Breast pain but on a waiting list

[ItsSupposedToBeSummer]

I posted on womens health and got one kind reply. Im in Ireland and have had pain in my right breast intermittently for the last few months. Its hard to describe but its like a twinge every so often across the day. Went to GP and explained, she checked and couldn't find a lump but said it felt different. She was sending a referral to both public and private clinics and I was told to take evening primrose oil. Letters have now come saying im on a waiting list public system (which in ireland means years for an appointment) and at least 4 months privately. Im shocked that its so long. I've tried not to worry but waiting until at least September seems so wrong. Anyone else experience this type if pain? Anyone in Ireland have any advice. Thanks

Can you go to a hospital with an A& E department. You could go next time you are in pain.

It's neither an accident, nor an emergency, please don't encourage further clogging up of A&E departments, what will they do?

Given you have seen your GP and they don't appear to be too concerned, I would try to forget about it and wait for the appointment.

Have you tried the evening primrose oil she suggested?

I used to get that intermittent breast pain also, I didn't go to the GP as you have sensibly done.
I had read at the time had that intermittent pain in the breast is rarely a sign of Cancer, it's actually fairly common.
For me it did go away with time.
Your intermittent pain could be due to hormonal changes, a benign cyst, or even an ill-fitting bra.
You were examined by your GP and they weren't overly concerned but I certainly do understand your upset and frustration with how long it will take to have you seen to by a specialist.
I have no advice about what you should do next, I can't see that going to A&E will help, especially when they know you have been examined by your GP.
You should be watching out for any lump, or thickening of the breast skin, dimpling of the skin, redness, or peeling of the skin or any changes to the nipple such as turning inward or discharging fluid, Then you must definitely see your GP again.
Hope this helps some OP.

I used to get that @ItsSupposedToBeSummer. I packed in wired bras and got properly fitted at M&S and started Evening Primrose Oil. I was prone to breast cysts. It was harmless and went away - always worse mid cycle. It doesn't happen any more.

If you can afford private, and are that worried, you could always find a breast consultant in the UK - probably within a fortnight. Turn it into a short break.

Agree with pp, please don't go to A&E. They're supposed to be there to deal with car crashes, severe blood loss, head injuries, just, anything which is an emergency.

If it reassures, I get terrible breast pain before my period - might it be that? I have also had two clear mammograms in the last 2.5 years, despite the above breast pain (which is obviously hormonal) and also despite having little lumps in my breasts. Which I know now are harmless cysts.

Agree with @Startthecar - apparently it is rarely a sign of breast cancer……. my pain was similar to yours on and off for a long time. However, when I eventually decided to go to the GP, I got referred immediately and was seen for a mammogram within 5 weeks!

When I arrived at the breast clinic, I was initially seen by a doctor who checked me and said very unlikely and breast pain can be due to many factors and did I want to stay for a mammogram to which I said yes!

Ill fitting bras and underwire can be a cause.

I am also in Ireland. Went to my GP in November with pain and a change in "nodules" (that had been investigated and cleared a few years ago.) Was called to the local Breast Clinic in March where I had a manual examination, then had a mammogram about 10 days ago. Apparently it can take approx 2 weeks for the results. Just posted to say that it seems to be the norm here if the GP doesn't deem it to be very urgent. Hope you get seen soon and with a good outcome!

Thanks everyone its very reassuring. No plans to go to A&E but it helps a lot to hear of your experiences. GP appointments are impossible to get so I went to a doctor in the clinic who has no bedside manner and from past experience minimises symptoms and now I know she didn't. Thanks all. Will wait and see.