Itchy

[TiffanyK]

So, I keep having itchy places on my back but when I go to scratch them I can't feel it! Someone tell me this will stop. It's driving me crazy!!! I just want to smack my head against my desk in frustration... of course I can't bend down to do so but you get what I'm saying!

[golfnut]

I can't answer your question and understand your frustration, but after reading your description, I had to smile. I can tell you have a really good personality.

[briarrose]

Hi Tiffany,

When was your surgery? I've heard people refer to this as "phantom itching." It is from your nerves growing back. It started when I was around 3 months post-op and lasted for a few weeks. Ice works really well to numb the nerves. Bengay and Calydryl Clear lotion also helped me a lot. Tiger balm would work too or anything with some type of numbing agent. I've actually had this itching come back recently and I'm 2.5 years post op! I guess the nerves are still trying to grow back.

Shell

[LisaB]

Hi Tiffany - I know what you mean. I get some itchy areas on my back and yet I am still numb in places when I try to scratch. I'm not as numb as I was and I'm starting to get feeling back. I get a lot of weird sensations. Like when I lean back against a chair I feel like I am leaning against 2 boards near my shoulder blades. When I back away, it feels like I am pulling my spine away from the boards. I think that as I get feeling in some places and not in others that is what causes these weird sensations.

[jesscv]

I'm 1.5 years post op and still get phantom itching! it drives me nuts, but the nerves take a loooong time to regenerate.

[ShariMSU]

This was such a great question, thanks for asking it. I am 6 months out and this happens to me often and it does freak me out. I found grabbing both sides of shirt and kind of rubbing it against the spot helps a little. (sounds weird) Most bizzare feeling having the itch and scratching and no feeling. It is so good to have all of you that know what each of us is talking about. My husband is empathetic, but he doesn't really get when I say this and what it feels like. Sounds like the nerves take a while and to think I am already impatient with how long it has taken. Makes me feel better that I am not "behind" in my healing. That's what I worry about sometimes.
Thanks again!

[JenniferG]

At 20 months post op, I still get the occasional itchy/tingly nerve tickle in my back.

[mbeckoff]

So, I keep having itchy places on my back but when I go to scratch them I can't feel it! Someone tell me this will stop. It's driving me crazy!!! I just want to smack my head against my desk in frustration... of course I can't bend down to do so but you get what I'm saying!

I am 5 1/2 post op and I get those itchy feelings all of the time. Glad to know that it is normal

Melissa[/I]

[naptown78]

I get those phantom itchies too...I rub against the wall or chair and chuckle because I feel like when a cow rubs against the fence to get their itchies! I have found the best is to rub a towel over the spot. It takes a long time for those nerves to grow back, it just comes with the territory I guess.

[ADMoul]

Have had those same itchies esp. in my upper back although it doesn't happen as frequently now. Felt like I wanted to use the cat's scratching post but couldn't get down that far! Bath brush in the shower seemed to help a little, but scratching really doesn't relieve it. Have also had the "phantom bra strap" sensation where it feels like there's something there when there isn't.

[TiffanyK]

Somehow my itchies have calmed down a bit, although I'm sure that I say that now and tomorrow they'll be back. I told my surgeon about it today and he looked at me like I was crazy! I don't think he got the fact that I'm so numb still that I can't feel when I'm scratching. He eventually got it though and said I can use whatever I want.

Shari- I had to laugh when you said about grabbing your shirt on either side to rub the spot. That's exactly what I had been doing and didn't even realize it!

Anne- I've never had the phantom bra strap yet. However, as soon as I'm home that baby comes off.