Intense Pain in the Breast Area
I'm reaching out for help in understanding the cause of a troubling pain I've been experiencing. For several months now, I've been dealing with a sharp, stabbing sensation located at the lower right side of my left breast. Most of the time, I feel a dull prickling in that area, but occasionally, it escalates to a severe pain that feels as if a large needle is being thrust into my flesh. During these episodes, I find it necessary to stop whatever I'm doing and bend over until the discomfort subsides, as any movement or lifting of my arms tends to intensify the pain. I can't help but wonder if this could be related to nerve damage or perhaps the result of my open-heart surgery back in 2016, especially since the incision was made right beneath my breasts. This pain developed in an area that has otherwise remained numb since the operation, except for these recent, stabbing episodes. I consulted with a physician and underwent an ultrasound, which revealed the presence of a lump. Fortunately, the doctor reassured me that it likely appears benign, although they have scheduled a follow-up in six months for further assessment. I plan to arrange another appointment soon to investigate this matter further, but I would greatly appreciate any insights or experiences from those who might have dealt with similar symptoms. Thank you very much for your help!
Answers (1)
7/27/2025, 6:11:00 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about the sharp and prickling breast pain you've described, especially given your medical history. This type of pain can stem from several sources, including nerve irritation, muscle tension, or even scar tissue from your previous surgery, especially since you mentioned the numbness in that area.
Explanation
After heart surgery, some individuals may experience nerve-related pain or changes in sensation due to the incision and healing process, which can sometimes lead to sensations like what you're describing. The ultrasound finding of a lump, which your physician believes is likely benign, adds another layer of consideration but isn't typically associated with sharp pain.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of when the pain occurs, its intensity, and any specific activities that trigger it. This will provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.
-
Pain Management: Consider using over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed, ensuring you're following the dosage instructions. Ice packs may also help during painful episodes.
-
Limit Strain: Avoid movements that exacerbate the pain until you have a clearer understanding of the cause. Gentle stretching or relaxation techniques may help alleviate discomfort.
-
Follow-Up Appointment: It's crucial to keep your upcoming follow-up appointment. You can discuss the pattern of your symptoms and any new developments, including the lump and pain. Ask your doctor about possible causes based on your history and the ultrasound results.
-
Physical Therapy: If the pain persists or becomes more bothersome, you might want to inquire about physical therapy. This could help address any muscle tension or nerve-related issues.
Remember, it’s normal to feel anxious about your symptoms, but you're actively seeking solutions, which is positive. If you find the pain worsening or experience new symptoms (like swelling, redness, or significant changes), it's important to reach out to your healthcare provider sooner. Take care, and I'm here if you have more questions or need further support!
Related Questions
Rash on the Dorsal Side of My Hands
A 24-year-old male, standing 5'3" and weighing 125 pounds, is not currently taking any medications. While I do not smoke, I am often exposed to secondhand smoke from those around me, and I have recently spent time in an environment where a significant amount of unpleasant smoke is produced due to casting activities. For approximately three weeks, I have been experiencing a rash on the backs of both my hands. I initially became aware of it after working on my car's engine. The rash has led to dryness and itching, and I took a photo after my shower today, highlighting the redness that has become particularly noticeable. What are some effective treatments for this condition?
Understanding Foam in Urine: When is it a Concern?
Age 24, I've observed a notable increase in the amount of foam in my urine over the past couple of years, compared to what I remember from before. About a year ago, I mentioned this to my primary care physician, who seemed somewhat dismissive of my concerns. Nonetheless, they proceeded to conduct a urinalysis, which returned normal results, indicating no elevated protein levels. I frequently undergo blood tests, and both my eGFR and creatinine levels typically fall within the normal range, although I did experience some fluctuations linked to a bout of mononucleosis a couple of years back, where my eGFR dipped near 70; it currently remains above 100. I suspect that changes in my urological function, likely from aging, are contributing to a stronger urine stream now than in my youth. The foam generally settles down after a few minutes, although occasionally it lingers longer than expected. I make a concerted effort to stay hydrated, even though I don’t always succeed, so I wonder if mild dehydration could partially account for the foaming. This concern is particularly relevant as I'm resuming strength training and planning to increase my protein consumption. I want to ensure that my kidneys are not overtaxed due to any potential underlying issues. Additionally, I have a history of taking 5 grams of creatine daily, paired with plenty of water, which makes me cautious about this, too. Is there a point at which foaming in urine is considered excessive, or does a specific threshold exist that I should be aware of?
Understanding Symptoms of Salmonella: What to Do Next
My boyfriend, who is 26, experienced a fever that peaked at approximately 99.5°F yesterday morning. Thankfully, after resting and taking NyQuil, his fever subsided by this morning. However, he has been dealing with severe abdominal pain and persistent diarrhea since last evening, which has not shown much improvement. He has been making frequent trips to the restroom, nearly every hour throughout the night and again today. While I initially thought he might be improving since the fever has decreased, I became alarmed upon noticing bright red blood in his stool and on the toilet paper after he wipes. It has been around 40 hours since the fever began, and my concern has heightened now that blood has appeared. I’ve come across some online information suggesting these symptoms might be typical for salmonella infections, and I’m uncertain whether we should seek medical attention immediately or if it’s advisable to wait another day or two to see if his condition improves. I realize that consulting a doctor as soon as possible would be the best course of action. However, he currently lacks insurance, which makes him hesitant to get checked right away. Any guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated, thank you.
Navigating Alcohol Challenges
My partner has recently developed issues with alcohol. Over the past year, he has been consuming significant amounts—roughly two bottles of distilled spirits each week, in addition to beer. A decade ago, he struggled with inhalants and even faced near-fatal consequences, but he had maintained sobriety until he turned to drinking. He believes he has plenty of time before the effects of alcohol will manifest. How long can he continue this way before it becomes a serious problem? He is a 53-year-old male, weighing 325 pounds, standing at 5 feet 11 inches, and he is currently on medication for hypertension. Although we plan to separate later this year, it’s clear that this situation will have an impact on our three children.
Exploring MRI vs. CT Scans for Headache Evaluation
Greetings! My husband, aged 33, has been suffering from persistent headaches for the past couple of months. These headaches predominantly affect the right side of his head, specifically behind his eye, and tend to surface several times each week, particularly in the evenings. Relief is often found with extra-strength Tylenol, although there have been instances where the pain has persisted throughout the night and into the following day. The discomfort intensifies when he bends over or makes any sudden movements. In an effort to manage his symptoms, his doctor recommended magnesium supplements, which initially seemed to reduce the frequency of the headaches for a few weeks; unfortunately, the relief was only temporary as the headaches returned. He underwent blood tests, revealing that all results were normal apart from a minor elevation in his white blood cell count, which the physician indicated could potentially relate to a bacterial infection. My husband experienced a mild cold during this time, yet the doctor reassured us that these two issues were unrelated. Although he takes a multivitamin designed for men, he has maintained that routine long before these headaches began. For additional context, he sustained a moderate traumatic brain injury in his early twenties, which resulted in a blackout and a loss of about two weeks of memory. Fortunately, he has been doing well since that incident. With the resurgence of his headaches, his doctor has recommended a CT scan. However, I’m curious if opting for an MRI might be a more suitable choice. He has undergone approximately five CT scans in total due to his previous TBI and a back injury. I recall my doctor expressing concern over frequent CT scans at a young age, which has led me to seek guidance. My main inquiry is: would an MRI provide sufficient imaging quality to help determine the underlying cause of his headaches?