I awoke this morning with sharp burning pain in my nipple and it has continued all day long. It isn't like the swelling or heaviness or ache of menstrual pain. Nor is it like the pains in the breast that I've experienced before and been told was due to caffiene. I don't consume very much caffiene and am only about 20 pounds overweight. My breast looks the same, I just keep getting this jabbing pain right in the tip of the nipple. If I hold my breast in my hand, it seems to ease up if not stop. If I let go or bend over, it is really bad again. I am 48 years old and had my only child at age 40. Most importantly, I can't afford and do not have health insurance so no doctor will see me. I'm kind of scared but trying not to be. I don't feel a lump or anything and no discoloration.
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Hi sharona60,
I am sorry you are having pains. Do you experience any nipple discharge? Have you ever had a mammogram? Do these pains only occur when your on your period?
Please provide us with a little more information so we can help.
June 12, 2009 - 1:14pmThis Comment
I thought I had already stated that there is no change in my breast other than the pain. No discharge, no swelling, no discoloration. It is not the pain associated with menstrual pain and I'm not on my period. I haven't had a mammogram in several years. I also had a benign mass removed from the breast about 15 years ago. Thanks!
June 12, 2009 - 1:36pmThank you for the update. Most of the information I found pertains to nipple pain due to having children and new mothers. Other information pertains to other symptoms to include nipple discharging.
There is something called paresthesia which is a problem with the nerves in your nipple area which may cause the burning sensation. Please check out this website from wrong diagnosis.com http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/breast_burning_sensation.htm.
Since there is minimal information regarding your symptoms, you should consult your physician. I hope this helps.
June 12, 2009 - 1:56pmThanks, I will check it out and you're right, I can't seem to find much information anywhere.
June 12, 2009 - 2:15pmThank you for your response. Please keep us updated on your progress with your pain. I would certainly like to know what your physician tells you, any treatments they offer as well as sharing your story with other people who may be experiencing the same issues.
Please keep us posted.
June 13, 2009 - 9:18amSharona, how is the pain today? Has it moved or gone away?
I know you would like to see a doctor but I read from your original post that you don't have health insurance. Do you need help finding a free or low-cost medical clinic in your area? Most cities have them and are used to treating patients who do not have insurance.
Just let me know what city you live in and I'd be glad to help.
June 15, 2009 - 8:55amIt went away after a few days - Thank God. It did move from dead center nipple pain to the left side of my breast, then it slowly subsided and went away completely. I would definitely like the info you were talking about. I am 48 and have not had a mammogram or pap smear in over 10 years. I can't afford health insurance and so I just have to do without medical care. I think I'm going through menopause or at least perimenopause. My periods are every three weeks and they are very heavy. I'm having hot flashes and major mood swings. Maybe the breast pain is part of it, too. I live in Denton County - Texas. Thanks for your interest and thanks in advance for the information.
June 15, 2009 - 11:16amHi,
I'm not sure if you and Diane have been talking, but have you been to the Walk-In Clinic in Denton, Texas called CareNow? It has received good online reviews from patients who are budget-conscious (or have no health insurance).
I'm not sure if you also know that you can ask for a "self-pay discount" when going to the doctor, and your doctor, hospital and lab will give you 20%, 30% or even up to 50% off their services if you are not going through a health insurance company for services.
February 21, 2010 - 3:11pmHi Sharon,
September 15, 2010 - 11:12amI just turned 50 and I am currently going through menopause, and since I've started menopause; I've been having the same exact sharp burning pain at the tip of my left nipple that you've been discribing...as a matter of fact I was looking on the website for some information about this condition and have concluded that it is related to my menopause, however I do encourage you to go to a clinic just to make sure. I really know what you're going through. God Bless
Hi Sharona!
I am so relieved to read that your nipple/breast pain has gone away on its own, and I know you are even more so! From your symptoms it does sound like you are going through perimenopause, so I think your intuition is right on. But I'd love it if you could get a check up and find out for sure through some blood work that could measure your hormone levels, etc. Please allow Diane P to help you find a low or no-cost clinic in your area, and I know that free mammogram clinics are often held across the country, especially it seems during October. You are really worth it and you deserve to get a mammogram and other tests like Pap Smears to make sure you are okay. I know though that the costs can be so prohibitive when you don't have insurance. Thank you Diane for helping Sharona find some help. Please write again any time you want and let us know how you are doing. Big hugs to you, Michelle
June 15, 2009 - 9:26pm