Rib cramps

Oh gosh, you had it all, didn't you! I'm sorry to hear about all you've been through! I had pain underneath my ribs on the surgery side too, though I don't know if it's the same thing because I'm not sure I would describe mine as cramping. I had previously developed painful cording in my arm going from my armpit all the way down to my wrist (the result of lymph node removal) and had had a lot of physical therapy to resolve it, so when the pain started underneath my ribs I felt around and discovered what felt like more cording there. Because it was easy to reach and because I knew how my PT had manipulated the other cords, I just took care of it myself and felt better after maybe a week or two. Do you feel anything ropy if you dig around? I don't know if this information will help you but if not, maybe it will help someone else. 

@janedoe7  thanks no roping it's like the tissue between my ribs, the first time it happened was when I was going through chemo

Now it happens with certain activities I do hair and I must get into a certain position and it spasms usually goes away with deep breathing and stretching but sometimes it takes a while 

Oh my Gals!  I've had rib pain, but I think is different than yours.  in 1992 With 1st surgery round I had 39 lymph nodes removed and 36 hours of iridum implants, then followed with 28 external rad treatments. Then in 1998 with another brca dx, had bilateral mastectomy with a TRAM Flap.   About 10 years ago I started experiences rib pain on right side where those treatments were done.  No one seems interested in it.  Didn't even want to do an xray to really check it.  Mine started right next to sternum.  Over the years it has extended along that rib as far as the area on the side. It hasn't developed far enough to really bother me if I am up and doing things.  I don't like taking drugs unless necessary.  Usually when I lay down at night is when it is a problem.  I take a tylenol and rub BenGay along that rib.  It allows me to sleep and typically can do so all through my typical short nights of sleep.  I also think maybe the weather/barometric pressure comes into play as well, which tends to follow arthritis as the culprit.  Check with your doctor to see if there's another way to deal with whatever the source is for you.  I was supposed to be dead 33 years ago, so I've been surprised I haven't had more other problems from all the surgery/treatments I've had.  You might also consider seeing chiropractor who can help you loosen the scar tissue that may be pulling on some ribs that may be involved with this.  I have one I see occasionally because the medical doctors don't tend to want to treat things that aren't a tumor or a broken bone.  LOL  If you want to talk more about, call me... 913-206-4518!   JULIA

I should have mentioned the chiropractor I use does other things in conjunction with chiropractic movements.  He developed a great strengthen program for me to do at home as I do live a little out of the city.  He understands lots and loves to work with you to develop what all will help you the most.  And...doesn't charge an arm and a leg to do it. 

1. @buttercup wow that's a lot of lymph nodes. Yes triple negative June 2022, stage 3. Diep flap reconstruction November 2023. Makes sense the weather's been extreme and my chiropractor quit sooo

Dr Jim Heatherman... 913-787-1844   He's a good guy we met thru our son, Matt, who rates Jim as a brother... and they are very close friends.  Jim/wife have a young son with a medical problem.  So they understand navigating the medical system and the trend of drs just wanting to prescribe rx instead of getting to resolve or improve a problem.  Dr Jim takes the time to listen and ask questions to get a better picture of what to try, use, and/or do. He tailors treatment/recommendations to what YOU need and not the $.   And yes, I do think the weather/pressure changes have some effects on my health.  All along the way my drs have been amazed at how little drugs I need to treat a problem and how fast I heal.  I think part is genetics, but I also am very active.  Was raised on a farm and still love being outside working on our garden/flowerbeds, trimming/cutting trees & shrubs, mowing lawn, etc.  Long ago I heard the phrase... Use it or lose it.  As we age, that is even more true.  The drs are also surprised as 3Neg and genetic inheritance of the brca gene that I am still here.  I love connecting with other 3Neg gals, too!  We are tough birds!  🙂  Let me know how it goes.  I love to be support of anyone.  913-206-4518.  🙂

@buttercup

Thank you that is so true! I have also had good luck with healing. Except for a seroma after reconstruction. I can't take ibuprofen at all anymore and I worry about how much Tylenol I've had to take. Then of course thyroid and menopause symptoms after treatment. I like to be active and not hobble around but it is rough!

I had a seroma too! Crazy pain! I had it drained but it filled back up within 24-48 hours. I got another 60cc's taken out of it and the rest absorbed over time. I was worried about developing lymphedema because cording and seromas both raise your risk, but so far so good!

@janedoe7 That's great that you didn't get lymphedema, mine isn't bad but it's annoying and I always worry it will get worse. I do have a pump and I use it. My seroma was in my abdominal incision I had to go back under and have it drained but then it was gone. Just set me back with my recovery. My scar was just a little worse in that section

@screaminmimi, What is this pump you speak of? 

@janedoe7 it's a tactile lymphedema pump it's a suit with all these tubes that hooks to a pump device and it kind of massages/ squeezes you

Just googled that! Thanks for the info. Glad you’re on here.