Pain as a symptom--freaking out

Hello,

I have been lurking here for quite some time. I have been experiencing pain in both breasts for months. I got my first mammogram at 36 (2018) at reco of doctor. Was told I have dense breasts and to get one every year and to consider ultrasound, though the report was normal. Went for my yearly check up in early 2019--doc completely brushed me off. Said breasts were normal and I didn't need a mammogram and certainly not an ultrasound. For what's probably been months, I have had breast pain. I feel it a lot more in my left breast than my right. Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago pain gets so much that I visit a new doctor (a great one, and if you're in the NYC area PM me and I'll tell you). She takes me seriously and refers me for U/S/ ultrasound. Says my breasts feel normal. But now I have this unremitting pain--it's not under my armpit but kind of where your bra band sits it's like an inner chafing. I feel it in my rib, too. Sometimes radiates to left breast. Both underarms burn at times but it's like an inner burning.

I can't get in for an mammo and U/S for weeks. I know you can't diagnose me but I am terrified. Have no idea how I'm going to make it. I feel pain in my neck and my hips. Doctor said she'd like to get me in sooner but understands it's hard with breast imaging centers. I can barely keep it together at work, instead spending all day here.

How do we get through the wait? I did get tramadol for the pain which helps. I have two little kids and I just can't imagine leaving them.

Thanks, blah. I know and I hope it's not, but I've had scares before and it's never been this bad. It's anxiety-inducing when your doctor is concerned too.

Hi Clare,

My US and mammo came out normal, which was a relief. However, I'm still in pain and it's now all more diffuse throughout my upper body. My ob/gyn said that if I'm still in pain at my next f/u she'll refer me to a breast specialists. I am now on what I suspect will be a long journey with appointments at various specialists trying to figure out WTF is wrong with me. As I continue on this journey I realize that anything that requires follow up (Like more tests to rule out cancer) is VERY anxiety-inducing. It's great that they're covering all the bases for something that will likely resolve but the wait time is maddening and it's hard to distract yourself. I hope everything works out for you and know that I'm thinking of you and all of us in this awful purgatory. Try to enjoy your weekend