Post mastectomy pain syndrome

Hi Suzanne34 welcome to the forum. I am so sorry to hear about what has been happening for you. I imagine that there will be lots of healing going on under the scar and around the area as well. Nerves will have been involved and all needs to heal which may take some time. 

I didnt have  a mastectomy so cannot answer your query with any certainty but Im sure some of the other lovely folks on here will be along soon to offer further information for you. 

Hello,

I noticed you haven’t had any replies and wondered if my experiences might help? (I was an Occupational Therapist before retiring). When nerves are cut (as in surgery) they do regrow but sometimes we are left with numb patches in spite of that. I certainly am, even 5 years on. Sometimes the surgery internal sutures can ‘Nick’ a nerve too (and this is my experience too in one sensitive spot) 

When I treated amputees (as I did during my working life), I often found they were troubled by phantom pains, which were as a result of the nerve endings growing with difficulty, I would advise massage, which helps the brain appreciate the new body image and help to alter the perception of the origin of those pains. 

Im not sure if this might help you, but after all, a mastectomy is an amputation of a sort. It has helped me to a degree although I do still have the very super-sensitive spot (in fact my surgeon apologised!) 

hugs xxx

Thank you Gail 

Thank you for your reply , it does seem to be one spot I’m experiencing the shooting pains similar to an electric shock and I’m aware the nerves are all still healing ect , I’m numb in places too especially near the under arm which I assume is where the sentile node was removed .. maybe what I’m experiencing is normal and maybe I was expecting too much too soon x

Bless you, I hope it settles for you and the shooting pains ease right off. Nerves grow incredibly slowly, a millimetre a month if you’re lucky! 

Hubs had a spinal decompression and yes, he said his shooting pains felt exactly like an electric shock in his legs, made him jump. But it did improve. 

Our boobs do heal really slowly, apart from the nerves, the bruising goes deep and takes a long time to recover. 

Hugs xxx

Thank you for taking the time to respond it’s much appreciated, I will keep an eye on it and if no improvement I will speak to the breast care nurse .. x

Hi Suzanne34. I’m so sorry to hear you are suffering with nerve pain. I had my mastectomy about the same time as you and I recognise what you and others are describing - the shooting pains like electric shocks and the numbness. I’ve had similar problems and my doctor prescribed me amitryptaline in a low dose to take daily which has really helped. I think the symptoms are improving gradually but this has taken the edge off. Just thought I’d share in case this is an option for you too. Take care, Rosie xx 

Hi Rosie , sorry to hear that you’ve been experiencing problems too , glad to hear that you’ve managed to get help for this and your symptoms are improving, I think I need to contact my breast care nurse or GP not sure which one to be fair ! May I ask was your shooting pains in one area ? X

Hi Suzanne, for me the shooting pains are in the whole breast rather than one specific area, and numbness is in the breast and down the top of my arm. Funny how it can be numb and sore at the same time! I had a reconstruction using my own tissue, I don’t know if you did too? That was a long op that requires microsurgery so I was told the sensations are normal as all of this settles and heals. I think it’s a good idea to have a chat with your BC nurse or GP - I hope they can help or at least provide some reassurance. Take care, Rosie xx

Hi Rosie , mine was a flat closure , the numbness is across my scar and also my underarm , the shooting pains are in one area .. such fun (not ) xx