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Anyone have costochondritis or breast pain in general with lupus??

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Posted 12/6/2017 10:39 PM (GMT 0)
Just wanted to see if anyone else has dealt with this type of pain. I had a mammogram and ultrasound done of my breasts about a month ago. That evening following the mammogram, I started having a feeling like I was sunburnt on the top of my breast/ chest area on the right side only. That lasted for about three weeks but the last week I've had pain in my right shoulder, arm, and neck and mostly on my breast, chest, and sternum. It's also tender to touch and feels achy at times. Not sure what this is all about but I've been to several doctors and none of them can tell me what is causing it. I go to the rheumatologist tomorrow so I'm hoping for some answers but I wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this.
Posted 12/6/2017 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, that's interesting. I have never heard of a sunburn kind of pain after a mammogram or an ultrasound - could you have had some sort of skin reaction to the lubricant used with the ultrasound? Since our skin gets so sensitive to sunlight and heat perhaps it's the heat of the ultrasound that is bothering it?

We've had members with costochondritis but they aren't around anymore. This is a common issue with Lupus affecting the connective cartilage holding the ribs to the chest wall and sternum. It might show up in bloodwork as an increase in the blood markers for inflammation. I thought it was mostly in the front of the chest at the sternum, but I know a member who could hardly breath as it caused pain in her entire upper body.

It doesn't seem like costochondritis would cause pain in shoulder, arm & neck since the connective cartilage doesn't extend that far, but who knows?

I hope the rheumy can shed some light on this and give you an appropriate treatment. Let us know what you find out, okay?
Posted 12/7/2017 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
I've never had a reaction to the lubrication before but I suppose that is a possibility. I'm not sure what the cause of the sunburn feeling is. I actually went to the doctor thinking it was possibly the start of shingles but after a month I don't have a rash, only a few itchy spots that come and go. My primary care doctor told me she would put me on the anti viral for shingles, but it's so hard on your kidneys that she would leave it up to me whether I wanted to chance it or not. I chose not to take it because I wasn't sure if it was shingles because I've never had them before to really know. It's just frustrating that no one knows what it is.

Thank you, Lynnwood for your insight and I'll definitely let you know what the rheumy says tomorrow. 🙂
Posted 12/7/2017 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I went to my rheumy today and he diagnosed costochondritis and said the tingly feeling was a part of it. The arm and shoulder are caused from inflammation above my collarbone from I guess carrying a diaper bag and my kids. So I do feel better knowing that's what it is instead of guessing that's what I have.
Posted 12/8/2017 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
And I assume he gave you Prednisone or something to knock down the costochondritis and the inflammation?

Always great to have a diagnosis, even better if it can be treated!
Posted 12/8/2017 4:53 AM (GMT 0)
You are so right, Lynwood! Prednisone for the win! 😊 Hoping it helps the pain and discomfort very soon!
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