Diagnose me: Mastitis or Blocked Duct?

[pureeandpearls]

I discovered when feeding my 10wo this afternoon that I have a tender patch on my right boob. It's harder than the rest of the boob and aches when I touch it. I don't have a fever. It's not red.

What is wrong and what should I do to make it stop?

If it gets red, I strongly advise you see a doctor....I had the same and ignored it, as it seemed to go away......then came back a week later at which time i did contact a doctor and was given amoxicillin.....this didn't work, so I went back and was given fluxocillin.....which again did not appear to be working.
Halfway through course went back to doctor today who referred me to A & E and after a long wait I was seen and told the breast was ulcerating. I had an ultrasound on it and then they drained it with only local anaesthetic which was rather painful to say the least, and am now on the strongest of antibiotic and have to go back for more draining on monday. however am not complaining as at one time they were talking surgery.
So my strong opinion is get a medical opinion if you develop any red patch. It can get nasty quickly.
Currently your issue sounds like a blocked duct......get your baby to feed, or massage it out, via a pump or hot compress.....and watch for development of red patch and fever.

I agree with sonsmum, get it checked. it does sound like a blocked duct but it could be mastitis - although you normally feel rotten with this. Definitely massage it loads and feed lots from that side

May I v gently disagree: if you have a sore, hard red patch but are well then it is more likely just a blockage. Which can turn into mastitis if you don't do anything about it.
If, however, you feel unwell, fluey, feverish, shivery get medical adivce sooner rather than later (yes, even at the weekend/out of hours).

sonsmum, sorry to hear you had a terrible time. It sounds like you had a breast abscess which is a complications of mastitis and thankfully does not happen very often. Having it drained is usually the best way to treat it and, as you said, avoids surgery. V best of luck on Monday, hope it all settles really quickly .

HTH, p&p? Now, can we get a spreadsheet ??

Here is what Kellymom has to say on the subject btw.

sonsmum- that sounds really scary!! Hope you get better soon.

Thanks for the advice: I do still feel well and cannot see any redness so am watching and waiting....

Thanks for link Pacific: I will duly sort a spreadsheet....