Pain in left breast - when to go to doctor

[panicQ]

I have had pain in my left breast for several weeks now. Some of the time it is a dull ache and sometimes it sends shooting pains down my armpit and left breast.
It is probably perimenopause, though I had a hysterectomy several years ago so I have no way of telling.
I am much more afraid of being examined than worried about a diagnosis. I don't want to go to the doctor and be examined just to be told to come back in a couple of weeks and have to do it all over again.
How long should I monitor it before finding the courage to go to the GP.
Please don't tell me that they have seen it all before - there is a reason for my fear and the fear cripples me.

It wasn't so bad last night but it is worse today. I can't go to dr till next week as in laws now coming on Friday. Hopefully it will go away. I'm not sure I have the courage for the dr anyway.

The thought of being examined sends me in to sheer panic.

Is your gp sympathetic? Maybe you could bypass being examined at the surgery if you explain your fears but you'd have to be examined at the breast clinic. Your gp could give you something temporarily for the anxiety.

The more you worry about the pain the more it will bother you. After a year or so of various health issues and associated anxiety I am a firm believer that if you think about a body part long and intently enough, you’ll feel a pain in it.

In the meantime try evening primrose oil but it takes weeks to work unfortunately.

Sorry op but with a problem like this, I very much doubt that you’ll be able to avoid having an examination

Put your big girl pants on (and take something to relax you) and go to the doctors. No one can tell you not to worry apart from the gp.
Do it for your children. Think of them every time you panic and the whole time you are there.
Hope it's ok and not as bad as you think

Pain so bad and brufen not working I have called GP.
They booked me in with nurse male practictioner tomorrow. Now they have rung back to say he can't see me and there is nothing till Monday. This is really really bad for my anxiety.
I have asked them to ring me if there is a cancellation before then.
Wish I had just decided to leave it till next week.

I feel sick with fear now!

Could it be an abscess?

Mine are abscess type problems. Op ring out of hours. The anxiety will make you feel worse. Wish I could do more than a hand hold.

Thank you chicken75. I can't ring out of hours - it's not urgent. I am ringing the GP every half an hour till 6.10 in case they have a cancellation.
I am now crippled with anxiety. Wish I had decided to do nothing. I'm just pressing refreshing on here endlessly
I have no CBT this week either to help me through.
I should have stuck to my guns but pain is getting worse so I thought I would try to be brave!

I really, really think you’ve done the right thing and should be proud of yourself.

I get your anxiety - I have health anxiety too. You should be really proud of yourself. Just take deep breaths and realise that trying to make the appointment is only a positive thing. Well done. Can you access some cbt online? Can you join a supportive group online? The quicker you see someone the quicker it can get sorted and you can relax.

If the pain is so bad that painkillers aren't working and affecting you lifting things and sleep isn't that good enough reason to ring out of hours gp?

Every time I have spoken to the GP surgery today they have said something different. Last one said they were closed now at the time the previous one said I could call for cancellations!
First one said she would call me if there was a cancellation and the second said they didn't do that!
I give up!

If you are in that much pain I think out of hours is warranted. Actually to access out of hours here you have to ring the 111 line which I did for my last flare up. They can help you x

Even if you make an appointment the GP needs your consent to examine you.

Could you go wearing a thin vest and ask it would be enough to examine you through that. If that's not going to work your GP can explain why not. Loads of people have medical type phobias your GP will understand but do explain you're scared first, don't just grin and bear it

Also at my GP both out of hours via 111 and in normal surgery via reception
you can request a phone call with the doctor, wonder if they do this at yours?

Sorry that should have said "ask IF it would be enough to examine you through that"
At least if you have a phone call they can decide if it's urgent and explain what they need to do
Hope you feel better soon

I doubt go will examine/feel you. I expect they will refer for a mammogram as even if they did examin you it's hardly going to be conclusive in any way.

GP not go (obviously!)

I didn't think they were allowed to refer without examining themselves. Mamogram sounds more than I can cope with. Just had a bath and relax but its no better.

You can do this.
What would you say to your kids if they were in this situation?

House4 thank you so much for the encouragement. You are right, I would tell the kids that they could do it.
GP will be terrifying but I hope he will just listen to my chest and say its deferred pain
I feel so silly, it's so pathetic.
I am just so grateful for the communication, answers and encouragement from here. You are keeping me going.

Should I try to forget about it till the Monday appointment or try to get a cancellation tomorrow?

You could try phoning in the morning as soon as the appointment line opens?