Mastitis.

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I have mastitis. My right boob is so sore and hot, I've got a slight fever, I feel like I've been hit by a bus. I put in an appointment form to my GP. heard nothing. Gave them a call and they said I am priority and they will absolutely call me back today. Just phoned and they've closed. I'm getting worse and the pain is now radiating in to my chest. I've tried feeding from that side, my son is refusing. I've tried expressing but nothing. I've tried using my pump but nothing. I'm struggling. I called 111 but they haven't got any doctors on right now who can prescribe in my area. Do I just have to wait this out until tomorrow? I am on the verge of tears.

Also not sure if I have to self isolate as I am fairly sure the temp is down to mastitis!

Oh no - do you have a phone number for your midwife team? What happens when you use the breast pump and massage the sore area at the same time?

Sorry to hear - it’s horrible! Take paracetamol for the fever and the pains. Have a warm shower and massage your boob.

Wouldn't this warrant a trip to A&E?

You need antibiotics. Call 111 back and ask them what they advise eg nurse prescriber or go to a and e.

In the mean time try applying cold compress for 20 mins at a time, apply a hot compress for 5 mins before feeding. Keeping trying to get baby to feed or have a shower/bath and try hand expressing. Massage from then nipple backwards until to find a blockages and then keep massaging the blockage at the nipple side.

Any sign of a blocked duct?

I don't know that I can handle a 4 hour wait in A&E with a toddler! Going to have a hot shower and massage my boob.

Take ibuprofen

Oof! Is it the toddler nursing or do you have a baby as well? Is there anyone who could come and sit on your sofa when they're in bed so you can get help? NHS says GP after 24 hours of continued feeding. I'd be concerned about things getting worse due to not being able to feed. I second a PP - call 111 back and demand a solution.

cannot believe GP didn't get back and 111 palmed you off. I would ring 111 again and demand a solution. You needs ABs.

if you cannot express nor pump and it is getting worse, I would actually go to A&E. I had mastitis (and prompt treatment) and it was hell. Yours sounds a lot worse.

I had mastitis several times, it really is awful! It's best to keep feeding so if you're not managing to do so, the problem is likely to be getting worse. The sooner you can start antibiotics the better- personally I'd call the out of hours service and arrange an appointment with them. Keep on top of the painkillers too.

Hope you feel better soon.

If the shower and massage hasn't helped I would get to out if hours for some antibiotics

Sure no sign of an abcess? Just checking as I did not realise I had one until very far gone - ooowwwww!

You sound like you absolutely need antibiotics! Ring 111 again. Stand in the shower and lean forward while you massage, and let gravity do it’s thing. You need some of that milk out, you poor thing. I’ve had it twice, it’s absolutely horrible so sending lots of sympathy.

Can 111 get you an emergency GP appointment at your nearest out of hours?
Can you contact your infant feeding team or health visiting team and explain the situation to them? Although they won't be able to prescribe, they can put pressure on the people who can. Or the midwife unit/hospital where you gave birth might be able to help if you had your baby recently?
Hot shower and boob massage sounds like a good plan.
Hope you get better soon

Make a nice deep bath of really hot water. As hot as you can manage. Massage and express your milk under the water. It works. I woke at 2am with a raging fever. I was alone with the baby. XP had cleared off as he couldn't cope. I ran the bath and it took about half an hour. Went back to bed. In the morning I had no fever and breast completely normal. I completely avoided antibiotics.

111 or out of hours. Take a pillow to hold against you on the journey (pot-holes, voice of experience).

Do it now OP. You need Abs, sharpish.