Tingling and electric shock type pains in various places.

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I wanted to create a post to see if anyone has had a similar experience. I think it is very unlikely that I could have mets at this point - I had early stage cancer (my tumor was 1.9 cm and a small .1mm branch off from it) , low Oncotype (16), and I am only 1 year past my surgery. My logic side is saying that but I definitely still have trouble with fear. My only treatment now is tamoxifen. I did not have to do chemo or radiation.

I am 31 yrs. old. I have high general anxiety and so I am thinking this could be anxiety-related, however I have never had these kinds of symptoms before the past 3 weeks or so and they showed up rather suddenly and have sustained over 3 weeks, being worse at night. When they first showed up I also felt much more tired and drained than usual, but that has gotten a little better.

Sometimes the pains will wake me up at night. I get electric-shock pains, tingling, and cramping/aching mostly in my right arm and hand. My mastectomy was on my left side. I have constant pain in my right shoulder and between the shoulder blades especially, but feels like regular muscle strain type pain, however it doesn't really go away with stretching, exercise, or rest. I will also get fleeting shock pains in other places like my throat, sometimes feet, and mid-back. Sometimes the pain in my right arm starts in the shoulder and radiates down the arm. I had an ocular migraine a couple weeks ago, but I was told those are common, I just haven't often had them. I also am having very noticeable heart palpitations. I will be going to see a neurologist and I saw a doctor (have normal blood test results) - I think I just wanted to talk about it to see if anyone has experienced anything similar.

These feelings are very unusual to me - I was wondering if anyone else has had anything similar and how were you able to deal with it? Thanks for listening.

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  • wintersocks
    wintersocks Member Posts: 922
    edited January 2018

    laasta

    I have recently posted about something similar under 'Arm pain' . sorry dont know how to link it to here, It's 12:30 pm in the UK so too tired to post now but can pm you tomorrow.

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited January 2018

    It could be due to nerve regeneration, but if a new symptom persists for 3 weeks, it is wise to communicate it to your MO to get a plan to have it evaluated. Hoping you get answers. Benign ones!

    Wondering if you have a pinched nerve in your neck or something like that, but that area is not one I know much about.

  • laastra
    laastra Member Posts: 49
    edited January 2018

    Wintersocks - I found the thread you were talking about! Yes those symptoms sound very similar to what I am experiencing. I just went to a neurologist and I'm going to have an MRI and EMG to check for any problems. I had weak reflexes in my right arm as well. It's strange to me that it is mostly happening in my other arm on the non-surgical side.

    KBeee - Thank you for the advice and well-wishes! This community is so nice! I feel like I am over-worrying, but I never know what amount is OVER worrying. Neurologist said it seems like I could have a pinched nerve in my neck, so now I have some tests scheduled to get it checked out :)

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited January 2018

    Great. EMGs are not fun, but compared to what we’ve been through, they are a breeze. Hoping you get answers

  • wintersocks
    wintersocks Member Posts: 922
    edited January 2018

    laastra

    Pleased you found the arm pain thread. yes it is strange its in the non cancer side the pain you are having, I Think that can only be a good sign. please let us know what comes up following the scans.

    I have had the blood tests this morning; the receptionist said the doctor would call me if there was anything of concern in the results. I guess now it's just waiting. I am sure the pain is getting worse although sometimes it's hard to get a real sense of. perhaps I am just imagining it is getting worse?!

    I think it's all concerning as I am now into year six since dx.

    It's hard not to 'go there'.


  • laastra
    laastra Member Posts: 49
    edited January 2018

    Yeah. I guess I expected it less in the non-cancer side because if it was on the other side I could blame it on regenerating nerves or potentially lymphedema. But being on the right side also makes sense because it's the arm I use more and it could just be problems due to repetitive overuse.

    It is frustrating that your own mind can potentially play tricks on you like that. It makes me always question myself so I feel like if something DID really happen I would question it too.
    It's like a bear is always lurking around the corner but it never attacks so you just have gotten used to it being there - but it's there so there is always this sense of wavering anxiety.

    Well I'm thinking of you and hoping for regular average blood test results for you :)

  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited January 2018

    n as you describe can be caused by cervical issues like herniated discs in the spine. You may want to see a neurologist who can order an mri of your cervical spine.   Good luck , I hope you get better soon

  • laastra
    laastra Member Posts: 49
    edited January 2018

    Thanks for the well wishes bevin! I will be having an MRI of the cervical spine next week, and an EMG in March. The neurologist confirmed that my reflexes are weak in my right arm. I think my nervousness has died down a little and it will even more once I get the tests and know what's going on. Hope you are well also!

  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited January 2018

    good luck, keep us posted. I hope you start to feel better

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