I'm not a Dr. but can't see how it would cause lymphadema if you don't already have it. You have major muscle inflammation. A shot may really help calm it down. It's worth trying

There's always the possibility a nerve was injured they didn't locate. I had a nerve injured in a hip replacement and it took two years to get a diagnosis and 4 to finally cut the nerve - but it was sensory, not motor so I could. You may need to seek out Pain Management services if nothing else works

katykids

I am sorry. I have the same things in both of my shoulders following BMX in July 2015. Moderate adhesive capsulitis, bursitis, tendinosis, tenosynovitis. Words I had never even heard of. I, too, am doing PT. However, my pain dr. will not consider an injection until I stop having success with PT. This pain doesn't feel much like success. I wish I had better answers. I am considering switching back to myofascial release rather than traditional PT.

PITA2015

thanx ladies for responding to my post. I appreciate your input & will speak to my dr about having the shot.

MyWalk_113

Hi Pita. I am so sorry for the pain you are experiencing, and I can truly relate! I have had bursitis for decades, but no flare ups for years until my biopsy last July. I weighed the pros and cons, and together with my own physician, we treated my bursitis. No dice, it needs further treatment, but my breast surgery, which I just had, came first. I wish you well, I am still waiting for my pathology report. Hang in there, the pain has to get. figured out.

Moderators

PITA and MyWalk_113, we welcome you here to Breastcancer.org. We are sorry you've joined the "club" but happy you found this community. Hang in there, and thanks for sharing.

PITA2015

thx for responding and sorry u are in pain as well. I saw a new dr and am having a saline injection next week. I hope it helps with my arm pain🙏🏻. Did u get your pathology report yet

PITA2015

Hi. I had 4 cortisone shots in my neck & shoulder 2 weeks ago and it did nothing for my arm pain:( I saw a new dr and he is injecting saline in my shoulder next week. Hope it works🙏🏻 How are you feeling