Neuropathy in the breast? Shingles?

[LittleMischief]

Okay, my breast sonogram was moved up to today (somebody cancelled?) so I did some shifting in my testing schedules and went for it.

Of course, it was negative.

I'm wondering if I could have shingles?

Or is it possible to have neuropathy of the breast? One breast?

My issue is: right breast, 1.5-2 months, burning, tingling, extreme sensitivity to fabric (clothing, bed sheets), and occasional sharp shooting pains. A sense of swelling or perhaps inflammation? There is no blistering or other mark. No discharge.

On Sat night the pain was intolerable, I took 3 Advil, two Darvocet (4 hours apart) and applied a Lidoderm patch directly to my breast (I googled to determine if the Lidoderm was a bad idea, but got no hits so just ... went with it). About 3 AM, exhausted, I finally fell asleep.

I googled and found that it is possible to have shingles without blistering and to have blistering without shingles pain.

Without the fluid from the blisters, I don't know how such a dx can be made?

Is it possible to have neuropathy in the breast? Has anyone ever heard of this or experienced it?

I was told simply that: breast pain is very common, follow-up with your GYN.

Any thoughts or comments appreciated, including if you need to laugh at me for even thinking either of these 2 diagnoses are possible, I can take it. ;)

But ... I'm on my own here with a clear sonogram and a "you'll just have to learn to live with it" comment.

Best, Dottye

[Jo*mar]

Hi dottye
It almost sounds a bit like RSD to me ??{also called CRPS}
but I could be wrong too. just sounds like what I've heard it described as.
You might look at the RSD forum
http://forums.braintalk2.org/forumdisplay.php?f=21

[Aussie99]

Well I have had on and off breast pain for the last 10 years or so, very much like what you describe. I beleive it is very common and benign. Sometimes I am unable to wear certain fabrics at all, as not aggravate things more.

But it always seems to resolve on it's own.

[LittleMischief]

Hi dottye
It almost sounds a bit like RSD to me ??{also called CRPS}
but I could be wrong too. just sounds like what I've heard it described as.
You might look at the RSD forum
http://forums.braintalk2.org/forumdisplay.php?f=21

Thanks, I took a look at that and at the stickies/links -- although the sxs are similar, it seems to me that those diagnoses relate to extremities and also follow injury or trauma (surgery, for example).

No injury or trauma here and this seems restricted to the trunk/breast area.

I'll keep googling around.

Thanks for responding.

Best, Dottye

[LittleMischief]

Well I have had on and off breast pain for the last 10 years or so, very much like what you describe. I beleive it is very common and benign. Sometimes I am unable to wear certain fabrics at all, as not aggravate things more.

But it always seems to resolve on it's own.

When I googled "breast pain" the other day I came up with "Noncyclic mastalgia."

But what I'm experiencing is very specific (to me) in terms of symptoms and feels a lot like the PN in my feet, or the sort of prodromal sensations that one might have with a fever sore (Herpes Simplex I). Sans the blisters, of course.

Common and benign it may be but ... 10 years?

I am not going to be happy with a prognosis like that! :eek:

This is really interfering with my activities of daily living (typing, reaching for things in the cabinet, walking down the street comfortably), not to mention interfering with my *night life.* Touch is not an option!

I'm going to be looking for some kind of answer for this, and I'm going to be really unhappy if I end up with the "learn to live with it" comment I got from the radiologist earlier today. :(

Best, Dottye

[LizaJane]

Have you seen your neurologist or internist? What do they say?

[LittleMischief]

Have you seen your neurologist or internist? What do they say?

I've only met the neuro once, and I'm supposed to see him after all testing is done. I'm not there yet, lots of stuff to schedule/have done.

I sent my PCP a fax yesterday, letting him know I've seen the GYN, was going for the sonagram yesterday.

I called this AM to make sure he'd gotten the fax, let him know the sonagram was fine -- and his secy said he's "written me a note" and it had gone out in the mail (snail mail????) yesterday.

Note not received today.

So ... I'm waiting to hear what he suggests the course of action should be. He likes to be the point guy.

[mrsD]

Instead of applying the Lidoderms to the breast itself, apply them
over that side of the back from the spine. Shingles pain radiates from the ganglia along the spinal column and I think Lidoderms work best
not at the point where pain is perceived, but blocking the nerves as they
enter the spinal cord.
Sensory innervation of the breast is dermatomal in nature. It is mainly derived from the anterolateral and anteromedial branches of thoracic intercostal nerves T3-T5. Supraclavicular nerves from the lower fibers of the cervical plexus also provide innervation to the upper and lateral portions of the breast. Researchers believe sensation to the nipple derives from the lateral cutaneous branch of T4.
from http://www.emedicine.com/plastic/topic113.htm

This would be about the area between the shoulder blade and the spine on that side. Try putting your patch there.

I have never had success with Lidoderms placed over the perceived pain area, but always have success with interrupting the nerve anatomically.
I wish doctors understood this concept as well.:rolleyes:

[LittleMischief]

... I have never had success with Lidoderms placed over the perceived pain area, but always have success with interrupting the nerve anatomically....

Thanks, Mrs. D, this is a very helpful tip.

I was actually trying to place it above the part of the breast area that hurt, specifically to interrupt the nerve conduction -- but it never occurred to me to try it on the back.

When I had sciatica, I learned from you and other folks on the board where to place the Lidoderm pads -- again, not at the site of the pain but above, and that certainly worked for me.

BTW my PCP has referred me back to my GYN, and says "it cannot be shingles because you don't have a rash." Well, google tells me otherwise. :sigh:

And all the docs keep telling me it's not cancer!

I never once said I thought it was cancer, I wasn't even concerned about cancer, the word cancer never crossed my lips -- I just wanted to nail down the problem (shingles, infection, milk ducts, whatever) and fix it.

I guess because October is breast cancer awareness month everybody thought I was freaking out, but this pain started in late July or August so I was not influenced by print ads. :sigh: They forget that it often takes me several months to show up at the doc's office with a symptom.

I like the 80/20 principle -- 80% of most things will go away if ignored. :rolleyes:

Anyway, back to the point, thanks so much for the tip, I will try it tonight. :)

[izzy]

I also experience breast pain.Mainly tenderness.
It used to only happen a week before my period.Then it became constant.
I did have a rash under my right breast on and off.The family dr said it was a yeast infection.
A pain specialist Dr I see thought it was shingles.There were no blisters.
My breasts are still very sensitive...I can't tolerate to wear a bra.Only soft clothing that is loose.
I have had a mamogram which was normal.The past few yrs I also have had pain,tenderness under my right breast and ribcage.A tightness that is sharp at times when I bend.I was told this was costochondritis.Yet it never has gone away. izzy

[LittleMischief]

I also experience breast pain.Mainly tenderness.
It used to only happen a week before my period.Then it became constant.
I did have a rash under my right breast on and off.The family dr said it was a yeast infection.
A pain specialist Dr I see thought it was shingles.There were no blisters.
My breasts are still very sensitive...I can't tolerate to wear a bra.Only soft clothing that is loose.
I have had a mamogram which was normal.The past few yrs I also have had pain,tenderness under my right breast and ribcage.A tightness that is sharp at times when I bend.I was told this was costochondritis.Yet it never has gone away. izzy

Hi, izzy, I'm sorry that you're experiencing pain too.

I had costochondritis many years ago and for me it was restricted to a specific spot, sort of mid sternum and didn't involve the breast. I recall going to my GYN at the time and getting that diagnosis.

I'm 3 years post menopausal so it's not related to my cycle. My mammogram in June 06 (and all prior mammograms) was normal.

I suppose this could be referred pain that I'm having, but it just so much feels like the prodromal period before a fever sore ... that tingling, burning, itching sensation. And when I google shingles, the sxs are right on. And of course I did read that you can have it without a rash.

So ... I have a follow-up appointment with my GYN in about 4 weeks. If it gets worse (or better) in that time period I'll call him, and either see him or his associate. Or I could call my very new neuro (who is an immunologist/rheumatologist as well) and see what he makes of it.

The last few days it has not been too bad, persistent and annoying but nothing like it was on Saturday night and on some prior days since it started.

[beth]

There are nerves throughout your body, and the upper chest is where many, many are concentrated. They lead every which way, to the arms, the ribs, the shoulder blades and to the breasts. Anywhere you have a nerve it is possible to have neuropathy, a disease of the nerve, or neuritis, an inflammation of the nerve.

I have permanent damage to the brachial cutaneous nerve, which branches off of the brachial plexus, below the collarbone near the armpit. This nerve then splits again. One branch runs under the armpit, to the back of the elbow (I believe it joins up again with the ulnar nerve - not positive). Another branch runs along the side of the rib cage, and between the first and second rib. And the third branching leads directly into the middle of the breast. If these are tender you can trace them with your fingers

Insult or injury to this nerve can cause burning pain at the elbow (like you just hit your funny bone HARD), pain and tenderness at the underarm and down the side of the ribcage, sharp pain between the first and second rib(costochondritis) and painful, sensitive breasts. If I wear a bra, it irritates this nerve, and after a couple of hours, maybe less, it has caused attacks of faux angina, with sharp chest pains, breathlessness, cold sweats, nausea and light-headedness.

My heart has been checked out thoroughly on several occasions over the last 3 years, so I don't worry about that, but these attacks are not pleasant. I've given up bras completely except for "absolutely must" events. If I'm stressed, the nerve gets so flared that just the pressure of my arm at my side can trigger an attack, and I've had some when I've been trying to sleep. It's scary to go from relaxed to fighting to breathe so suddenly. :eek: I also have many clothes I can't stand to wear, my arms are very sensitive as well due to the RSD.

There are lots of other nerves in the breast as it is one of our most sensitive body parts. It does sound similar to RSD but I sincerely hope it isn't, and like you say, there has been no trauma.

I hope you find your answer soon. If it doesn't go away, Lyrica is a med that does work well for these types of pain, and you might ask about a compounded cream or ointment with Lidocaine and/or Ketamine . These actually work much better than oral meds as they are absorbed directly into the skin where the pain is located.

As for the Dr who said "Learn to live with it", he should lose his license to practice medicine or be struck with an equally painful condition! Wish they would bring back the stocks - a sentence of at least 3 days for saying stupid, insensitive things to patients sounds right, and would let us all vent our disgust- I'll supply the rotten tomatoes :D

beth

[SoCal56]

Okay, my breast sonogram was moved up to today (somebody cancelled?) so I did some shifting in my testing schedules and went for it.

Of course, it was negative.

I'm wondering if I could have shingles?

Or is it possible to have neuropathy of the breast? One breast?

My issue is: right breast, 1.5-2 months, burning, tingling, extreme sensitivity to fabric (clothing, bed sheets), and occasional sharp shooting pains. A sense of swelling or perhaps inflammation? There is no blistering or other mark. No discharge.

On Sat night the pain was intolerable, I took 3 Advil, two Darvocet (4 hours apart) and applied a Lidoderm patch directly to my breast (I googled to determine if the Lidoderm was a bad idea, but got no hits so just ... went with it). About 3 AM, exhausted, I finally fell asleep.

I googled and found that it is possible to have shingles without blistering and to have blistering without shingles pain.

Without the fluid from the blisters, I don't know how such a dx can be made?

Is it possible to have neuropathy in the breast? Has anyone ever heard of this or experienced it?

I was told simply that: breast pain is very common, follow-up with your GYN.

Any thoughts or comments appreciated, including if you need to laugh at me for even thinking either of these 2 diagnoses are possible, I can take it. ;)

But ... I'm on my own here with a clear sonogram and a "you'll just have to learn to live with it" comment.

Best, Dottye

I have very tender breasts. I was having shooting pains through them but my GYN said to stop caffeine intake. It really helped on that part. But they are too tender to touch. No one seems to want to talk to me about it. I believe it hurts on my back too. I am diabetic and asked if my breast could have neuropathy and the doctor actually laughed. She also said pain is not associated with breast cancer and my mammogram is always normal. I have a very hard time finding a bra that doesn't hurt. Any suggestions?

[Jo*mar]

Hi SoCal,

You might also want post your question In the Women's Health forum
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum41.html
or the General Health
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum2.html
- to get more replies.

You can also make a hello /intro post in the New Members forum if you would like
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum88.html

[hannahbiffel]

I have to admit, that your post has been the only one that I've read that exactly described what I am going through right now. The only reason that I have not gone to the doctor is for the fact that I don't have health insurance at the moment because I'm self-employed. Yet, up to this point, I haven't found any answers as to why I'm feeling such annoying sensations in my left breast. I have no "severe" pain and I have no lumps or inflammation whatsoever so I know that it's not cancer. So far its been nothing short of being down right ANNOYING!!! I don't know how old this post is, but if you've been diagnosed yet or whatever, please let me know your progress. I'm definitely interested in hearing what your doctor is saying! Thank you!!

Hannah Biffel
Fort Worth, TX
*******************************************
Okay, my breast sonogram was moved up to today (somebody cancelled?) so I did some shifting in my testing schedules and went for it.

Of course, it was negative.

I'm wondering if I could have shingles?

Or is it possible to have neuropathy of the breast? One breast?

My issue is: right breast, 1.5-2 months, burning, tingling, extreme sensitivity to fabric (clothing, bed sheets), and occasional sharp shooting pains. A sense of swelling or perhaps inflammation? There is no blistering or other mark. No discharge.

On Sat night the pain was intolerable, I took 3 Advil, two Darvocet (4 hours apart) and applied a Lidoderm patch directly to my breast (I googled to determine if the Lidoderm was a bad idea, but got no hits so just ... went with it). About 3 AM, exhausted, I finally fell asleep.

I googled and found that it is possible to have shingles without blistering and to have blistering without shingles pain.

Without the fluid from the blisters, I don't know how such a dx can be made?

Is it possible to have neuropathy in the breast? Has anyone ever heard of this or experienced it?

I was told simply that: breast pain is very common, follow-up with your GYN.

Any thoughts or comments appreciated, including if you need to laugh at me for even thinking either of these 2 diagnoses are possible, I can take it. ;)

But ... I'm on my own here with a clear sonogram and a "you'll just have to learn to live with it" comment.

Best, Dottye

[LittleMischief]

Hannah, that post does indeed go back two years, to 2006 -- I got an email today notifying me of your post and here I am.

I never got a definitive answer from any of my doctors. When I spoke to the MS neurologist, he said he was unsure but if it ever happened again to call immediately and he would put me on an anti-viral, probably Acyclovir (or whatever is newer by this time). The endocrinologist said he thought it likely was shingles, and he thought he saw the beginnings of a rash on my arm -- he sent me off to a dermatologist who said you could get shingles on your trunk, and that might include the breast.

So what did I do? I put up with it for a long time. During the day I wore the tightest sports bra that I could bear -- somehow binding the breast, while it didn't cure the problem seemed to give me some semblance of relief. At night I slept with one breast outside the sheets, like an Amazon, and sometimes just cried myself to sleep in exhaustion.

And one day, just the way it started, the pain went away without a trace of warning.

I still believe it was shingles without the the rash, and if I ever have that sensation again anywhere on my body I will rush to the doctor -- any doctor -- and insist on treatment.

I'm so sorry that you don't have the means to consult a physician. Are there any clinics associated with hospitals that you might go to for a free or very inexpensive examination?

I'd hate to think of someone going thru what I went thru -- not that I got any help from the physicians I went to, but now I would know what to push for! ;)

[hoibie@comcast.net]

Have you tried changing your laundry detergent. Often those detergents with "perfume" cause problems on your skin. Try a detergent without any added smell and do not use fabric softener.

[hannahbiffel]

Well, as far as having the means to go see someone, there is a clinic that I can go to that sees people without insurance and they're relatively inexpensive, it's just the tests they'd have to run through an outside source that would cost an arm and a leg without benefits. Basically, I just wanted to at least figure out if this was something that had a name and if it was life threatening or if it was something that I would have to live with for a while that would eventually pass. Ya know? At this point in my life, I'm quite certain that I have a hormone imbalance, so I actually attributed my symptoms to that. I mean, it does suck that here I am, 27 years old having to put up with all this weird stuff happening to my body that I can't really do anything about. I've never been a sickly person, so I've done fine up until now, but as we know, nothing stays the same. Oh well, this too shall pass. Again, I really do appreciate you getting back to me. Like I said, your post really made me feel so much better, knowing that someone out there went through the same thing I'm going through and turned out ok. At least now I know I'm not going to croak from this anytime soon, right? Ha Ha. :)

Hannah Biffel

************************************************** *
Hannah, that post does indeed go back two years, to 2006 -- I got an email today notifying me of your post and here I am.

I never got a definitive answer from any of my doctors. When I spoke to the MS neurologist, he said he was unsure but if it ever happened again to call immediately and he would put me on an anti-viral, probably Acyclovir (or whatever is newer by this time). The endocrinologist said he thought it likely was shingles, and he thought he saw the beginnings of a rash on my arm -- he sent me off to a dermatologist who said you could get shingles on your trunk, and that might include the breast.

So what did I do? I put up with it for a long time. During the day I wore the tightest sports bra that I could bear -- somehow binding the breast, while it didn't cure the problem seemed to give me some semblance of relief. At night I slept with one breast outside the sheets, like an Amazon, and sometimes just cried myself to sleep in exhaustion.

And one day, just the way it started, the pain went away without a trace of warning.

I still believe it was shingles without the the rash, and if I ever have that sensation again anywhere on my body I will rush to the doctor -- any doctor -- and insist on treatment.

I'm so sorry that you don't have the means to consult a physician. Are there any clinics associated with hospitals that you might go to for a free or very inexpensive examination?

I'd hate to think of someone going thru what I went thru -- not that I got any help from the physicians I went to, but now I would know what to push for! ;)

[LittleMischief]

Have you tried changing your laundry detergent. Often those detergents with "perfume" cause problems on your skin. Try a detergent without any added smell and do not use fabric softener.

We use -- have always used -- Tide Free. No perfumes, no fabric softeners, no drier sheets. Good suggestion, just doesn't apply to my situation.

As I mentioned, my pain just cleared up one day on its own. Same way it arrived. No explanation for cause or cessation. :Hum:

[LittleMischief]

Well, as far as having the means to go see someone, there is a clinic that I can go to that sees people without insurance and they're relatively inexpensive, it's just the tests they'd have to run through an outside source that would cost an arm and a leg without benefits.

Basically, I just wanted to at least figure out if this was something that had a name and if it was life threatening or if it was something that I would have to live with for a while that would eventually pass. Ya know? At this point in my life, I'm quite certain that I have a hormone imbalance, so I actually attributed my symptoms to that. I mean, it does suck that here I am, 27 years old having to put up with all this weird stuff happening to my body that I can't really do anything about. I've never been a sickly person, so I've done fine up until now, but as we know, nothing stays the same. Oh well, this too shall pass. Again, I really do appreciate you getting back to me. Like I said, your post really made me feel so much better, knowing that someone out there went through the same thing I'm going through and turned out ok. At least now I know I'm not going to croak from this anytime soon, right? Ha Ha. :)

Hannah Biffel

************************************************** *

You're welcome, I wish I could be of more help.

If you can see a doc at the clinic and they are able to diagnose shingles from your signs and symptoms, they would likely prescribe an anti-viral, perhaps a generic -- or they might have samples to give you?

Even though our symptoms may be similar, there's no way to know that we've experienced the same thing. And I would not like for you to assume that because nothing happened to me, apart from some particularly unpleasant months, that your situation is the same.

If you can get to a doc for some reassurance, that would certainly make me more comfortable -- a physical exam would be the place to start, and that should not be outrageously expensive at a clinic. In your case, this might be something easily diagnosed and actually "fixed" without a bunch of expensive tests.

I hope you'll check it out. And I hope they can do something for you, at minimal cost. Gentle http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/LittleMischief/emoticons/hug-1.gif

With luck, perhaps you'll find http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/LittleMischief/TH%20new%20emoticons/bandaid.jpg

[MelodyL]

I also experience breast pain.Mainly tenderness.
It used to only happen a week before my period.Then it became constant.
I did have a rash under my right breast on and off.The family dr said it was a yeast infection.
A pain specialist Dr I see thought it was shingles.There were no blisters.
My breasts are still very sensitive...I can't tolerate to wear a bra.Only soft clothing that is loose.
I have had a mamogram which was normal.The past few yrs I also have had pain,tenderness under my right breast and ribcage.A tightness that is sharp at times when I bend.I was told this was costochondritis.Yet it never has gone away. izzy

I give all of you credit that you can still go and have a mammogram (with the breast pain that you are enduring). I go for them, but I hate them. When they squish my breasts I want to kill them. I once went to a technician who used a foot pedal and when he brought those two glass things together (with my poor breast inside), I started hollering.

The next time I went to a differet person who used this wheel thing that she kept turning and she said "tell me when you can't stand it anymore'. Since THAT WAY, gave me control, I was able to stand it.

I now go (once a year), to the mammagramobile bus (that's what I call it), run by the Woman's Outreach program. Once a year, they go and park (this huge bus) on the corner. I just show up, and the inside is separated into compartments and there's a nurse who does a physical exam as well. They show you models of the breast and what the various lumps feel like and what they are. Very interesting.

They also treat women like women (maybe because it's all women in this Outreach Prgram). I like this way much better.

And they are very gentle

Mel

[amit]

Do you think it can be hormones problem, such prolactine estrogene or other? did you check this?

[pabb]

There are nerves throughout your body, and the upper chest is where many, many are concentrated. They lead every which way, to the arms, the ribs, the shoulder blades and to the breasts. Anywhere you have a nerve it is possible to have neuropathy, a disease of the nerve, or neuritis, an inflammation of the nerve.

I have permanent damage to the brachial cutaneous nerve, which branches off of the brachial plexus, below the collarbone near the armpit. This nerve then splits again. One branch runs under the armpit, to the back of the elbow (I believe it joins up again with the ulnar nerve - not positive). Another branch runs along the side of the rib cage, and between the first and second rib. And the third branching leads directly into the middle of the breast. If these are tender you can trace them with your fingers

Insult or injury to this nerve can cause burning pain at the elbow (like you just hit your funny bone HARD), pain and tenderness at the underarm and down the side of the ribcage, sharp pain between the first and second rib(costochondritis) and painful, sensitive breasts. If I wear a bra, it irritates this nerve, and after a couple of hours, maybe less, it has caused attacks of faux angina, with sharp chest pains, breathlessness, cold sweats, nausea and light-headedness.

My heart has been checked out thoroughly on several occasions over the last 3 years, so I don't worry about that, but these attacks are not pleasant. I've given up bras completely except for "absolutely must" events. If I'm stressed, the nerve gets so flared that just the pressure of my arm at my side can trigger an attack, and I've had some when I've been trying to sleep. It's scary to go from relaxed to fighting to breathe so suddenly. :eek: I also have many clothes I can't stand to wear, my arms are very sensitive as well due to the RSD.

There are lots of other nerves in the breast as it is one of our most sensitive body parts. It does sound similar to RSD but I sincerely hope it isn't, and like you say, there has been no trauma.

I hope you find your answer soon. If it doesn't go away, Lyrica is a med that does work well for these types of pain, and you might ask about a compounded cream or ointment with Lidocaine and/or Ketamine . These actually work much better than oral meds as they are absorbed directly into the skin where the pain is located.

As for the Dr who said "Learn to live with it", he should lose his license to practice medicine or be struck with an equally painful condition! Wish they would bring back the stocks - a sentence of at least 3 days for saying stupid, insensitive things to patients sounds right, and would let us all vent our disgust- I'll supply the rotten tomatoes :D

beth

beth, i have similar, but less severe issues....extending into the wrist....what was the mechanism of injury for your problem? and what testing did you need to determine the nerve involved? and was any treatment offered/suggested?
TIA

[Lulubelle]

I know that I am responding to quite an old thread but I hope that someone reads and responds.
I am experiencing many of the sypmtoms described by Little Mischief (with the possible exception of sensitivity to fabric.)
I have had a mammogram and seen a breast cancer surgeon twice in the last month who has said he can't detect signs of inflammatory breast cancer. He can't give an explanation for the tingling, prickly, sharp pains, dull ache, feeling of fullness etc in my right breast which I have been experiencing for quite a while now and just says that breast pains are a funny thing and come and go with no noticeable triggers. The discomfort (it's not really pain - just a really uncomfortable feeling) seems to move around the breast as well - one minute its at the top then the bottom, then about 2 inches above the breast!!!!!! (I am now starting to experience similar feelings in the left breast it's probably sympathy twinges!)
Whilst I am still concerned about the IBC thing I was wondering if anyone else on this forum had any definitive answers regarding possible breast shingles or some sort of neuropathy?
I am currently undergoing an intensive course of physiotherapy because the right side of my neck has been really painful and I have experienced pins and needles down the ourside of my right arm into the "pinky" finger. I am also expereincning a lot of discomfort in my right shoulder blade towards the bottom and across to my side.
I am extremely stressed due to work and financial commitments and the physio thinks that this could be playing a role in the problems I am experiencing.
I wonder if it's possible for pain from the neck region to be "referred" to the breast as well?
I trust someone will pick up this thread and answer.
P.S. I live in South Africa!

[Neuroproblems]

I know these are old posts, but there is one from May 10, so thought I would give this a shot. I am having pain in my right breast -- as a male -- so what can it be? X-ray showed nothing, ultra sound showed nothing, but it hurts and is getting more painful. My lowest rib, same side, is also very painful. Some thought given to the possibility of shingles w/o any breaking out, so apparently it is possible. To be on the safe side, since there is some swelling, doing a biopsy on 5/15/09. This is a miserable condition, and I do suffer from RSD (for nearly 4 years) on my left jaw/chin resulting from injury to the inferior alveolar nerve after removal of a molar with a cyst, but I think this is worse. Cannot imagine having a bra on top of it!!!!

If anyone else has any new ideas, would be pleased to hear them. All of it is very stressful and disconcerting.

Thanks much.





I'm wondering if I could have shingles?

Or is it possible to have neuropathy of the breast? One breast?

My issue is: right breast, 1.5-2 months, burning, tingling, extreme sensitivity to fabric (clothing, bed sheets), and occasional sharp shooting pains. A sense of swelling or perhaps inflammation? There is no blistering or other mark. No discharge.

On Sat night the pain was intolerable, I took 3 Advil, two Darvocet (4 hours apart) and applied a Lidoderm patch directly to my breast (I googled to determine if the Lidoderm was a bad idea, but got no hits so just ... went with it). About 3 AM, exhausted, I finally fell asleep.

I googled and found that it is possible to have shingles without blistering and to have blistering without shingles pain.

Without the fluid from the blisters, I don't know how such a dx can be made?

Is it possible to have neuropathy in the breast? Has anyone ever heard of this or experienced it?

I was told simply that: breast pain is very common, follow-up with your GYN.

Any thoughts or comments appreciated, including if you need to laugh at me for even thinking either of these 2 diagnoses are possible, I can take it. ;)

But ... I'm on my own here with a clear sonogram and a "you'll just have to learn to live with it" comment.

Best, Dottye[/QUOTE]

[pabb]

I know that I am responding to quite an old thread but I hope that someone reads and responds.
I am experiencing many of the sypmtoms described by Little Mischief (with the possible exception of sensitivity to fabric.)
I have had a mammogram and seen a breast cancer surgeon twice in the last month who has said he can't detect signs of inflammatory breast cancer. He can't give an explanation for the tingling, prickly, sharp pains, dull ache, feeling of fullness etc in my right breast which I have been experiencing for quite a while now and just says that breast pains are a funny thing and come and go with no noticeable triggers. The discomfort (it's not really pain - just a really uncomfortable feeling) seems to move around the breast as well - one minute its at the top then the bottom, then about 2 inches above the breast!!!!!! (I am now starting to experience similar feelings in the left breast it's probably sympathy twinges!)
Whilst I am still concerned about the IBC thing I was wondering if anyone else on this forum had any definitive answers regarding possible breast shingles or some sort of neuropathy?
I am currently undergoing an intensive course of physiotherapy because the right side of my neck has been really painful and I have experienced pins and needles down the ourside of my right arm into the "pinky" finger. I am also expereincning a lot of discomfort in my right shoulder blade towards the bottom and across to my side.
I am extremely stressed due to work and financial commitments and the physio thinks that this could be playing a role in the problems I am experiencing.
I wonder if it's possible for pain from the neck region to be "referred" to the breast as well?
I trust someone will pick up this thread and answer.
P.S. I live in South Africa!
http://www.apparelyzed.com/dermatome.html
this isnt the best dermatome i have seen, but it is the best i can find at the moment......you will see that the area in question is supplied by the upper thoracic nerves....see if your physio can check that out for you, i would also think about trigger points....and stress, of course can play a part......yoga, pilates, at what ever level you can do may prove helpful as well.

[amygdala]

I unknowingly had 5 or so outbreaks on the same little USA nickle-sized spot on my upper inner right arm. Now I have Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN), which is pain from nerves damaged by the Shingles virus, even when the outbreak is healed. The T1, C5-C8 nerves are inflamed as a result. That means my upper arm area (especially bicep), under arm, shoulder, and right Brachial Plexus (includes area above/on top of breast) can be very painful.

This unfortunately means the top part of my right breast also hurts!

The damaged nerves extend to my right hand, so using my right hand can trigger the pain and of course, I am right-handed!

I tried gabapentin/Neurontin, Lyrica, and Flexeril for pain but had too many side effects. These drugs do work for many. When my arm really hurts I apply a Lidoderm patch or use an electrical pulse TENs unit to relieve the pain.

For the shoulder, Brachial Plexus, under arm area, I have used ice packs and warm baths. I have also used opioids and am going to try Tramadol, but basically there is no Western Medicine "cure." Nerve pain caused by Shingles can last for years or even for the rest of your life.

On the advice of my neurologist, I have just started Acupuncture. How often does a Western Medicine specialist tell you to try Eastern medicine??? I'm keeping my fingers crossed. ;-)

The biggest concern I have now, besides having pain that is not necessarily "curable" is how am I going to stand having a mammogram? I have been trying to find out alternatives with no response yet from the medical community. I have a high risk condition, so I guess I may just need really drug up and have a friend take me to mammogram torture chamber ;-)

[neil sjoberg]

I unknowingly had 5 or so outbreaks on the same little USA nickle-sized spot on my upper inner right arm. Now I have Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN), which is pain from nerves damaged by the Shingles virus, even when the outbreak is healed. The T1, C5-C8 nerves are inflamed as a result. That means my upper arm area (especially bicep), under arm, shoulder, and right Brachial Plexus (includes area above/on top of breast) can be very painful.

This unfortunately means the top part of my right breast also hurts!

The damaged nerves extend to my right hand, so using my right hand can trigger the pain and of course, I am right-handed!

I tried gabapentin/Neurontin, Lyrica, and Flexeril for pain but had too many side effects. These drugs do work for many. When my arm really hurts I apply a Lidoderm patch or use an electrical pulse TENs unit to relieve the pain.

For the shoulder, Brachial Plexus, under arm area, I have used ice packs and warm baths. I have also used opioids and am going to try Tramadol, but basically there is no Western Medicine "cure." Nerve pain caused by Shingles can last for years or even for the rest of your life.

On the advice of my neurologist, I have just started Acupuncture. How often does a Western Medicine specialist tell you to try Eastern medicine??? I'm keeping my fingers crossed. ;-)

The biggest concern I have now, besides having pain that is not necessarily "curable" is how am I going to stand having a mammogram? I have been trying to find out alternatives with no response yet from the medical community. I have a high risk condition, so I guess I may just need really drug up and have a friend take me to mammogram torture chamber ;-)

I have suffered from this condition twice. Both times it lasted several months. Ibrufen gave some relief. Warmth and rest (Sunshione?) gave the most relief. Sadly I have to work so complete rest was not possible. Some muscle wastage occured which has recovered but final relief came from one single Lyrica tablet -[ maybe I was lucky but relief came and I slept for 10 hours (first time in months) and awoke to be mcuh better-pain subsidied over the next week and hasnt returned. Brachail Neuritits is without doubt the mosty thing I have experienced and many consultants wrongly diagnosed for conditions that required exercise or manipulation-both of which making it much worse. Sleeprest and warmth with large doses ibruprofen the only things that worked Neil Sjoberg Essex UK