Breast abscess - not breastfeeding

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Hi all I have a large lump (size just bigger than my palm) in my breast and I’m waiting for the biopsy results, the consultant thinks this is mastitis and possible abscess.

I just wanted to get feedback of anyone that has had an abscess removal of this size here in the uk on the NHS? Was it drained or removed by surgery? If the latter was you put under for this and how long was your stay in hospital and recovery time? Just would like to prepare myself if this is the case.

Many thanks

I had an abscess because I was given the wrong antibiotics. It was drained every 3 days and luckily I didn't need surgery but they were surprised at that!

You must be feeling utterly rubbish bless you. I remember it very well and it's extremely unpleasant.

Thank you supadupapupascupa for your quick reply! Could I ask was it painful having it drained? I’m feeling awful at the moment I didn’t realise having this would totally wipe me out and the breast pain is another level. I’m on my 2nd round of antibiotics, that’s awful you were prescribed the wrong ones… they did an ultra sound, mammogram and biopsy but they think it’s mastitis and possibly an abscess… it has un nerves me having all those tests, did you have the same done to diagnose yours?

I had a scan at the breast clinic and they saw it straight away.
The first time they emptied it they got two whole syringes full of what looked like custard. It gradually reduced in quantity each time I went.
It hurts, I'm not going to lie but it's bearable and THE RELIEF is immediate. You feel so much better.
The only time it hurt very bad was when my 3 rd day fell in a Saturday and I had to wait until the Monday, it was so full it was coming out of a previous channel made by the syringe needle. It was very sore and they had to hold me down. You can't have anaesthetic as it doesn't work apparently (I have no idea why) The nurses gave me such a cuddle as they knew what was coming but it had to be done. Again the relief was worth it!
And I didn't need to be operated on, which sunrises everyone :-)