Nerve pain??

Pink24

Hi just wondered if anyone else has had nerve pain in their breast post surgery?

Had surgery 7 months ago and recovery was fine... no pain etc. However, for the last two months I’ve had a lot of pain. The area which was operated on is tender to touch, struggling to sleep as wake if I brush it or sleep on it.

Went to the drs today and they did an ultrasound which was clear. They said it sounded like nerve pain. To treat it I just need to apply voltarol etc to the area and see how I get on and that they couldn’t tell me how long the pain would carry on for. It’s so painful. It’s already been over 2 months.. how much long should I expect it?

Any tips or information would be appreciated

dtad

Hi there. So sorry you are suffering. IMO it could be either nerve pain or something called costochondritis. Costochondritis is inflammation of the ribs and sternum. Cymbalta might help. Good luck and keep us posted.

Pink24

Thank you for your response. The pain is driving me crazy. Also worried re how long it’ll carry on for. Will give it another month before going back to the drs.

Will see if the chemist has cymbalta this week. All tips are welcomed.. grateful

moth

The nerves in the breast all start in the spine. It's possible that you have a bit of nerve impingement in your back - things like slouching at the computer, or weeding the garden, or shovelling lots, carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder etc can all cause a small impingement. Massage therapy and some physiotherapy techniques can help with that. I'd start with a good registered massage therapist and see if you get some relief.

Or you may be looking at surgically induced neuropathic pain. You can read about this condition here. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC35461...

"SNPP ... may frequently have a delayed onset of months to years"

If it doesn't improve quickly, I'd ask for referral to a pain specialist.

best wishes

Pink24

Thank you 😊 Will try a few massages. Willing to try anything to stop the pain and not pop so many pills etc.The pain itself is in my breast... my back etc don’t hurt.

moth

It wouldn't necessarily hurt in your back. A nerve being pinched in the spine can present as pain way at the other end of the nerve. Good luck. I really hope it's an easy fix.

Pink24

thank you appreciate it

Aussie-Cat

Pink24, the following thread could also be helpful for you:

Topic: Hypersensitive skin/nerves after mastectomy

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/91/topics/860079?page=1

Pink24

Thank you x