Mastitis after breastfeeding?

Its been just under 8 months since I weaned DD off EBM. My milk dried up rather fast, with out any signs of mastitis etc.

Is it possible that I could have mastitis? I've got a few large red hot marks on my right breast around the nipple and just above and I've been headachey, tired, nauseated etc. but no sore joints yet. I haven't been able to get any more milk since about 5 months ago! (I used to get drops every now and then if I hand expressed in the shower)

What can I do to prevent it from getting worse if it is mastitis?

Anyone?

Purplepixie, I'm no expert, but if there are hot red tender lumps and you're feeling unwell, I would suggest you hotfoot it to the Dr for some antibiotics. I've no idea about the fact that you're no longer breastfeeding.

It certainly does sound like mastitis hun! You could try massaging the sore areas in the shower but if you are already feeling unwell, best to head straight to the GP for some antibiotics.

I haven't come across that before - mastitis quite a while after weaning - but I'm guessing it is possible!

Hope you feel better soon!

Hun make sure you get this checked out. I'm not trying to alarm you, but there is a condition called inflammatory breast cancer that has similar symptoms to mastitis. Don't let this go unchecked - while it's more than likely nothing, don't take the risk.

Let us know how you go. Hugs xo

ETA if it is mastitis, nurofen is great. But you'll prob need abx too.

How are you feeling?? Did you get into the GP?

After reading some of the replies I panicked and asked for an appt at my gp. I got an appointment luckily and my Dr said that it was just mastalgia (breast pain caused by hormones!) And to keep on top of it with nurofen. If the blotchy red marks don't go away along with the tenderness, then I need to fill my script for antibiotics. I see my gp at the end of the week for another consult, so will ask again if I'm still concerned.

Nurofen is keeping the pain at bay so far. Its weird, I have never ever had pain like this (wasn't even this bad with mastitis while I was b/feeding!)

Thanks for asking

So glad it's nothing more sinister... Hope it clears p soon xo