"Paraesthesia" and chest pain

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jamiesue1
jamiesue1 Member Posts: 21
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I had a double mastectomy on May 6, 2008. I have developed something my doctor called "Paraesthesia". Basically what it is is nerve "interruption" on my chest. It hurts to the touch. When I sleep at night I wear a pajama top that must be unbuttoned. My doctors have told me that this should be temporary or maybe not. I'm very frightened of the "maybe not". Also my chest where the incisions are feel very tight to the point where I feel like I have breasts again. It feels sort of like a 8" belt around my torso that gets tighter and tighter until it's on the tightest hole in the belt. That's about the best explanation I can come up with. I have been taking percocets for 4 months now and feel like I'm building up a tolerance to them. I'm scared that this pain I have will never go away. My DIEP Flap reconstruction is on Jan. 7, 2009 and am afraid he won't do it if I'm still in pain. I'm not trying to get ahead of myself on this and am trying to take it a day at a time but it's hard.
Does anyone else know what I am talking about? If so, tell me some good news, PLEASE!!!!

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  • zahalene
    zahalene Member Posts: 670
    #2
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    So sorry
    I had 2 mastectomies (at different times). I am sorry I can not help you with this particular problem, but I want to offer some encouragement. My first mast was in 1986 and the second one in 1988. I did experience various pains and other issues for some time but it all did fade eventually. Nerves do repair over time and lingering numbness becomes a non-issue.
    I did not choose reconstruction but I respect your decision to go for it. Good luck and God bless. Keep us posted.
  • CR1954
    CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    #3
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    I know...
    Hi jamiesue1,

    I am almost 6 weeks post-op. I know exactly the feeling that you are describing. I have complained to my surgeon about it more than once. I told her that it felt like muscles clenching and my chest tightening. Kind of like a very strong muscle spasm.

    She has assured me that these "spasm" feelings will ease with time. That the muscles have been through a tremendous amount of trauma.

    I hope so, as it is very uncomfortable when it occurs. I am kind of relieved to find someone else with the same issue, as I thought I was the only one.

    Hugs to you!

    CR

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