Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyBCTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I think someone asked this question before but do the zingers continue months after surgery?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Mesa, AZ

I had my left breast mastectomy in June 2025 and the right side done on Jan 2026 and just recently I've had the zingers. More so on the left side, Pretty bad shockers too 😬

September 26
 · 
Reactions
A MyBCTeam Member

Yes! The good news is that over time, they become less intense and happen less often, until they are more startling than painful! Then one day you realize you haven't had one in ages! Hang in there! Hugs!

September 26
MyBCTeam

Yes, those "zingers" — sharp, shooting nerve pains — can absolutely continue months after surgery. You're not imagining it, and you're definitely not alone in experiencing them!

These sensations are related to nerve healing and are associated with something called post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS). It can cause:

- Shooting Show Full Answer

Yes, those "zingers" — sharp, shooting nerve pains — can absolutely continue months after surgery. You're not imagining it, and you're definitely not alone in experiencing them!

These sensations are related to nerve healing and are associated with something called post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS). It can cause:

- Shooting or stabbing pain
- Tingling or numbness
- Itching that won't quit
- A tight, restricted feeling (sometimes called "iron bra syndrome") Since your left mastectomy was done earlier, the nerves on that side have had more time to "wake up" and regenerate — which is often when the zingers get more intense. It can feel worse before it gets better, but many people do find relief over time.

That said, since your pain sounds pretty significant 😬, it's worth mentioning it to your care team. There are treatment options available for ongoing nerve pain, and you don't have to just tough it out!

September 26
A MyBCTeam Member

I'm 9 years our from my double mastectomy and I still get them, but not as often as I did the first couple years after initial surgery.

September 28
A MyBCTeam Member

Thank you Jo ☺️
I was kind of startled. I'm 15 most post surgery on the left side and haven't felt anything since my surgery. I got the zingers 3 times yesterday. I'm a little sore this morning from clenching when they happened. The beauty and surprise of Cancer recovery I guess lol Just when you think it's all good BAM here's your reminder 😂
Have a beautiful Sunday 🥰😁

September 27

Related Questions

View All
Double Mastectomy: What To Expect Before, During, and After Surgery
No Caffeine Before Mammogram: Why Doctors May Recommend This
Swimming After Mastectomy or Lumpectomy: 6 Tips and 4 Benefits