Pain from Breast Reduction

[socialdirector]

I had a breast reduction four months ago.  I am still in pain.  Some of the pain is from underneath the breast (which I can't find a bra that doesn't hurt), but the majority of the pain feels like electric shocks or being zapped.  When I first started getting these "electric shocks or feeling of being zapped" the nurse said it was because the nerve ending were severed and to take 300 mg of ibuprofen every four hours.  It seemed to work for awhile, but a month later my doctor told me I shouldn't be taking the ibuprofen because it would ruin my stomach.  It is four months later and these same pains are back.  My doctor doesn't seem to be concerned and keeps telling me I shouldn't be in pain and cuts me off.  As it is my surgery was botched and my one nipple was almost a complete hole.  It is finally filling in, but my doctor won't tell me how it happened or how many people he has come across with this problem.  First he said it was common, but when I repeatedly asked he just cut me off with it's not common.  Personally think the nurse did it when she was taking the stitches out because when she got to that side and was snipping the stitches I let out a yell.  Needless to say, when will that "zapping" stop.  I feel like I am never going to heal am in constant pain.

[pennybox]

You may have neuroma formation.  I have been in constant pain for 10 years from a breast reduction.  I have seen many doctors who have different ideas for why my pain continues, but there hasn't been a good solution.

Women have gotten chronic regional pain syndrome and neuromas from breast reductions, that has been documented, yet most surgeons act like they don't know about it.  You may have to go to a pain neurologist and pain management clinic.  Medications for nerve pain like Lyrica can help.

[1neverending]

My wife is having the same problem she had a breast reduction 2 years ago and she still suffer from nerve pain in her breast the doctor said it would only be one year that was not true.

[socialdirector]

Shorty after my surgery, when I first started experiencing the pain from the severed nerves, I used to wake up during the night with pain.  It got to a point that I would wake up on my own and wait for that fourth hour to come so I could take my ibuprofen (600mg. every four hours around the clock).  My doctor told me to stop because he felt I shouldn't be in pain, that it would ruin my stomach and that I was taking the ibuprofen too often, but it was his nurse that told me how much to take and how often I should take it.  The same thing happened with the hole in my nipple (what I meant in my statement was that I think the nurse accidentally clipped me with the scissors she used to remove the stitches and I think that may have been what caused the hole, not what caused the zapping pain (sorry I confused you)).  After they discovered the hole the doctor told me to wash it good in the shower and then put safe gel in the hole and cover it with a gauze pad twice a day. The hole looked so bad it made me a nervous wreck having to look at it let alone to change the dressing and I started having anxiety attacks.  After two months of doctor visits the safe gel was drying up in the hole and the gauze pad was sticking to the new skin filling in the nipple.  I was in so much pain I called the doctor and the nurse started yelling at me telling me I shouldn't be using the safe gel anymore and that I should be using bacetracin (however you spell it).  I told her the doctor was the one who told me to continue with the safe gel.  Needless to say, I told the doctor at the next visit and he had me switch to the bacetracin.  After using that for a few weeks I developed a rash.  Come to find out I was allergic to the bacetracin and the doctor had me go back to the safe gel, which I am still using four months later.  I am so disappointed with this doctor you wouldn't believe.  When I had the first meeting with him he tshowed me pictures of what it would look like, took pictures and measurements and told me we cut from here to here and down the middle and then reattach the nipple.  He never explained anything about having pain, reattaching veins, muscles, nerves, etc.  Two months ago he told me that when I was all healed he was going to have to do a revision.  He never explained what that entails so the only thing I know about it is that the nurse said he does it in the office.  What he expects to do is anyone's guess.  I told him before I had the sugery in October that I had plans set for a cruise in March with a group of girls from work and he told me to go for it and that I would be fine by then.  Well, it's less than a month away and I still can't find a bra that is comfortable (even the sports bra's) I have pain with the sports bra on or with no bra on and, I'm I've started taking the ibuprofen again, but it isn't helping.  Sometimes it feels like there are wires trying to push their way through (even though I know there isn't, but it's the only way I can describe the other pain I get).  My doctor said I have a low tolerance for pain.

I had the surgery because I am of petite frame but wore a DD.  The straps made indentations and black and blues in my shoulders (which was very painful), I would get raw under my breasts, have been for physical therapy for both my back (back pain constantly) and neck and have had two tumors removed (1 when I was 18 and the 2nd 12 yrs. ago)  from the breast they didn't mess up.  Had I known this was going to happen I would have suffered with the pain I knew.  To top this off, when I went to the doctor a week after the surgery he told me that the pathologist said the tissue from the side I had - had the two tumors in showed "abnormal cells".  I asked him what the abnormal cells meant and he just said "don't start thinking cancer, I'm sending the report to your primary".  This whole thing is such a nightmare that most days I ask God to please either help to make the pain go away or take me now.

It's hard going to work because I can't hide the pain on my face and it's hard staying home because I can't do too much because of the pain.  I cry at the drop of a hat so I stay in my bedroom most of the day laying down and watching t.v. because I don't want my sons to see me crying.  They help with laundry, dishes, grocery shopping and cooking but they don't clean house like I do.  Sorry I'm rambling on.  When you read this you will be saying "God she's writing a book".

Thank you for your comments,,,, I really do appreciate them and add you both to my list of people I say prayers for.

[lyerhc]

I had nerve damage from mine, not to discourage you but its taken about a year for some relief, on the other hand there is a light at the end of the tunnel, also I just am recovering from a compound distal radial fracture and the nerve pain has been so intense it wakes me up in the middle of the night I see my doctor on Tuesday the 24th of Feb. I will let you know what he says. Hang in there  it will get better.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Socialdirector,

Welcome to the Pain Management Community. I am glad that you found us. However I am  sorry about the pain you are experiencing.

My HR Assistant had breast reduction surgery at the age of 24. She had some nerve pain for about a month but it was not significant. Basically she had very good results and was extremely pleased with the procedure and results. I have done some research and as you stated nerves are cut. I found on several sites that the most "common breast reduction complications are nerve and tissue damage and hardening of the breasts" Certainly that would account for the pain you are experiencing.  Also "Nerve and tissue damage occurs with most types of breast reduction surgery because the surgeon must cut around the nipples to remove fat and glandular tissue. This usually results in a decreased nipple sensitivity, though it is possible to lose feeling in the entire breast."

Th cutting of the sutures should not have caused nerve damage. If your surgeon is reluctant or flat out refuses to discuss your post-op symptoms I would see another. Be sure to select a surgeon that is not directly connected to the clinic in which he practices. I realize that may require you to travel to another city but I think a second opinion will be well worth your time and trouble.

Although it is true that ibuprofen (IB) can be troublesome on your GI tract I can see no reason why if taken properly you couldn't take it. I am not telling you to go against medical advice I would never suggest that. I would just ask why they have advised against taking it. IB, if taken with food and for s short amount of time should not be hazardous to your health. In the meantime you may want to take some tylenol or Advil as directed on the label.

Best of luck to you. Please let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to your updates with interest. Take Care, Tuck