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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask if breast abscess is an emergency or can wait?

62 replies

werebackon · 01/01/2025 16:03

I’ve developed a huge abscess on my breast, it’s really large and swollen and hot, spreading to my nipple which is now rock hard too. I don’t think it’s ready to burst, but I’ve been feeling really poorly all day and not sure if it could be something to do with it.

Almost my entire breast is red and hot and swollen and really hurts to touch.

Not breastfeeding or recently pregnant, and I have had abscesses before but not like this one.

I’d rather go to the doctors tomorrow but my friend is saying A&E - where I don’t want to be on New Years Day!

Anyone had this experience? Would it be fine to wait? And any tips on dealing with the swelling and pain other than ibruprofen as I can’t take this?

OP posts:
Movingbutstandingstill · 01/01/2025 16:15

Do you feel rubbish and have a high temp? If do go and get checked out. If you feel ok and no temp it could wait till tomorrow

ThreeB · 01/01/2025 16:14

Fellow abscess sufferer here and you need to go to A&E (but I think you know that) and that's exactly where 111 will send you. Go and get a good book, a battery charger and some juice and get down there. Make a warm compress from a tea bag for while you are travelling/waiting.

I really sympathise, they are bloody awful things

Rocketstarr · 01/01/2025 16:12

A&E, I had the same and was told if I had left it another 24 hours I would probably have been dealing with sepsis. I need iv antibiotics, an overnight stay and a surgical aspiration the next day.

Okayornot · 01/01/2025 16:11

Sounds like you need antibiotics, possibly quite urgently especially if you are feeling unwell. I'm afraid I agree that A&E is your best bet unless you have a local walk in centre which is open.

Rosscameasdoody · 01/01/2025 16:10

I think this is an emergency if it’s spreading and you feel unwell. You really need to get to A&E so they can treat it and rule out sepsis.

Hiyawotcha · 01/01/2025 16:10

I don’t think that waiting for tomorrow is a good idea. But do you have a minor injuries or EmDoc facility nearby - so rather than A&E could still get medical treatment. Call 111 and do NOT play down how you’re feeling.
Breast abscesses can turn really nasty really quickly and delaying could end up being much more difficult to treat.

AirborneElephant · 01/01/2025 16:09

Poor you! The combination of the redness spreading and you feeling really Ill makes me feel it probably is an emergency. I’d want to rule out sepsis.

Underthemagnificentbeechtree · 01/01/2025 16:08

There’s a sepsis risk - you need to be seen today.

PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 01/01/2025 16:07

You’ve got a rampantly spreading infection - it sounds like it needs to be treated sooner rather than later

AquaPeer · 01/01/2025 16:07

111 for an out of hours Gp or urgent care centre appointment - probably need antibiotics asap but you are going to be waiting serious amounts of time in a&e for that!

AlwaysFreezing · 01/01/2025 16:07

A&E does seem sensible, especially as you're feeling unwell with it.

Sounds miserable, hope you get the right treatment soon.

PumpkinPie2016 · 01/01/2025 16:05

That sounds awful for you - sympathies!

Can you contact 111? They may be able to get you seen by someone at an urgent care centre/out of hours GP service?

I'd try that first.

Hope you get sorted!