Mastisis, lumpy, help...!

[Ruth_Baldock]

Really, apologies, because after reading this y'all going to know me a whole lot better.

I have mastisis. It started around noon on Thursday, and I saw my GP and was prescribed Augmentin (3x a day, 7 day course) yesterday AM. The antibx seem to be working in the sense that I am feeling less fluey, but the lump in my boob is still there and quite tender. It's on Ol' Lefty and is quite large/widespread, starting from the just before my armpit, over the top of the areola, and back down the side of Ol' Lefty towards my ribs, if that makes sense. The lump isn't visible, and can only be felt if you push around looking for it, then it's very obvious. There is some red discoloration on my skin. It feels like porridge, rather than a hard smooth lump, which Google tells me could mean it's simply inflammation of the ducts, rather than more blocked ducts.

I have tried EVERYTHING. Hot compresses, hot showers, hot baths, feeding in every position possible, expressing, massage/kneading but to no avail. It feels a bit sore and bruised, but (I think) better than it did on Thursday.

Is this par for the course, or something I should be very concerned about? Do I need to call SELDOC and be given addtional antibx?

Apologies if you have seen this all over facebook/twitter, my anxiety levels are through the roof when it comes to things like this.

[esme]

Seldoc are excellent and I always find their advice better than my own GP so if you're in a lot of discomfort I would definitely say go and see them and get another opinion, you really have nothing to lose and it will reassure you if nothing else. Hope it eases soon x

[GinaG3]

Ruth, odd I know but have you tried the cold cabbage in the bra trick used for engorgement (but also helps with the inflammation of mastitis) or if you can stomach it 2 or 3 raw cloves of garlic very good natural antibiotic and has an antibacterial effect too. Does sound like its getting better although if you are worried its better to be checked just for peace of mind, I've also always had positive experiences with SELDOC especially during breastfeeding. If that helps! How is Lex feeding, all fine?

[Convex]

In my experience the anti biotics take 1-2 days to kick in. I'm on my 3rd lot of mastitis but your case sounds worse than mine, although I seem to have managed to get it in both boobs.

If it were me I would keep going with the massage etc and then all again on Monday. But go with your gut instinct. If there is no improvement then you need to get further help.

[nabz]

hi there, i had really bad mastisis 2 weeks after i had my little girl, i didnt even realise i had it! had to be rushed to A&E because i had suvch a high fever, seldoc was completly crap told them i was unwell with a high fever and had just given birth and had a bad tear and they told me to just get some rest!! but what really helped was antibiotics i had through iv drip, had you tryed using a really good pump? that can usually start unblocking the milk ducts but just wait and see hpw you go with what GP has given you and keep changing feeding positions to help relieve some pressure thats what i did and it really did the trick

hope you feel better soon! but if you do start getting a high fever do not leave it and go to ur gp asap or call seldoc!

[Ruth_Baldock]

Thanks everyone, for your replies.

Gina, she's not feeding too well, she's well snotty and bunged up but we have had most success in the football position or in steamed up bathroom.

I told Mr B about savoy cabbages, and he returned from our weekly shop with an iceburg lettuce?!?! Bless him, really.

Spoke to SELDOC who said as long as my fever doesn't spike and the lump doesn't get WORSE, to continue doing as i am until tomorrow evening.

[Convex]

That seems like good advice, provided you can stick it out. Have you got painkillers? It's helpful to keep on top of it rather than wait for them to wear off if you see what's mean.

Good effort on the iceberg, at least you can have a nice salad !?

[The Nappy Lady]

Ruth

Just read out the bit about the Iceberg Lettuce to my Mum & Hubby and made them both roar with laughter.

Hope you feel better soon.

Xxx

[yuhang]

I've also always had positive experiences with SELDOC especially during breastfeeding.

http://www.filii.info/g.gif

[shaunag]

Hi.Ive had mastitis 3 times-the first time a really hot bath (as hot as you can bear) and massaging from armpit to areola worked wonders-but I was massively engorged then as well.didnt work so well next two times,but persisting with feeding and starting on bad side got us there in the end (2nd time I ended up having a mammogram cos lump didn't go after 10 days-all fine though).hope you feel better soon,it is really rotten.there is an alternative antibiotic Called flucloxacillin that is first line for mastitis-if you end up back at gps you could ask for this instead of augmentin .hope your lo and you get well soon.

[Ruth_Baldock]

I ended up at SELDOC this morning; my origional augmentin presctription has been lengthened to 10 days, but the doctor I saw was very reluctant to prescribe fluoxicillin, citing that augmentin is better for mastisis ( despite the BFM citing the opposite, as per WHO recommendations). Lump is not an abcess, which is good to know.

[Ruth_Baldock]

P.S. I did indeed have a very nice salad last night; grilled chicken, avocado, balsamic dressing. Didn't help the mastisis but made me feel slightly more cheery.

[Annette Sawatzki]

Hello Ruth,

i am Annette and a Lactation Consultant/Breastfeeding Support Nurse and i really understand what you are going through

In what stage are you now after all.....?

If you still need some help - i am experienced for many years as a breastfeeding support nurse in a high profile hospital in London and i am based in East Dulwich and do home visits.

Please don't hesitate to call me;

Mobile 07919435597

Landline: 020 86935859 www.annetzki.com

Best wishes

Annette