Zapping

Melinda0628

So it has been 6 days since my BMX. I am having weird feelings in my left arm and it iS itching liKe crazy! Is this normal? Having weird zapping feelings on both sides. I have my follow up tomorrow with my BS.

ChiSandy

Nerves were cut, and healing involves neural pathways reconnecting. So “zapping” or shock-like pangs are entirely normal. Itching can be a low-grade form of pain. Both are temporary neuropathies that may take time to resolve. Your BS might prescribe a specific type of painkiller—originally developed as anti-seizure medications—such as Neurontin (gabapentin) or Lyrica, which works on “neurogenic” or “neuropathic” pain, i.e., pain arising from an injury to the nerve itself rather than referred from another injury or illness.

Kat104

Melinda,

I had a single MX 10 days ago, and I've some zapping too and definitely the itching. My biggest thing was (is) that my armpit feels like it's on fire. I keep checking the area to see if there is razor burn or sunburn or something there, and the stinging sensation sometimes goes down the back of my arm. The BS said it's the nerves waking up from the surgery and that it will go away. The PS said something very similar.

I see you had 13 nodes removed, so it makes sense that the nerves have been somewhat traumatized. Like ChiSandy said, maybe your BS can give you something to help. I'm sorry you have this on both sides at the same time right now, too. Hang in there! Hopefully this is the worst of it!

Icantri

itching? oh My Gosh do I itch. that has been my biggest annoyance. some minor zaps and tingles too. But the itching!!! --did I tell you that I itch?

I am right there with ya Melinda.

Denise-G

I am five YEARS out from MX and still have occasional zapping and some itching.

Especially phantom nipple itching which is very weird.

You are normal!!!

ravzari

As everyone else said, that's perfectly normal!

I'm almost 6 months out and still get occasional 'zingers' or aches (I prefer the aches over the zings!) when something reconnects itself.

grandma3X

Kat104- I remember that stinging pain!! I had 2 separate mastectomies, one in January and then the second one in May. Both times my armpit became very sensitive - like a bad razor burn - around the second week postop. In my experience, the stinging was much less in week 3 and pretty much gone by 4-5 weeks. I used a premie baby diaper as a shield to prevent my clothes from rubbing against it.

Melinda0628

Thanks everyone! Yes my BS said totally normal.

I just got the best news! Clean margins and my PET Scan is Clear!

I was so worried it had spread.

Icantri

yay!!! Very happy for your good news Melinda

Melinda0628

Thank you Icantri. I broke down in tears at the drs office. I will have some radiation but so glad that test came out clear. We went out to a celebratory lunch at Texas Roadhouse and I wore my knitted knockers lol.

Hopeful82014

Great news about your margins and scans, Melinda!!

I had itching and sort of streaking pains, especially from the SLNB. I found that wearing the absolute softest fabrics possible next to the skin helped a lot, as did very lightly stroking the skin for a minute or two when it got bad. My theory is that it helped give the nerves and brain a different sensation to process.

Kat104

So happy for your clear margins and PET scan, Melinda!!!

Grandma3x, funny idea to use the diaper. Today I'm walking around with my elbow out 45 degrees so my armpit doesn't touch my clothes. And Hopeful, thanks for the tip on giving the brain something else to process in that area.

Keep celebrating, Melinda, and rock those knockers!

Goincrzy8

WTG Melinda