Mastitis again but different

[Mum2SweetCs]

Hi all
This is the third time ive had mastitis.

The problem this time is the lump (size of a tennis ball) is hard as a rock and no matter how much dd is sucking on it it is hard still!

Has this become a breast abscess? I was reading up on it and it sounds scary.

With my other mastitis dd would generally be able to soften the lumps.

I just went to see the doc and got some antibiotics.

So painful

When does a lump become an abscess? Im so scared.

Thanks

[little_O]

Was the doctor worried about it being an abscess?

From a fellow mastitis veteran....I found the lumps worse each time I had mastitis. What helped break them down for me was ultrasound from a physio. It didn't hurt at all when she did it but the ultrasound waves worked on the blockages and tissues and broke down the lumps and unblocked some of the ducts. It was great for me. It also helped a lot with the flow of my milk, because they were all working properly again.

ETA: this might help http://www.lactationconsultant.info/compmastitis.html

[little_O]

Oh and a big

I HATE mastitis

[Mum2SweetCs]

No the doc was not but somehow i am still skeptical!!!

She said i just need to monitor it and see if the abs work.

This is by far the most painful of the three and the lump is bigger so you might be right there little_o that it does get worse everytime

I hate it too coz i get the full blown shivers and dd always wants to trample all over my boobie (she chooses the painful one)

[onthefly]

I'd get a second opinion if you're not sure, better to be safe than sorry. Looking into remedial massage or ultrasound with a physio as little o suggests is a good idea, too.
Sounds nasty Hope you can get it cleared up soon.

[surprised]

I've had lumps that take a couple of days to resolve. Big hugs - hope you're on top of it all soon. I second the physio treatment, and of course if you're worried get a second opinion for your own peace of mind

[Arcadia]

I second the ultrasound advice. I also agree that until you get it properly treated they just come back worse and worse. In the interim get an electric toothbrush and use the vibrations to help break up the lump. I used to try and express or feed at the same time for maximum effect. I also tried hot water and expressing with some success.

I have only had mastitis once but I used to get blocked ducts very frequently. For me it was a particular bra. Can you identify what is causing the blockages?

[Mum2SweetCs]

Ok so i rang two physio places one is a big centre and the physio believes it wont help??? And suggested i do massage instead.

Does anyone know any places in syd southwest liverpool area?

Thanks in advance

[little_O]

Obviously they don't know anything about it then.

Can you try calling your hospital where you birthed at and ask? My ob recommended a physio who did it. I know a friend got a contact through her midwife.

Not sure if the aba would know?

Hopefully someone else lives near you and can recommend

[Mum2SweetCs]

Youre telling me.

I thought it was a common thing. Firstly the receptionist didnt know what mastitis was and had to talk to the physio who said it wouldnt help my situation!

[onthefly]

You need a physio with specialisation in women's issues. ABA might know, but calling maternity hospitals in your area might also work.

[Arcadia]

Ok so I just went to my normal physio and she looked it up on the net to get the correct wattage and time. She had never ever heard of it, and her face was priceless when I explained when I was there! You just need a physio that does ultrasound (most) and an open mind. You could even take in a print out of the recommendations. I had it two times in a few days from memory. It really, really helped.

I would try somewhere you know and you feel comfortable explaining what you need. It's a really simple process. Don't be disheartened. My GP told me about it so you just need a savvy physio who is willing to help.

[vanea]

There are some Women's Health Physios that use Ultrasound to treat mastitis - very effectively. Often only need 2-3 doses if treated early.
I do hope your problem has resolved and that it didn't turn out to be an Abscess. if in doubt and still have fever symptoms on antibiotics get to your local emergency department for a full check up and possible diagnostic Ultrasound of the breast.
Cheers. www.vanea.com.au