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Original poster

Pain in left breast - when to go to doctor

162 replies

panicQ · 23/10/2018 18:17

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.

OP posts:
House4 · 02/11/2018 16:11

I was thinking about you today so thought I'd look to see if you have updated. Sorry to hear you are still in pain and obviously feeling anxious still. The poster who said about exercise helping - that def works for me although I do housework to help (as normally hate it!). It does help take the edge off the nervous energy a little.
Watching something funny helps too - or browsing reddit - anything to take your kind off it.
Hope your Christmas decorations look great Smile

Original poster
panicQ · 04/11/2018 20:14

Totally gutted, I thought that exercise might be worth trying as I had a better day yesterday so went swimming this afternoon. Bad idea - pain back! Back at work tomorrow too.

OP posts:
MsForestierinParis · 04/11/2018 21:25

Oh no!

Prescribes wine instead Wine.

Original poster
panicQ · 06/11/2018 08:14

Need to give myself a severe talking to this morning. Had aweful dreams about the diagnosis last night. I’m not even worried about. It felt so real!
It’s only the process that is stressing me out. Weird!!

OP posts:
MsForestierinParis · 06/11/2018 20:28

Waiting is the worst. Try to keep yourself occupied. It is hard, I know.

Original poster
panicQ · 08/11/2018 10:53

Pain really bad in the shower in one spot in particular. Not sure if I felt a lump and am too scared to try again. Massive surge of pain touching it which hasn’t gone away. I am a bit scared now.

OP posts:
Original poster
panicQ · 08/11/2018 10:54

Probably all in my imagination and clinic will send me away for wasting their time on Tuesday

OP posts:
MsForestierinParis · 08/11/2018 11:13

I'm not medical panic but in my case I was diagnosed with fibrocystic breasts which is a benign lumpy, painful condition common in your 40s. The clinic will never consider you as having wasted their time - they are always happy to check things out. I am an anxious person so found it difficult to deal with the stress of waiting to go to the clinic. I am glad I went though.

MsForestierinParis · 08/11/2018 11:18

Also if you can, bring someone with you. When I panic I don't take information in and the person I was with was able to remember what the consultant said afterwards.

Original poster
panicQ · 08/11/2018 14:55

I was going to go on my own

OP posts:
MsForestierinParis · 09/11/2018 10:05

I was glad I had someone with me. I was so panicked I stayed in the wrong waiting room and would probably still be there now if my friend hadn't pointed it out!

Seaweed42 · 09/11/2018 11:13

I went on my own. Lots of people were on their own. Going is the most important part, so go whatever way you can manage to go. The staff know everyone is anxious and expecting the worst so they are very nice and helpful. Best of luck.

3luckystars · 09/11/2018 13:08

So I had been replying because of similar pain. (Under my arm) I went to the doctor a month ago and she found a sore spot and asked me to come back in 3 weeks. So I did and she found the sore spot again.
I couldn't find it myself!

Anyway she referred me and said she was NOT WORRIED and I said that I wasn't either, but have been having a lot of pain since. Maybe I should call back because she said the referral was 12 weeks wait.

The doctor took only 2 minutes examining me and was really gentle and nice. I hope your doctor is nice to you too.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Original poster
panicQ · 09/11/2018 15:35

Thanks. My husband is going to ask if he can have time off work to come with me.
The two weeks is starting to go quickly and I just feel like a good cry but can't. Must pull myself together! I am now terrified of being examined, even more terrified that they will do a Mammogram (especially if there is a lump there) and I'm now a bit scared about the result which I wasn't two weeks ago!!
I am so grateful for your replies. Each one means so much.

I got blood test results back today which say my cholesterol is a bit high so I can't take Ibuprofen any more.

OP posts:
MsForestierinParis · 09/11/2018 15:40

They are really lovely Panic. The exam was fine and the consultant was so gentle.

Flowers and since it's Friday WineCake

House4 · 09/11/2018 19:34

Although your blood test came back as high cholesterol I would take it as a huge reassurance that all other readings were normal.
Fingers crossed for your husband getting the time off too.
I have remembered something I want to recommend to you. Once went to a Derren Brown evening. Was fab. Anyway a couple of years ago my DS had to be checked out for something serious. I cannot explain how anxious and upset I was (even though he got the all clear I still couldn't think of this time without having a bit of a panic attack). Derren asked us to think about something that has caused us upset and he took us on a 'journey' to calm us down whenever you think of it. OMG it really worked. Could you look into hypnotherapy or something similar to help you?

Original poster
panicQ · 12/11/2018 14:28

I can’t believe that time has gone so quickly and the appointment is tomorrow. I just hope I can go through with it. I feel so ashamed

OP posts:
madmum5811 · 12/11/2018 14:32

are you still in pain?

Original poster
panicQ · 12/11/2018 14:36

Yes

OP posts:
Seaweed42 · 12/11/2018 15:34

Think of the people that are important to you. You are putting yourself through this so you can get on and live your life and spend time with those people you love. If you have feelings of shame, then you'll just have to bring them with you along with your bag, your coat and your phone. Your feelings think they are helping you by stopping you do stuff they think could be dangerous. So their intentions are honourable!
You are doing the RIGHT THING, doing something important for yourself, even if your feelings would beg to differ with you. Best of luck with it!

Original poster
panicQ · 12/11/2018 23:34

Do you think they will still do a mammogram If the pain has gone in the morning?

OP posts:
Rememory · 13/11/2018 09:10

You need the mammogram - I know that's easy for someone to say when we've not been through what you have but you know you need it. I kept my gown on throughout and it was over very quickly. Good luck today Thanks

3luckystars · 13/11/2018 09:39

Best wishes today.
The pain in mine is constant now so I am actually going back to the doctor today as I can't wait 12 weeks for a mammogram. We are in exactly opposite situations :)

I hope you get on well today x

madmum5811 · 13/11/2018 13:05

3 lucky stars, 12 weeks!!

FestiveForestieraNoel · 13/11/2018 13:08

Panic thinking of you today. Hope all goes well Flowers