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Hi - I had a mastectomy with lymph node removal in February of 2019. I did not have reconstruction. It took awhile until I got a pretty good range of motion back but eventually I did. I had intermittent pain/tightness off & on through out the following years. In Feb of 2021, recurrence same side on chest wall. Off & on tightness. Got especially tight during chemo treatments but would eventually subside. Taking a break from treatment, it’s been 5 months. Now, tightness is back. It’s pretty… read more
Read the following- and see if this describes what you are dealing with, if so, maybe you can get an Rx for some PT, massage therapy, etc. Hugs!
from:
https://www.nurturemassagetherapyandwellness.co...
Iron Bra Syndrome
Iron Bra Syndrome is a fairly rare phenomenon, but occurs more frequently in mastectomy patients who have had reconstructive surgery with implants. The post mastectomy pain of Iron bra syndrome is a feeling of extreme tightness across the across the ribs and chest. It is often described as feeling like an incredibly tight underwire bra pushing in on the ribs - thus the colloquial Iron Bra name. Pain, spasms, tightness, throbbing, burning sensations, and restricted movement can contribute to a feeling of difficulty breathing and trouble participating in normal activities like walking up a flight of stairs. Iron Bra Syndrome is most likely Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome (PMPS) which is chronic neuropathic pain after a lumpectomy or mastectomy. It is thought to be a result of damaged nerves in the armpit or chest during surgery. Massage and soft tissue mobilization can help with pain control and restore function.
I’ve done some research and am looking at cryablation. Basically this freezes the nerve which goes around your chest and when it regenerates it’s a healthy nerve, not damaged which I believe causes the iron bra syndrome. I’ve found a hospital near me (UCLH London) who are interested in doing it. I’ll keep you informed!
@A MyBCTeam Member - thank you very much! I didn’t have reconstruction surgery but what is described in Iron Bra Syndrome seems close to what I’m dealing with. It’s so uncomfortable. I tried Tylenol with Motrin but that didn’t help. I am also getting full spectrum CBD gummies. I’m desperate for relief. I just don’t want to go back to the doctor’s when I’m going on the 27th. One day, one moment at a time ….
Mine started after my double mastectomy in February 2018. I still get painful tightness. My doctors have done scans and everything seems normal. It terrifies me though.
@A MyBCTeam Member this is definitely what I have! I use massage oil and I ice my chest every night. It seems to help.
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