Blocked duct possible mastitis - what happens if you can't clear it? Worried...

[Brock~Tahlia~Mummy]

Hi ladies,

I've had a lump on my left breast since Friday and has gotten increasingly worse in size and pain. I've been working on the lump with warm shower/heat pack followed by feeding or massage or expressing. I've tried ideas from the Australian Breast feeding Association website - but nothing is working and it's getting really painful and it's so big now! The size of a tennis ball (but in a wedge shape). I'm going to see my dr tomorrow but I'm worried about what will happen and would like to know what the medical intervention is? It's been 4 days with no success and it's so painful I can't sleep and have taken nurofen for the pain. Has anyone BTDT? I do feel unwell but no temp - yet. All googling shows are tips and say if it doesn't clear in 12-24 hours see a health professional, but that's it! Any advice or BTDT stories appreciated. Thank you

[MasynSpencerElliotte]

I think antibiotics are the next step....no btdt though, sorry! Lots of healing vibes xx

[okinawamama]

If you can get some lecithin (at a health food store) it helped me tremendously. I worked on a plug like it was my job, I massaged until my hand cramped, I used warm moist water, I showered and pointed the spray at the plug, I nursed the baby in every position under the sun, and it got worse and worse. Like you, it hadn't developed into a full infection yet, but it was warm to the touch, incredibly painful and very angry looking. I researched like a crazy person and found the lecithin suggestion. I immediately went out and bought some, and within 24 hours of taking lecithin things improved drastically. Good luck!

[*happy*]

I had mastitis twice-antibx both times.def get checked.i had a thread with
loads of great advice.will try&link it for you.x

[*happy*]

oh no.mastitis. update jan2nd-it's back

hope that worked!

[*foxy*]

I had it twice too. Hugs - it's so painful! I had to go on anti biotics both times as it just wouldn't shift.

[*Ali*]

Hugs. I hope your dr can help.

It does sound like you may need antibiotics.

Have you read up on kellymom? http://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/mastitis/

[Brock~Tahlia~Mummy]

Thank you ladies and thanks for the links! My GP prescribed antibiotics and said if it doesn't clear in 3 days to go back and see her. My god I feel awful though! Yucky tummy, headache, neck ache and sore throat. Aldo very tired I couldn't sleep because of the pain. I can't exactly rest either. Just when DD sleeps which are rubbish 45 min naps ATM... Sorry I'm ranting and being quite negative - I just feel awful. Thank you off your advice and hugs. Fingers crossed it'll all be over soon.

[*happy*]

Oh hun,im so sorry it's mastitis.
but fxd the antibiotics will help you feel better  soon.
It's such a rotten illness-the one thing you need to do-stay
In bed &sleep-is impossible to do when you're breast feeding.
Big big hugs hun.try and rest if you can.take any offer s
of help that you can.

[*Ali*]

Fingers crossed the antibiotics work soon.

[weaver]

Rest up.  Even while taking the abx, the ibuprofen would also act for pain relief.