2 week referral possible breast cysts - but sooh painful

[madampresident]

Over the weekend one breast felt very tender, totally of the blue; managed to get a GP appointment and a 2-week fast-track. GP found two or three small lumps which she says are most likely cysts, which is a relief of course, BUT --- has anyone had these, and found the condition really painful? I can't lean forward or have even the lightest pressure on that side without feeling pain. Have to get through the next 8 days (leading up to the appointment) without worry going through the roof and this would be easier if I didn't feel so tender :-( All and any breast cyst thoughts and experiences welcome - thanks in advance.

Could it be mastitis? I had this (wasn't pregnant or breast feeding!) and was very painful, had to be put on antibiotics. The next year I had a lump of cysts, was seen through the 2 week fast track to be told I had lots of harmless cysts probably due to my age, was told they's go over time, and they did.
Is your breast red, how old are you?

Yes I’ve had sore cysts looked at through the 2 week wait. The pain reduced slowly but mammogram for the first was still sore, so I would recommend taking paracetamol on the day. They drain them if you want at the breast clinic and after that they stopped hurting. They both came from nothing to 5cm plus painful lumps in no time. The first I was really worried, second was two years later and I was fairly sure it was the same thing, so less stressful. Good luck.

Thank you so much for your replies getting desperate here. Notaboutthebass I wondered about mastitis but they took my temperature at the GP and checked for redness and didn't find anything unusual. Also kept asking if I felt "OK in myself" which I do. Am 5 years post-menopause so don't think it would be to do with hormonal fluctuations that have somehow brought this about? I am on the lookout for changes that might indicate an infection though - rednes and high temperature?

Newyeardelurker I can imagine mammogram pain! And that's shocking how fast the cysts 'grew'. I've spent hours (yes hours) on mumsnet looking for stories and some seem to say that the draining process was painful but right now I'd do just about anything that would ease the soreness I have. Good idea to have painkiller on the day of the mammo.

Not sure why the cross-outs in the last post!

Thank you so much for your replies getting desperate here. Notaboutthebass I wondered about mastitis but they took my temperature at the GP and checked for redness and didn't find anything unusual. Also kept asking if I felt "OK in myself" which I do. Am 5 years post-menopause so don't think it would be to do with hormonal fluctuations that have somehow brought this about? I am on the lookout for changes that might indicate an infection though - rednes and high temperature?
Newyeardelurker I can imagine mammogram pain! And that's shocking how fast the cysts 'grew'. I've spent hours (yes hours) on mumsnet looking for stories and some seem to say that the draining process was painful but right now I'd do just about anything that would ease the soreness I have. Good idea to have painkiller on the day of the mammo.

When I've had mastitis, the breast pain has been accompanied by fluey type aches in my limbs. Wishing you good luck in your tests and an early appointment, OP.

I meant to say that when I had the lumps the year after the mastitis they weren't painful. Also when I had the mastitis I had no fever. Maybe go back to get a second opinion.
A very high number of patients that get referred get told that it's nothing serious. Try to stay positive.

@Notaboutthebass that's interesting to know re mastitis not necessarily showing up with fever etc

@cecinestpasunepipe thanks!

I've had mastitis that turned into an abscess and that was extremely painful! The telltale signs of that were a rapidly growing lump, red-hot to touch, swollen and very painful. It about tripled in size in the space of a weekend (and burst before I could get back to the hospital to have it drained again, which was every bit as disgusting as you can imagine!). If you think it might be an abscess then go back as you might need antibiotics.

Weirdly I had no flu symptoms and felt well in myself, which everyone was amazed about as my abscess was about the size of a large orange! 😬 They kept asking and taking my temp but aside from a slightly raised temperature one day, I had no other symptoms than the localised ones.

Hi for me the draining was quick and painless both times. Just for info. Best of luck again, try not to worry.

Hello all - 5 more days to go till clinic - am OK but have failed to stop reading and researching. Am alarmed at the range of 'red flag' symptoms developing inverted nip, peau d'orange patch of skin..... can all this really be cause by a few benign cysts? I remember the GP saying "I think you've definitely had them for more than a few days" (which is when I first noticed the tenderness -- just a few days ago). All thoughts and experiences welcome. x

If they are cysts, then evening primrose oil (taken orally) can help. I've had them for years, they're painful on and off.