Shooting/stinging zaps in my reconstructed breast

Smeakster

Hi! I had DCIS stage zero twice in my left breast the first time (2013) I had lumpectomy, radiation and arimidex. The second time, (2017) I needed a LatFlap Mastectomy and reconstruction with a implant. I have been experiencing little zaps and zips of pain in the reconstructed breast. More like twinges many times throughout the day and night. They feel deep. Paranoia has hit and Im thinking the worst. Am I over reacting? Who should I call? my plastic surgeon or my oncologist or my PCP? Any help is appreciated

Trishyla

Probably nerve regeneration. I had my surgery in April 2017, and I still get "pinchy" zaps every once in a while. As long as it's not affecting your quality of life, I wouldn't be too concerned. You might want to mention it at your next appointment. See if your doctor thinks it's something to worry about.

Good luck.

Trish

Rrobin0200

nerves regenerating. I occasionally get them, almost 4 years post.

Smeakster

Thank you! I feel so much better knowing that others have similar experience.

AlisonBB

I am 13 years post mastectomy/tram flap reconstruction. I posted about this several months ago after have many years with no nerve issues then a sudden flare up. Someone mentioned too much vitamin C and I had gone from 500mg per day to 1000mg per day hoping to boost myself up in fear of COVID. As soon as I cut back to 500mg it immediately stopped. Now again, after an acupuncture treatment on Tuesday for a problem with my right arm and right side of my neck, my reconstructed breast (right) the phantom itching is really bad. I am losing my mind. I hope it will subside in a couple more days. I am using a heating pad today and hope it helps. I am really ready to cry it's so bad.

Smeakster

AlisonBB

That sounds terrible. Perhaps it is the result of over stimulated nerves after acupuncture

AlisonBB

I do think the acupuncture treatment triggered it. Thankfully, the heating pad did the trick. I used it for about an hour and it completely resolved the issue. For others experiencing the phantom itching (whether or not you had any acupuncture treaments), try the heating pad. Hopefully it helps you too.

DiveCat

I get these sometimes still 6 years after original PBMX. Mostly on right side radiating from somewhere around or under right nipple. They seem to particularly flare up everytime I mess with that area, so like after my revision surgeries it will happen frequently for a few weeks or months and then go to fairly rare again eventually.