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Original poster

Lump in armpit - need advice!

20 replies

Moonchild5 · 30/10/2024 16:52

I started with a very small lump in my armpit about a year & a half ago maybe the size of a small polystyrene ball - grew to about a pea size up until last week. It got bigger, changed shape & was slightly red. Been to the doctors 4/5 times about it since I’ve had it. Was given antibiotics last week & was told it was infected. Stopped the antibiotics on Saturday. My arm has gotten a lot worse, even bigger, more painful & more red. Being where it is moving my arm etc will be aggravating it which doesn’t help. Was given more antibiotics today as I was really worried about it so phone the doctors again. I’m due to have removed in about 2 weeks & have heard the infection needs to go away before removal. Anyone had a similar experience or is there anything I can try to get it away? It’s so painful I can barely lift my daughter & do simple tasks. Thanks

Lump in armpit - need advice!
Lump in armpit - need advice!
OP posts:
Original poster
Moonchild5 · 30/10/2024 17:21

Also to add most of it is under the skin so doesn’t look that big but when I touch it it’s quite big & rock solid

OP posts:
LapinR0se · 30/10/2024 17:24

probably needs to be lanced at this point

mathanxiety · 30/10/2024 17:26

Go and get it lanced.

It's a quick procedure and they should prescribe antibiotics to kill off infection as it heals.

Original poster
Moonchild5 · 30/10/2024 18:10

I’m assuming they would do that at the appointment instead of removing it in 2 weeks. The doctor wants me to take these antibiotics & phone them afterwards if it’s not gone away I don’t think I can just request to have that done

OP posts:
mathanxiety · 31/10/2024 01:05

One of my DCs had a similar looking lump lanced when it was infected. Apparently the pus that came out smelled worse than a pig farm.

It definitely can be lanced while still infected. My DC couldn't comfortably use their arm, hold it at their side, etc.

harzeronlineverkauf · 31/10/2024 01:28

I'm really sorry to hear what you're going through—it sounds incredibly uncomfortable and stressful. It's good that you've been in touch with your doctor, and getting a second round of antibiotics is a positive step. Infections can sometimes take a bit longer to clear up, especially if they're in an area that's difficult to keep still.
While waiting for your appointment and to see if the antibiotics help, here are a few things you might consider:

  1. Rest and Elevation: Try to keep your arm as still as possible and elevate it when you can to reduce swelling.
  2. Cold Compress: Applying a cold pack wrapped in a cloth to the area might help reduce inflammation and pain.
  3. Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the pain and inflammation, but check with your doctor if you’re unsure about using them.
  4. Avoid Irritation: Try to avoid tight clothing or anything that might rub against the area to minimize irritation.
  5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the lump for any changes in size, color, or if it becomes increasingly painful, and report these to your doctor.

It's important to follow up with your doctor if things don't improve or if they worsen, especially since you have a procedure coming up. Wishing you a smooth recovery!

LadyCurd · 31/10/2024 02:11

harzeronlineverkauf · 31/10/2024 01:28

I'm really sorry to hear what you're going through—it sounds incredibly uncomfortable and stressful. It's good that you've been in touch with your doctor, and getting a second round of antibiotics is a positive step. Infections can sometimes take a bit longer to clear up, especially if they're in an area that's difficult to keep still.
While waiting for your appointment and to see if the antibiotics help, here are a few things you might consider:

  1. Rest and Elevation: Try to keep your arm as still as possible and elevate it when you can to reduce swelling.
  2. Cold Compress: Applying a cold pack wrapped in a cloth to the area might help reduce inflammation and pain.
  3. Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the pain and inflammation, but check with your doctor if you’re unsure about using them.
  4. Avoid Irritation: Try to avoid tight clothing or anything that might rub against the area to minimize irritation.
  5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the lump for any changes in size, color, or if it becomes increasingly painful, and report these to your doctor.

It's important to follow up with your doctor if things don't improve or if they worsen, especially since you have a procedure coming up. Wishing you a smooth recovery!

Edited

AI post?

TheDeepLemonHelper · 31/10/2024 02:14

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Pinkbonbon · 31/10/2024 02:30

Ooft. I woulda done it myself ages ago.

Probably not wise but I couldn't be arsed with all the fannying about waiting.

TheDeepLemonHelper · 31/10/2024 02:32

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Attelina · 31/10/2024 02:34

@Pinkbonbon same here. That would have had a sterilised needle in it to create an outlet to the surface and then. A glass bottle submerged in hot not boiling water then places over it so that as it cools it creates a vacuum and all the trapped pus sucked into the bottle. Lots of TCP afterwards. Job done.

Pinkbonbon · 31/10/2024 02:43

Attelina · 31/10/2024 02:34

@Pinkbonbon same here. That would have had a sterilised needle in it to create an outlet to the surface and then. A glass bottle submerged in hot not boiling water then places over it so that as it cools it creates a vacuum and all the trapped pus sucked into the bottle. Lots of TCP afterwards. Job done.

I was thinking needle and plenty of booze xD ... strictly for sterilisation purposes of course.

Original poster
Moonchild5 · 31/10/2024 08:50

mathanxiety · 31/10/2024 01:05

One of my DCs had a similar looking lump lanced when it was infected. Apparently the pus that came out smelled worse than a pig farm.

It definitely can be lanced while still infected. My DC couldn't comfortably use their arm, hold it at their side, etc.

I know it can be lanced while infected but the sac doesn’t get removed if it’s lanced. If it had been removed pre infection the sac would be removed as well. Lancing only drains the pus

OP posts:
Original poster
Moonchild5 · 31/10/2024 08:52

I don’t think I would touch it I have health anxiety & would be too scared I made it worse. I caught a glance of my leg last night & think I have phlebitis again where I had it while I was pregnant last year & have loads of bruises on my legs as well going to phone docs again today

OP posts:
TheDeepLemonHelper · 31/10/2024 09:08

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This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Original poster
Moonchild5 · 02/11/2024 08:20

My arm looks like this today is this a good sign it’s healing now that it’s came to a head?

Lump in armpit - need advice!
OP posts:
Tumbleweed101 · 02/11/2024 09:17

I had a lump come up in my armpit
when I was about 8/9yo. It was an in-growing abscess and it was drained under anaesthetic the same day. I still have the scar!

I don’t know the technicalities around it though due to my age at the time.

TouchOfSilverShampoo · 02/11/2024 09:25

That looks so painful but I'm impressed at the head on it!!! Make sure it's dressed op, that's going to go bang and you want to reduce the risk of further infection.

Original poster
Moonchild5 · 02/11/2024 11:08

TouchOfSilverShampoo · 02/11/2024 09:25

That looks so painful but I'm impressed at the head on it!!! Make sure it's dressed op, that's going to go bang and you want to reduce the risk of further infection.

its already leaked twice yesterday & burst again this morning but I have a dressing on it this morning just waiting in a&e just now

OP posts:
TouchOfSilverShampoo · 06/11/2024 13:34

Hope it went well op, how is the healing?

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