RIBP - Radiation-induced brachial plexopathy

Noraw
Noraw Member Posts: 1
in Breast Cancer #1

Have any of you heard about RIBP?  I have just received the diagnosis.  Symptoms are lost of feeling in the hand and/or arm, pain and muscle weakness.  I'm told this is a rare effect from radiation.  There is no cure and we don't know how far the nerve damage will go.  I'm just wondering if anyone else has knowlege about it and if there is something that has worked to reduce the pain. 

Comments

  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 121
    #2
    No, I haven't. You might

    No, I haven't. You might check on the breastcancer.org website. It has hundreds of active threads.

  • cinnamonsmile
    cinnamonsmile Member Posts: 1,187 Member
    #3
    If you are talking about

    If you are talking about nerve damage pain I know that Gabapentin (Neurontin) and Lyrica are widely used. Amitriptyline(an anti-depressant) works as a pain reliever for some and helps promote sleep if pain is interfering with sleep. Tramadol is a pain reliever made to replace Vicodin as it is not supposed to be addictive. There are creams and patches available as well.

    There are also pain treatments available. I have had  stillete ganglion nerve block shots to the neck to combat my nerve damage pain in my upper arms, full chest, sides of chest, armpits, and around my back from the bottom of the rib cage up. They are dangerous and painful.

    Since 2011, I have been getting IV Lidocaine infusions since 2011.

    If you are having pain difficulties and not finding relief from your regular doctors, I advise seeing a pain clinic.

    But remember when finding pain treatments, it is trial and error to find what works best for you. Not everyone responds the same to pain treatments and medications. Be aware that most pain medications come with side effects, so make sure you discuss those with your doctors or look them up online at a reputable website.

  • sparky64
    sparky64 Member Posts: 1
    #4
    brachy plexus damage from radiation

    I had the brachytherapy radiation after lumpectomy 3 years ago and YES I have the same diagnosis.  The pain is excruciating and so far I have found no relief from any pain medication.  I have tried accupuncture, massage, I am getting a tiens (or tens) unit and looking into cold laser therapy.  I would love to hear from you as I am told it is rare too but I have a feeling doctors are not reporting this.   This has changed my life and I'm sure yours too.  Would love to hear from you.  nancepowers@yahoo.com

  • onelazyb
    onelazyb Member Posts: 2
    #5
    Pain in Shoulder and Down Arm

    Had 33 Treatment of Radiation My Last Treatment Was in November of 2017.I Have Had Pain in My Left Shoulder and Down My Arm.The Same Side I Had The Radiation.I did Not Have This Befor I Started Radiation And it Started in The Middle of My Treatments.IHave Told Dr About my Symtoms and He says that has Nothing to do with the Radiation and Would Do A Cat Scan or An Xray.But that is all He can Do.Who Should I Go See About My Troubles Or Does Someone Know What I Should Do.PLEASE HELP

  • onelazyb
    onelazyb Member Posts: 2
    #6
    RIBP

    Is There A Test THAT IS DONE TO SEE IF YOU HAVE THIS.....HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED

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