Question:
Why do my breasts hurt?

I know that think question is really not WLS related. However, I know that my WLS sisters are trustworthy and knowledgable. I've been having this problem for a few years now. I asked my OBGYN and he never gives me a straight answer. Anyway, it seems that at times, usually when I am cold (more often now post op), My nipples turn white and hurt a lot. Its a burning pain, almost unbearable at times. The only thing that helps it is a hot drink, or sometimes a shower. Once they are pink again, they no longer hurt. Does anyone have a clue what could be causing this?    — [Anonymous] (posted on April 13, 2001)

April 13, 2001
There is a condition where the extremeties such as the hands and feet become blanched and the vessels constrict during periods of cold weather. I forgot what the condition is called but it is a medical condition. You may want to ask your pcp who covers the whole medical system then a ob-gyn.
   — Jan M.

April 13, 2001
HI! The syndrome mentioned earlier is called Reynaud's syndrome. I had it for a couple of years last time I was thin (about 8 or 9 years ago). My hands would turn totally white, would sting or burn, and then when I would warm them with a hot water bottle, they would turn pink and stop hurting. Your condition does sound similar, but I never heard about it happening in the breasts. An internist would probably be able to tell you if it is Raynaud's. Good luck!
   — Maria H.

April 14, 2001
I have the same problem! I had it for a few years when I was younger, it went away as I gained weight, and then returned this winter after I got my nipples pierced. They don't hurt if I don't wear a bra..apparently the pressure of the bra makes it much worse. They don't hurt nearly as much if the weather is warm, or if my body temperature is warm enough. Sometimes the pain is so bad I get nauseous. On cold days I'll take pain medication before I go to work: 2 tyelenol and 2 aleve. I also make sure I am wearing enough layers. At night I'll soak the nipple that's afflicting me more in a warm saltwater [1/4 tsp sea salt to 8 oz warm water]solution. I stick the nipple down into the cup, form a seal and sit down and just relax for 20 minutes. Soaking helps to warm up the nipple, for one thing, and warm saltwater is good for healing up wounds. I never tried this BEFORE I got my nipples pierced...I bet it still would have worked, though.
   — Julie C.

October 21, 2004
I am having the same problem. My left nipple has a sharp pain that starts at the nipple and goes for about one inch in any direction. They do not change color but I have noticed warm water helps. I have not tried a warm drink. Any other suggestions. I have not been to my doctor yet it just started last week.
   — Kim H.