infective mastitis not going or draining - help!!

[BlackberryandNettle]

I have my second bout of mastitis in 3 weeks and whereas the first time it went very quickly, this time it is much, much worse.

I saw the gp yesterday and he prescribed antibiotics again. I know the advice is to feed through it but the lump is solid and will not let down. The infection has clearly spread around the breast and there is now a red patch on the other. I'm scared by how much worse it is and wonder if there nay be an abcess - there is pus on my breast oad.

Ouch! Have you tried everything possible to get it to drain - moist heat before feeding (hot water in a disposable nappy works), ibuprofen, lecithin? If it's still not improving after a day on the antibiotics I'd go back to the doctor, you may need something stronger. Hope you're feeling better soon.

Have you tried combing your breast in a hot bath?

I needed different antibiotics when mine wouldn't go I had a permenabt lump for a few weeks. But push for a scan from the doctors to rule out and abscess.

In the mean time hot and old compresses, feed or express every couple of hours, massage, using the vibrations from an electric toothbrush can also help to break down the lump.

Thanks everyone. I ended up feeling so unwell and the redness had spread so quickly that we went to A&E. I ended up on 3 intravenous antibiotics and am now home but due at breast clinic for a scan tomorrow. It is still very red and inflanned :-(
Worried but hoping the new drugs will tackle the infection.