Do you have Fibrocystic Breast Disease?

Hi,

I most likely have this breast issue (currently being investigated) after 2yrs of moderate to severe pain in one breast and a lump having now formed.

My pain began when I started BFing my DD 23mths ago. I obviously had fair pain during pregnancy and previously with my cycles but this pain was on a whole different level and couldn't be compared in anyway.

The pain was severe and debilitating, it travelled from my nipple out to my armpit, up into my shoulder/neck and also down my inner arm into my elbow. I often lost the use of my left arm during the feed as it would go dead with pins and needles. I would cry through each and every feed and lived in fear of the next feed. I so wanted to BF my DD but eventually gave up after 3mths of torture.

The issues were investigated at the time and I was treated several times for thrush and possible infections but nothing worked. My MW told me I was probably creating 'phantom pains' due to anxieties towards BFing - WHATEVER!!! And my Doc eventually put it down to possible muscle damage which she said should disappear. The pains have eased over the mnths but have never gone altogether and I still experience moderate to severe pain in that breast on and off every month.

My DH and I want to TTC again and I am fearful that I will experience the same issues again next time I BF, which to my knowledge I am unable to treat during BFing as my body cannot absorb paracetamol. I really want to BF and would do if it weren't for such severe pain.

Does anyone out there have Fibroids? I would love some advice on how to ease the pain now and in future and would be keen to know if anyone experienced similar pain during BFing.

TIA

Hehe, my name is Evelyn - TIA meant 'ta in advance'

Thanks Buttersmum - any advice is appreciated, even if you don't have the issue yourself. I am having a scan next month so will be good to have it confirmed and have a name for my pain.

My doc is wonderful and sent me home with lots of articles about FC Breast pain. I don't drink coffee or tea and don't have many other caffeine/energy drinks. I don't eat a lot of choc these days either so that isn't making it worse. I eat a pretty reasonable diet with red meat most nights (which I've read that red meat is good to help reabsorb some of the oestrogen).

My doc said that EPO has to be taken in such massive quantities for any tiny effect, if any in many women so it is no longer recommended as a treatment. She said there is nothing that can be recommended to take to ease it except for ibuprofen which does go some way to helping it now but I won't be able to medicate with it during pregnancy or BFing. It really isn't too hard to manage now with ibuprofen but I am really worried about next time I want to BF

ETA - oh and I've never drunk alcohol or smoked either. I could do a bit more excercise than I do now and am going to kick that up a gear from now to see if that has any effect.

Edited by babyg

Thats okay, we've all been there

Are you TTC? I see you've got a wee angel in heaven - bless wee blobby Best of luck to you with whatever is in your future.