Terrified i've got IBC please give me some advise.

Hi Mel, so sorry to hear that you are having concerns with your breast.  My nipple inverted badly with my IBC.  It did not respond well to stimulation at all.  The outer edges of my areola would pucker ever so slightly as if it wanted to react the way it should, but that was it.  Not trying to be too graphic, but it really was so badly inverted that it was quite challenging to keep it properly cleaned and not end up with soap deposited in it that would irritate it further.

Additonally, my right breast swelled to twice the size of my left.  I was quite lopsided.  The skin was very red in color, hot to the touch and I had the classic peu d'orange (orange peel) appearance to my skin.  My breast did itch a bit, more so in the begining.  I would get sharp shooting pains through my breast that felt as if I was being stabbed through my nipple and it would ache.  The stabbing pains were really quite breathtaking at times.

I hope my story helps to put your mind at ease a bit.  Your symptoms sound very much like they could be only pregnancy related.  Your breasts go through so many changes during pregnancy and the itching that you are experiencing could very well be just your skin stretching as they become larger.  I had that as well when I was pregnant with my daughter 9 years ago.  I went from a C cup to a DD by the end of my pregnancy.  Of course it's always a good idea to keep an eye on breast changes.  Keep in mind though, that with IBC symptoms progress very quickly.  My nipple seemed to completly invert overnight.

Best of wishes to you! 

Hi Merrysee,

Holly gave you some great advice. Have they given you an antibiotic to take?  That is usually the first course of treatment.  If it gets better after antibiotic, then you don't have IBC. 

Have then done a mamagram or ultra sound?  Those would be tne next step.in treatment.   

if you are stiill  concern in the area hat didn't improve then I think you should have a biospy to rull out cancer.  It rare to get cancer while pregant but it can happen.  This way if it benign you can put your mind to rest .

Please keep us updated on how you are doing.,

Sending love & support. NJ  

PS Since you've had a breast lift then your symptoms are probably from that but I would rather error on the side of caution rather than not know.  Just my opninion.  

Hello,

I too have very similar symptoms to yourself. About 5 weeks ago I notice one of my nipples was inverted but it could be pulled out easily. I would notice it was inverted a few times a day and became paronoid checking all the time.

I visited my dr and was referred to a breast clinic where I had an ultrasound which showed nothing abnormal and I have been asked to return in 3 mths time so they can keep an eye on it. I too am concered about IBC after reading several articles on the internet.

I have had 2 children one who is 2.5 yrs and my second was 6 mths when I noticed these changes. I breastfed my second for a month and wondered if all the pregnancy hormones and a brief spell of breastfeeing could have changed the elasticity of my breast.

I anyones experience would I have had further symptoms by now of IBC? The breast clinic I am under have been excellent and very reassuring but I still am anxious when I notice my nipple inverted,  although I am very anxious person anyway. I also seem to notice it more around the time of my period - could this have an influence? I am also on the pill which I have been back on for 2 months since having my second baby. The breast clinic didnt really discuss hormonal influence when I have visited them.

Does anyone know if a breast ultrasound would pick up signs of IBC.

Thanks

Hi Southamptonmom,

Thanks for your post. I might sound stupid but I don't really know what I am looking for in examining my armpit. Would this be a lump or for rashes. It has been 5 weeks now since my nipple has been inverting and I don't have any sign of a rash - however I don't think it is to do with mastitis as I don't have a fever etc and I stopped BF 5 months before my nipple began inverting.

HannahD,

Over 30 years ago after nursing my first baby, I ended up with an inverted nipple.   What they found is I had a clogged milk duct.  I had a surgery so they could sever the strands involved and my nipple returned to normal.   They couldn't guarantee that I would be able to nurse from that breast again, but I did two more times with no problems.

That being said all these years later I am having a problem with recurring mastitis.  Have always responded to antibiotics, but looking for the reason it keeps returning.   Four bouts in a year.   Docs seem to think it comes from the radiation and may even have to do with the original clogged duct all those years ago.  I am now waiting for an appt. to see a breast surgeon at Moffitt CC to see if we can solve this.   My local MO said I could always have a mastectomy and that would get rid of it................a little drastic I think.

Please ask if your inverted nipple could be a clogged milk duct.................................Caren

Caren, I'm with you about demanding a biopsy. If you're not pregnant, not nursing and do not have a fever, you don't have an infection (mastitis) and those doctors should then consider ruling out IBC. It looks like we still have a lot of educating to do in Florida.