Post mastecomy pain syndromw

[vicklette]

I am having horrific pain in my shoulder/upper back/elbow which seems very different from pain I've had from a prior diskectomy (neck).  I had a sentinel node biopsy/R side mastectomy with reconstruction in March of this year.  Nothing seems to faze this pain and the docs are treating me based on an MRI, for a slightly bulged disk (R side)/myofascial pain.  I'm really concerned that this is something else entirely--and my PT seems to think that it might be something connective tissue-related possibly due to the mastectomy, etc. Can you offer any insight into this type of pain/protocol for post breast therapy pain?  Is this often misdiagnosed and if so, how does one get the physicians to at least consider exploring it?

[Batsheva]

A related discussion, post mastectomy pain syndrom was started.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
There is the option of discussing the possibility in detail with your physician or asking him to refer you to a specialist. You could also consider a second opinion from another physician if you feel unconvinced. You need to get someone to look at it as a post mastectomy pain. The surgeon who operated on you - is hn apointment with him feasible? Do try that out. Till then continue with the exercises, breast massage and OTC painkillers. Goodluck.

[vicklette]

Thank you so much for your feedback.  My physical therapists seem to acknowlege the possibility of post-mastectomy pain syndrome more readily than my PCP.  I am seeing a doctor at Cleveland Clinic who gave me trigger point injections (8) which normally help my neck pain; these did nothing for this pain, which is why I feel this pain might be connected with the surgeries (plus an unplanned revision surgery in July).  How do I get the docs on board to at least consider the breast issues? Vickie

[sonu78]

Hi,
It seems that your are suffering from post mastectomy pain syndrome. This syndrome is common among the patients who have undergone radical mastectomy followed by radiotherapy in addition to the post mastectomy lymphoedema.
It is worth trying to sit with your surgeon and discuss all the issues. Until then you can take some pain killers.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
Well you could be having post mastectomy pain - it is a possibility that needs to be ruled out for sure. You should discuss this with your physician in detail. It could also be - post mastectomy phantom breast pain. You should try exercises and breast massage and see if that helps. In some cases medication would need to be prescribed if the pain still persists. You could schedule an appointment with your surgeon and discuss this with him. Goodluck.