Cyst (inc photo) - what to do, worried

[Jericha]

Posting on behalf of my relative, who isn't on MN and not sure what to do next. I do not live with relative but today have seen the cyst and taken the photo.

28/07 - had it for several days and not happy with it. Phone consultation with GP, prescribed AB (flux something). No improvement after 6 days. Phoned GP again. They made a face to face GP appt that day.

GP was apparently on cusp of sending relative to hospital, but thought give it one last try with strong ABs (co something)

Relative now 5 days into the 7 day course and advise the cyst is marginally smaller but redness/swelling/pain the same.

Relative visiting and saying they feel sick is what has prompted me to have a look and post this. Is a&e too extreme? Minor injuries were not interested when she called on Saturday.

Any advice gratefully received.

How many more days of the current AB course has your relative got?

oopps. Sorry. Day 5. I’m thinking she needs a longer course. I would call doctor again today. That looks like a 10-14 day course.

Thank you I am feeding back any responses as I'm with her at the moment.

I would move this to Sporners corner. They seem to know everything about this stuff.

Thanks @rosiebl I will do!

@MNHQ hope this works, please can you move this thread to Sporners corner? Thanks

If they feel unwell also then they need medical attention now - phone the GP or non emergency number

Thanks @custardbear she's on the phone to her GP now

If she’s feeling unwell because of it she needs seeing again. If not, slap some magnesium sulphate on to draw it.

Might need IV antibiotics if flucloxicillin amd co-amoxiclav haven't worked by now. That's a huge area of redness and on the breast too. If I had something that size on my breast and oral antibiotics hadn't worked then I'd be going to an urgent care centre if there is one or minor injuries but A&E if not able to do that or get a GP appointment. It might need incision and drainage followed by IV antibiotics. Former nurse here, don't wait to get it seen again.

Thank you @AlternativelyWired she's left mine now but GP surgery said they will call back with an urgent appointment this afternoon. I will screenshot your advice and send her it to hopefully give her the confidence to be proactive in the appointment. I have said I can take her into hospital/minor injuries if needed.

I'm glad the GP is going to see her.

I would definitely go to minor injuries/A&E. She's at risk of sepsis if it's an abscess and is starting to feel unwell. I had exactly the same and left mine and required surgery.

No one in Sporners Corner will suggest messing around with that noy even me!!

Thank you, she's been seen by a nurse at the doctors surgery and sent to a&e, nurse mentioned surgery and has contacted the hospital to tell them apparently. I'm waiting to hear what they're going to do.

Wish I could edit, I means waiting to hear what the hospital are going to do, not what my relative is going to do!

That looks really painful, I am glad she is getting seen.

hopefully she isn't waiting soon and it's a quick procedure!! best wishes OP

waiting too long**

Thank you! I told her to see someone on Saturday and she wouldn't listen but glad she's where she needs to be now. Hoping for an update from her soon.

how did she get on OP?

Hi @tobi21 so they took bloods at A&E last night and then booked her in for this morning to have ultrasound aspiration rather than an incision due to where it's situated.

She arrived this AM, they apparently took more bloods and examined her and then said she'll need to go to the bigger hospital in the nearest city to the breast clinic (not sure why as there's a breast clinic in the local hospital). She is now home, apparently feeling incredibly sick, waiting for the city hospital to call with their plan and when to come in.

It is honestly so frustrating, it's my mum for full disclosure. I feel very sorry for her but her and my dad are historically useless at being proactive, asking questions, my mum said she told them she'd go home as she would rather be sick in private. So I have no idea how she's doing, when she's going in and her antibiotics run out tomorrow morning and I feel so guilty for feeling annoyed when she desperately wants my support.

@Jericha that is so incredibly frustrating! I can't believe they have let her go home. If oral antibiotics are not helping it sounds like she needs IV antibiotics. Do you know the results of her blood test, because that would show how serious the infection is. I'd be tempted to her to get herself to the new hospital whether they are ready or not. She needs treatment