Mastitis not responding to treatment, advice please!!

[fruitpastille]

So, I have lost count of the number of times I have had mastitis with 3dc. Sometimes I have managed to get over it with just ibuprofen and lots of feeding. The times where I have been more unwell, antibiotics (flucloxocillin) have cleared it up quickly. My last bout was pretty mild and although I got antibiotics, I didn't take them but put them by for future need.

On thursday eve I felt the familiar symptoms, shivery, pain, redness etc. Went to bed but in morning felt no better so decided to take the antibiotics I had, expecting to start feeling better quite quickly. However even now I am not great. Boob still very red and very sore. I am less feverish but still a bit clammy and less energy than normal. Quite a bit of soreness in armpit is making me favour my other arm. I have tried expressing, massage, hot shower, lengthy feeds to try and clear the blockage but it just isn't working :-( Obviously I will be making gp appointment first thing to tomorrow but I must admit I am considering our local minor injuries as I am getting paranoid about possible abcess! No obvious lump visually but I can feel lumpy bits - are these just blocked ducts? Is it normal for it to take a few days to improve? Feeling pretty low (not helped by dd1 sick bug and under the weather dh - woe is me...) wwyd?

You poor thing. No great advice I'm afraid but just to say that recurrent mastitis can be linked to cow's milk protein intolerance in baby. I believe it's quite an uncommon presentation but if there are any indications of this in your LO might be worth mentioning to GP.

I think imperfect latch and problems such as tongue tie are probably more common reasons for recurrent mastitis so it might be very worthwhile getting this checked too.

It certainly can take several days for things to settle with established mastitis and it sounds as though it's affecting your underarm lymph nodes too so may well be a case where antibiotics are needed. Blocked ducts could be causing the lumpiness and perhaps predisposing to mastitis so again latch issues may be worth assessing.

Hopefully someone with personal experience might be along soon to suggest things that might help ease the symptoms in the meantime!

Sorry, just see that you've started antibiotics already! Def worth a GP visit so just in case any changes needed and to rule out abscess. X

Thanks. Have had a bit of a sorry for myself cry on dh who has tried to convince me it is less red. Lymph node thing makes sense so will try not to panic.

I know why it keeps happening but it feels so unfair sometimes! Bit of over supply plus using nipple shields is the only thing that makes it tolerable (have had lots of advice in the past re latch but nothing has ever resolved it). Almost 5 months now. Wanted to do 6 but i think enough is enough. Mind you i am scared of yet more bouts however slowly we introduce bottles.

Well stick with the antiBs- it can take a while to start receding but as long as it at least isn't getting any worse that's good news.

I really feel for you- the worst I've had so far is a blocked duct and I felt totally down and worried about it at the time! It really is miserable to be doing something you know is good and this is the thanks you get.

Be kind to yourself and listen to your DH's optimism! Whatever you decide you've obviously done a fantastic job to pursue it this far despite all the difficulties, so here

There's some good advice on the Kellymom website on clearly repeated mastitis (have you read that already). There's a particular supplement you can take to help clear repeated blocked ducts. Can't remember what it's called (but I read about it on Kellymom), but I used it and that coincided with me clearing my endless blocked ducts and repeated mastitis. I think I did some other crazy things like taking raw garlic (it's antibacterial!) and combed the shit out of my lumpy boob (with a wide-toothed comb) under as hot a shower as I could bear.

I presume you've had DC checked for tongue tie? Poor latch = poor drainage = increased risk of blocked ducts and mastitis. That was the root cause in our case.

I think the supplement is lecithin. Apparently you can get it in Holland & Barrett but I've not tried it.

I usually find it improves after a day or so, but there's obviously the chance you might also have whatever bug your dd1 & dh have for double whammy misery .

Lecithin is the supplement that can help with blocked ducts - I was plagued with them first time round (also had massive oversupply) and I definitely felt like it made a difference.

I've not had mastitis since I started taking lecithin capsules three times a day. I get mine from H&B. I had an abscess too so I'm doing everything I can to prevent it from recurring. I also massage with a Weleda nursing oil every night before bed, and have a hot bath every evening.

Another recommendation for lecithin. I am due dc2 any day now and will start taking this as had so many problems with dc1 until I did.

Hmm, might try the lecithin. I do have latch issues and have found nipple shields the only way to bf plus tendancy to over supply. I know why i keep getting mastitis but the number of times is getting ridiculous now. Tongue tie checked by specialist feeding personcat hospital. I am happy to switch to formula at 6 months as I did with ds and dd1 so not too much longer.

GP has given me an extra 7 days ABs and the usual advice. She also suggested a blood test for diabetes! Can't remember exact reason but harmless to check I guess.

Frequent soft tissue infections can be a symptom of diabetes so worth checking, though in your case it does seem as if there are other factora to blame!

Get well soon OP

*factors!

I had to try an different antibiotics as the first type which I took a number of times reduced the symptoms but it came back when I stopped taking them. Could be worth discussing with your GP.