This might be a bit of a strange one, but have you experienced twinges in the breast on pred? I get these quite sharp twinges every now and again and I wondered if it might be the pred? A very quick google suggests it might be.
I mentioned it to the radiographer last week when I had a routine mammogram and I received a letter from the hospital this morning with an appointment for next week. I am hoping that the mammogram was fine and it is just the concerns I raised to the radiographer that they are checking out. My work background tells me that the vast majority of scares of this type have a perfectly innocent explanation, and I am trying to stay calm, but in the odd moment, I am quietly bricking it. Especially on top of everything else.
Written by
Gimme
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I'm not a doctor or a radiographer so I can't tell you why you've been recalled, but I've had one-sided breast discomfort for most of my life and been checked out for it a few times over the years alongside my routine mammograms.
Since being on pred, the pain has been more evident when it's occurred but it hasn't occurred any more frequently than normal.
Hang on in there....it may just be that the mammogram was not clear enough for them to check everything conclusively and they may wish to do another one.
Thank you for your reply. I can't help thinking it is pred related and I am relieved that they might be checking it out (the letter is not specific, it's just a call back). You could be right about the scan being indistinct. My sensible head says, it will all be fine and they are doing their job. Non sensible head butts in now and again and I get a spike of panic, before sensible head takes over again. It's hard to be sensible all the time when you live alone and you have no-one to rant to. The cat is sitting here looking at me as though I am bonkers. She might be right there.
I would feel exactly the same but even if something has been detected that requires further investigation, it can only be a good thing that they're on the case immediately.
I thought it might call up old convos if it had been discussed more. Oh well, nothing to do but try and put it out of my mind for now and wait and see what they have to say.
It feels more like in the breast than the chest wall. That crossed my mind aswell, as if it was in the chest wall, could easily be PMR related. Could also be referred pain, though not sure from where.
It’s probably safe to say that there isn’t anything that anybody can say that will stop the doubts and you need to get this mammogram out of the way. It’s worth speaking to a doctor because it needs someone to ask the questions to take the symptom from just “breast pain” to a more detailed profile and better risk assessment. Mammograms don’t show everything (I know from experience) so an ultrasound might be an even better way to put your mind at rest.
Thank you. They do mention ultra sound in the letter. I think for once in my life, I shall have to be patient. That'll be a novel experience. At least it is only just over a week that I have to wait. There is no point me worrying about it. It doesn't change anything if I worry and it is much better for the PMR if I can stay calm.
It's just odd that the twinges started about the same time as started the prednisolone and that was what made me ask. But it is also the same time when the PMR symptoms in my upper body really kicked off, the worst it has ever been. I did have similar problem in my 20s for a short while and I was having physio at the time. The physio commented then that sometimes pressure on the nerve from cervical (I think he said, such a long time ago) vertebrae can cause breast pain. Bearing in mind how tight my neck and traps were when it started again, I would think the PMR itself is the most likely culprit. Plus, I had a satisfactory mammogram, not that long ago, and neither I or the locum GP were able to find a lump.
I suppose I am relieved that they will check it out, but I was a bit shocked when I first read the letter. But I keep reminding myself that a negative screening test to rule some thing out, is just as important as finding something that needs treating. It's one of the major issues with screening programmes that it often makes patients worry.
That’s good about the u/s because they really go beyond a mammogram. When you are on Pred one really has to look after one’s musculoskeletal health because of the Pred effect on muscles, tendons and ligaments. Breast pain can be from referred pain from the back, ribs or chest wall muscles and nerves. Bad bras, especially with a fuller breast can play havoc too. At least you’re starting with the big guns to piece this picture together rather than messing about for weeks and months with the smaller measures at home. You can do that in parallel.
Thanks Snazzy for that reply . I had a horrible experience at our hospital yesterday, the first time ever that I realised just what a state our Health Sector is in . I will need a real moan about that another day - really sad actually . I think my shooting , sharp pain was really across my chest wall. It was intense , lasted for a couple of hours and aches across shoulders were bad . I just got more info from u and Dr Google than I did from rude hospital woman . I didn’t realise it could b connected to PMR .
I rang our Health line because we can’t get to see a Doctor. She was ordering an ambulance for me . I talked her out of it , it was quicker for us to go in by car . The 2 hospital staff were rude , told me to go home and make a Doctors appointment ( probably a 2 week wait ) . They did not check my vitals , offer me pain relief or give me any reassurance . I have never experienced any like it , ever before . I was feeling too ill to really respond , but today I feel a letter of complaint forming in my head .
I'm sorry that you had that experience, flutterbies. It doesn't instil confidence, does it? I suppose that if you had accepted the ambulance, at least you would have got an ECG.
And with the ambo. you would have had the proof the GP ordered you to go to the ED because they had ordered it. If it was the receptionist she should be reported - they are oversubscribed and walk-ins are the easy place to start.
I know I have to put in a written complaint about this. I hope I can get my head around it tomorrow . I totally treated myself today because I was so upset this morning . I know our system is really failing , but it was my first personal experience at a hospital . Tomorrow I will probably suffer from my treats , gardening, wine , Baileys and a chocolate bar 😊 , but that is self inflicted so I can laugh about that .
I have found it very difficult to find comfortable bras since being on Prednisalone and do experience mild pain, often at the end of the day. Mammograms and X Rays have been clear.
Sorry that you suffered too. Perhaps I am not so unusual, after all. I suppose it's not a subject that folks talk about that often. I found some nice T shirt bras from M&S that are more like a sports bra that keep the two girls nice and comfy.
I have a couple of Chums front fastening Magic Bras, £22 each but 3 for £27 at the mo. They're really comfy, much better than my normal M&S ones. Don't give as much support though, I wear them when I'm not going anywhere!
Yes I have experienced the same. Comes and goes. The less dose I take the better it gets. I have had standard mammogram tests and all fine. Obviously keep an eye on it. Hope it goes away soon for you
I too have been having pain on one side , seems I am not alone ! Re comfy bras , the flexi fit ones are fab and I have recently bought 2 of the crop tops from M and S ...they are dreamy ! £22 each and v supportive , yes I'm a big girl too ! I'd recommend them . Hope your appointment goes well, sounds like they are being thorough which is good 👍
Funnily enough, I did think mine had got bigger, but since my weight has not changed, I decided that I was imagining it. Though I am sure that pred makes your fat redistribute. My once curvaceous bottom seems to be migrating to my belly and my face.
I’m an old PMR patient - had it about 8 years ! Yesterday I had intense pain mainly in the left breast. Pain was really sharp , shooting in all directions across breast . My entire left side , across shoulders and left side of head were aching badly . Never had it before . Is that possibly related to PMR ? Please share what u have found out ?
Thanks for comments. It's not just me then. Doesn't look like it has been discussed before either from what popped up on the right, so I was thinking maybe it couldn't be anything to do with PMR/pred after all. I would like to do some more ferreting about in the literature, but my pred brain has turned to scrambled egg and I find it hard to concentrate.
I’ve lost track on here , how many people have had breast pain , and are also well endowed. Perhaps that is our problem . 😂😅🤣 Look up Coopers droopers!!! 😵💫😵💫😵💫. I consulted Dr Google after I got no help from the hospital, and he came up with that diagnosis . I am mortified 😳😬😱🤣
oh, good grief! Cooper droopers! 🤣🤣🤣 Something else to worry about! 😱 lol
Mr google also gave me Coopers Troopers Bootcamp. The mind boggled until I clicked and found out that it had nothing to do with firming up your chesticles. 😂
I had breast pain occasionally on higher pred doses and am narrow backed, big boobed. Shocked to have to buy a 32FF bikini top recently. I found a sports bra (Nike) very comfy on those breast pain days.
No doubt bikinis are as variable in size as bras! I have everything from 32E to 32FF which all fit perfectly since I only buy from the NE Bra Lady franchises so always fitted and they won't sell you the wrong size!
I lived in the NE of England so Sadie the Bra Lady was up the road in Consett and it was easy to park. Bravissimo was in town - and not as good for small back sizes in those days.
Bravissimo are pretty good with small back sizes. I’ve found M & S bras uncomfortable and John Lewis fitting service lacking. Wasted so much money on bras I just go straight to Bravissimo now and have a big spend in one go when I find the best fit. Downside is they all wear out at once. I even splashed out and bought the bikini that wasn’t in a sale. They are exorbitantly priced for bespoke sizes.
It could well be PMR related as I’ve experienced similar but would describe it more like sharp chest pain shooting through the breast when I sat down. It has all gone on prednisolone which is just as well because been on waiting list two years for chest specialist. Hope your appointment turns out to be nothing sinister
Just for info. I have a very tender left breast and a couple of years ago I developed a rash and swollen veins on the breast only. I was sent for the two week referral and the mammogram was clear. They referred me to a dermatologist for a biopsy which came back as associated with an autoimmune disease which he said was the PMR, which I have had for eight years. I did find a couple of studies about GCA presenting as a breast rash but my rheumatologist isn’t interested. I still wonder. My back dr says it can be referred pain from thoracic vertebrae degeneration. Best wishes for a good outcome next week.
Thinking of you and hoping the time goes quickly so you can get some answers. It’s so much better when you know what you’re dealing with even if it isn’t the answer you want. I had a very early Stage 0 ductal breast cancer detected on a routine mammogram nearly 5 years ago. I had already had PMR for 2 years. I had no idea it was there and no pain at all. Mastectomy and reconstruction, followed by some radiotherapy and 5 years on Tamoxifen. All good now but I do remember how horrendous the waiting was.
You can’t help but worry until you get results. In 2017 they saw a tiny spot on my mammogram and immediately did an ultrasound. Then they recommended Biopsy which was cancer. I had a lumpectomy and chose not to have radiation since the lump was so tiny, it could not be felt by any of the doctors. Six years later I just had a clear mammogram and exam. It is often not a big deal if caught early. I have twinges of pain in the other breast, not the one where I had surgery since being on prednisone. No explanation and no suspicious thing seen last month. Wishing you the best.
Already , possibly had pmr beginning months before then but only diagnosed Nov 22 when unable to move alone and hands swollen and useless along with shoulder neck, head and lower back pain.
Breast pain started with sudden sharp , knife like pains coming out of the blue, on left side of left breast.
It then over weeks merged into a terrible tenderness in one place then moved further over to near breast bone.
I had never done any self examination of breast but this pain was so un usual that I felt felt around and found a hard pea sized lump.
Googled
Not cancer...there is supposedly no pain with early B C.
Well probably a cyst I thought.
Googled... yes cysts cause pain.
Breasts have greatly increased in size while on pred.... pea sized lump now seems to be merged into several softer lumps.
But the pain, though much less severe ,remains and sometimes whole breast aches and breast bone.
Hi Freya, I was told that it is rare for breast pain to be cancerous before there are other clearly visible signs. The radiologist said that 0.4 % of patients present with pain as their initial symptoms.
The pain is sudden and sharp and happens every few minutes, but then it goes away again. I think it happens most often when I am sitting, which is why I suspect that PMR might be something to do with it. I don't have any dull ache, and I have never had cysts or mastitis, but it's not the kind of pain, I would expect of those. More like nerve pain.
I'm relieved that it is being checked, but like everything, the waiting is always the worst. Anyway, only a few days now until the hospital appointment.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Prednisone taper, breast pain
Recently of Prednisolone. But still aches & Pains.
Breast pain 
New shooting pain in left breast
PMR versus prednisolone induced pain/symptoms
