Sternum pain

Michelle3171967

I have completed an elective mastectomy and 2 reconstructions over past 2 years. I recently started hurting in between breasts ans lain radiates down into the sternal area. It feels like a heart attack. I have had two ultrasounds of my heart and there is no Problem. What test can be one to see what is causing this?

RatherBeSailing

Michelle, have you spoken with your surgeon? Perhaps it is scar tissue? I get feeling of muscles "clutching" in my chest, although not between my breasts. Sometimes it takes my breath away. Stretching helps, and I will need to stretch the rest of my life.

Of course, not at all certain that is what is going on with you. Hope you get answers.

ceanna

Michelle, since the doctors have checked for heart problems, have they checked for inflammation in the rib cage? Is the area tender or more painful on touch or movement or coughing? Look up Costochondritis--an inflammation in the ribcage--it can be caused by trauma, infection, strain, etc.. Hope they get to the bottom of this quickly. Pain is never right. All the best.

ThreeTree

I too experience sternum pain and feel the "clutching" that RatherBeSailing describes, along with the breath being taken away. I have not had reconstruction, only a left sided mastectomy and radiation. My chest muscles are super tight almost all the time. I've been to the ER several times thinking I might be having a heart attack, but it never is; my heart is always fine. They tell me it is chest muscles tightness; some have called it costochondritis. I find that sometimes the stretching helps, but sometimes it seems to aggravate the problem and I cannot figure out just what is what. I see an OT for lymphedema problems who gives me stretching exercises to do for the tight muscles, and sometimes they help, but sometimes they exacerbate the problem. I am going back to her, but also have a new referral for PT also to see if they can help. Problem is they weren't scheduling until December! (I had called last month.) I did finally manage something for November, so we'll see. I too would really like to know why I have this problem, just what is causing it, and what will help. It can be downright debilitating at times and I have had problems typing, driving, cutting up food, etc., as it seem to be bothered by almost anything I do with both hands at the same time.

Sorry Michelle, about your situation and that I don't have any real answers. Maybe all of this information sharing will help us all with this problem. I don't see much about it on the board.