Young mum worried about IBC

mich_t

Hi Ladies (and Gentlemen),

I know you guys get these annoying ?? a lot but I'm really worried.

I've had breast pain for last month in left breast, pretty much all over. I'm breastfeeding atm and went to the dr. who of course said mastitis. I had an u/s = all clear and saw a top breast cancer surgeon who just looked at it and said he can guarantee I am cancer-free. I've been on two rounds of penicillin...no change.

I've had no other symptoms except the pain, which is not excruciating, just hurts when I lightly press on it. I've had occasional shooting pains just in nipple area and the nipple hurts to touch, even through clothes. When my bub first starts her feed, the milk burns coming out.

Does this sound familiar to anyone? I'm getting weary of going to the dr. esp. considering I've seen the specialist.

Thanks eternally for your response as I'm worried of getting sick with a 3 yr and 5 mth old.

Michelle.

maryannecb

Michelle, this could be yeast...

mich_t

Thanks maryannecb, I had considered this, but would you believe two different GPs told me that you can't get yeast on your breast!! I'm getting sick of all the conflicting info, that's why I thought to ask you ladies, who know what it feels like, rather than soneone who only has a clinical "idea" of it!

Thanks again for your response, I'm praying it's something simple...

maryannecb

You can, and especially when breast feeding.

Nipple pain caused by Candida albicans

The pain caused by a yeast infection is generally different from the pain caused by poor positioning and/or ineffective suckling. The pain caused by a yeast infection:

1. is often burning in nature, rather than the sharp, stabbing or pinching pain associated with other causes. Burning pain may be due to other causes, however, and pain due to a yeast infection does not necessarily burn.

2. frequently lasts throughout the feeding, and occasionally continues after the feeding has ended. This is in contrast to the pain due to other causes which usually hurts most as feeding begins, and gradually improves as the baby nurses.

3. may radiate into the mother's armpit or into her back.

4. may cause no change in appearance of the mother's nipples or areolas, though there may be redness, or some scaling, or the skin of the areola may be smooth and shiny.

5. not uncommonly will begin after a period of pain free nursing. This characteristic alone is reason enough to try treatment for yeast. However, milk blisters on the nipple also may cause nipple pain after a period of pain free nursing.

6. may be associated with recent use of antibiotics by the baby or mother, but not necessarily.

7. may be quite severe, may or may not be itchy.

8. may occur only in the breast. This pain is often described as "shooting", or "burning" in nature, and is often worse after the feeding is over. It is often said to be worse at night. At the same time, the breast appears or feels normal. This is not mastitis and there is no reason to treat with antibiotics. On the contrary, antibiotics may make the problem worse.

Please Note:

mich_t

Thanks again, maryannecb, especially for the detailed info. It does sounds similar, but I always think the worst.

Sorry for bothering you guys with my query...I realised after posting that it's probably insensitive of me to post here...but thank you so much for the information and reassurance.