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.

How did it go OP?

Still in shock perhaps?

Sorry for the delayed reply. I did find the whole process very distressing despite the calm efficiency and kindness of the nurses. The Mammographer kept telling me to open my eyes do I didn't faint. I couldn't manage that!!
They couldn't find anything which is both a relief and frustrating. I was hoping they would find some small easy thing to deal with to get rid of the pain.
Thank you all so much to you all for your support over the last 3 weeks. I am so grateful.

So relieved for you and well done on going. Did they recommend anything for the pain?

I remember feeling like I was waltzing with the mammogram machine - it felt odd to stand there!

I was prescribed evening primrose oil for breast pain OP, glad all went OK

What a great relief. So pleased for you .
Well done on going through with it. You should be so proud of yourself

That's good news OP. Well done on making the appt. I can only imagine how much it took to get there. Well done x

That is great news!

Can I ask a really stupid question now; did they mammogram both breasts or just the one that was hurting you?

I have 10 more weeks to wait for mine!

Although the doctor is convinced that mine is muscular and reassured me that cancer doesn't really 'hurt' at this stage. She is an amazing doctor so I trust her completely.

I've since been.thinking about it and have a pain across my higher back (does that sound right) basically the same area, just at the back. So I'm thinking it's posture or phone use that's causing it all and I hope that's all it is for me too and fingers crossed I will get the all clear too.

Thanks for the update again.

Aha! Now I have an appointment in a weeks time. Lumps in both. Painful in one. Hoping for fluid

3 LuckyStars There is no such thing as a silly question!! Yes, they do both breasts always. I guess they are then able to see what is normal for you. Your GP must be very convinced that it is muscular because they normally put you on the 2 week wait just in case. I hope that is reassuring.

PouchofDouglas. Thinking of you. Statistically the chances of the lump being serious is very small.

My pain hasn't gone away but the lump has.

Please both of you let me know how you get on.

OP are you feeling better now, and everyone else?