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Original poster

My 10 year old DD has bleeding nipples

48 replies

CarofromWton · 05/02/2009 14:29

I have posted this problem before but didn't get any replies, so I'm hoping someone out there will be able to reassure me this time.

DD1 (10) started her periods a couple of weeks ago and has for some time before that had a very small discharge of blood from her nipples every now and again. She also says her nipples are sore when this happens. I'm sure it's linked to puberty, but her breasts are not at all developed yet.

Since she started her periods this bleeding from the nipples has become more frequent and yesterday she bled enough to make quite large patches of blood on her school shirt.

Obviously I shall make an appointment with the doctor but in the meantime does anyone have any experience of this please?

OP posts:
CrushWithEyeliner · 05/02/2009 14:32

Glad you are going to the GP now I would say it was urgent that you do. How is she in herself? Is she fit and well or actually feeling poorly?

bigTillyMint · 05/02/2009 14:34

No experience, but I would deffo get to see the GP - never heard of it before.

DD(9 1/2) had "lumps" in her nipples about 18mths ago - all checked out by paedriatric consultant, etc which really put my mind at rest.
She now has teeny boobies growing!

Original poster
CarofromWton · 05/02/2009 14:34

Yes she is fit and well - no other symptoms except that her periods are all over the place - no specific timing, 1 day on, 4 days off etc. I would expect that in a 10 year old though.

Thanks for your concern Crush.

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Original poster
CarofromWton · 05/02/2009 14:35

Crikey bigtilly - don't they grow up quickly now? They're only children...

OP posts:
theyoungvisiter · 05/02/2009 14:39

this might be a silly question - but is it possible that her nipples are chafing against her school shirt or vest as they are getting more prominent? This might explain the soreness too.

It might be worth trying a soft training bra, especially for sports.

Original poster
CarofromWton · 05/02/2009 14:41

Bra may be an idea although she has no breasts as such yet. I hope it is as simple as chafing though.

OP posts:
bigTillyMint · 05/02/2009 14:51

I know. DD is small for her age too, so it's quite a shock! No other signs yet though.

She is really dreading getting hairs and periods, etc. Poor thing. I remember being quite excited, but I was head and shoulders taller than everyone else at her age!

Original poster
CarofromWton · 05/02/2009 14:56

Yes, DD1 has always been very tall (looks like she's about 14) but she's not physically developed in other ways. However, she has been acting like a teenager for a couple of years and has now developed a few spots, so the periods didn't come as too much of a shock!

Anyway, I have just spoken to the doctor on call on the phone and he isn't too worried about the bleeding from what I've said. He thinks it's all related to her hormones going crazy at the moment! I've got to take her to have a blood test next Tuesday am, so hopefully that won't show up any problems.

Thanks everyone.

OP posts:
bigTillyMint · 05/02/2009 14:59

That's good that the GP has reassured you so quickly

Yes DD has turned into a teenager and won't get up in the mornings

Original poster
CarofromWton · 05/02/2009 16:40

Yes I was really impressed with the service from the doc.

Not really looking forward to the teenage years with 2 DDs! Oh well, as long as they're healthy.

OP posts:
Original poster
CarofromWton · 10/02/2009 21:00

Things go from bad to worse! An update - I took DD1 for the blood test this morning, but despite the nurse being very patient at the appointment DD1 flatly refused to have the blood test as she was terrified.

The nurse gave me some anaesthetic cream to use on her skin and I was told to return later that morning to try again. The second time we even had my mom in tow and I had promised DD1 a treat if she would have the blood test, but as soon as the nurse put the needle in her arm DD1 went berserk! We all spent the next 45 minutes trying to convince DD1 that it was essential she tried again as the nurse only managed to get a very small amount of blood and she was supposed to get 5 vials' worth! The nurse even called in the phlebotamist who just happened to be in the surgery today but DD1 refused to budge.

The whole experience was a nightmare - DD1 became hysterical and screamed the place down, the nurse started shouting at her and DD1, my mom and me all ended up sobbing. Needless to say, we all left the surgery without any further blood being taken.

DH and I feel at our wit's end with DD1 - she's been so hard to live with over the last 2 years and today's episode feels like the last straw. I don't know what's going to happen if the doctor isn't able to get sufficient information from the small amount of blood the nurse managed to get; it may not be possible to treat DD. I feel so sorry for her but also angry today.

DH even confided in me today that, if we had our time again, he would choose not to have children . The anxiety we have had over the last couple of years has really taken it's toll. Sorry if this sounds hard - I couldn't confide this to anyone in real life. We are grateful to have 2 beautiful DDs - just sounding off tonight!

OP posts:
Original poster
CarofromWton · 10/02/2009 21:09

Anyone else ever feel like this about their DCs? Need some reassurance ...

OP posts:
ChampagneDahling · 10/02/2009 21:09

Poor you - but it will pass - all things do - try and grit your teeth and flow through the bad times. You are certainly not alone though - teenage girls (and boys) are hard work but worth it eventually.
Hang on in there [hug]

Original poster
CarofromWton · 10/02/2009 21:16

Thanks Champagne - thought I saw a tumbleweed roll past then I noticed your post! I feel like such a crap mom today.

OP posts:
mamadiva · 10/02/2009 21:17

Hi Caro,

SOrry that you are having such a tough time of it with your DD. I had to go with my little brother (13YO) a few months ago to get blood tests for different reasons obviously but he kicked up hell more out of fear and embarassment than anything else.

They eventually managed on the third attempt wen the doctor quite brutally told him what could happenif he didn't have them, maybe this could be an option it scared the shit out of him for a day or 2 bt really really needed them, turns ut he had Crohns disease after several more tests but just shows they do help.

Also re the chaffing thng I had this from about age 9 as there was no development no one thought about a bra and it was agony so maybe that should be an option?

Would also maybe be a 'special' day ut for you and DD? Take her shopping, have a meal just sit and talk spend time alone together, I never got on too well with my mum and those days were fab for us, we still d it now once a month

LazyLinePainterJane · 10/02/2009 21:19

The nurse shouted at her?

Original poster
CarofromWton · 10/02/2009 21:27

Hi mamadiva,

Thanks for your post - I think it's knowing that the blood tests were so important today that I'm so p**d off. The nurse did speak (and shouted) very firmly at DD today and explained to her that the blood test was essential, as without it, the doctor can't treat the problem.

I'm afraid that the bleeding isn't due to chafing (I wish it was). DD actually has blood pouring out of her nipples at various times everyday now. She was sent home from school yesterday because the blood had gone right through her crop top, vest and shirt. I have bought her a couple of first bras, primarily because I have started cutting up sanitory towels and placing them in the bra cups in the hope that they will stay in place!

It's affecting DD's everyday life now - I'm washing her bloody (not swearing!) clothes everyday, she can't go to swimming and she dreads PE at school. Also it has become painful for her - her nipples sometimes swell up and she cries out just before the bleeding occurs - saying the pain is like an insect biting her nipples!

I've never heard of anything like this before and it scares me silly. I'm keen to get her treatment asap, which is why today was such a frustrating experience. The nurse has sent off the small blood sample for examination and says she will phone me soon.

OP posts:
Original poster
CarofromWton · 10/02/2009 21:33

Yes Lazy the nurse shouted at her and really lost her rag. In her defence she apologized after and explained that she just had to try anything to get the blood test done as the soft approach was clearly not working.

I can't criticize the nurse - I've also lost it in the past!

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BlueSapphire77 · 10/02/2009 21:43

It may be a hormonal thing.
My DD.. now 14, had this when she was 9 but not on the scale you describe. It was put down to hormones by all blood tests/doctors/you name it.

The small blood sample should be ok. Please don't be angry with DD she was probably either terrified of the needle or really worried about what the BT would show?? Its amazing what kids think and how they get themselves into a tizzy and we are no different, i myself am not bothered by needles but the dentist??!! Eek. Would rather get pliers and pull my own teeth.
And who hasn't put off going for a smear cos its uncomfy of they have had a bad result in the past and are scared of having another, even though avoiding the smear will not change this, its just human nature.

Original poster
CarofromWton · 11/02/2009 13:09

Thanks Bluesapphire - it's nice to know that someone has come across the bleeding problem before. I guessed it was hormonal as it has become a lot worse since DD started her periods.

I know everyone has their fears - I'm ok with everything except smear tests, but I do force myself to have them (then spend the next hour crying and getting over it!). I appreciate that DD was very frightened of having the blood test, but she seems to be afraid of so many things that, after a while you tend to lose sympathy.

You're right though - I shall try to keep calm with her and be kind. I'm a little calmer myself today (thank God!)

Thanks everyone for your support - if there's anyone else out there who has heard of this problem please let me know.

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Original poster
CarofromWton · 11/02/2009 13:25

bump if any experience out there please?

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bigTillyMint · 11/02/2009 13:26

Oh Caro, just picked up this thread again - it sounds awful and very worrying

Could you offer her a bribe if she has to do the blood test again?

just remembered that DD had to have a blood test when she had the lump in the nipple thing - she was soooo good and didn't make any fuss, but I had prepared her before and had a bribe lolly ready- maybe that helped?

DD has been a little cow recently - not just refusing to get up, but really rude and petulant and nasty to all of us, so you have my sympathies.

DH and I do try to keep calm and positive, but sometimes she is beyond the pale - it's not just you

Original poster
CarofromWton · 11/02/2009 13:33

Hi Tilly - I am right with you with the behaviour thing - it's sometimes like living in a nightmare - I dread getting out of bed atm.

Actually I did offer DD a bribe for doing the blood test and before we went in to see the nurse the second time she promised me she would do it as (to quote her) she trusts me and knows I wouldn't do anything to hurt her. However, when the fear took over, all reason left her.

Poor DD - I really feel for her as she's having such a rough time lately. We also had to have our old beloved border collie put to sleep 3 weeks ago and I don't think she's over that yet! Actually I don't think any of us are.

OP posts:
ChampagneDahling · 11/02/2009 13:54

OMG it all happens at once doesn't it - life comes in waves and just when you think nothing else can go wrong peding yes it does.

Try and hang on in there. Completely understand the trauma over needles and blood test - had similar prob with DD - ended up with DH and I both literally holding her down - it is still one of my worst memories - don't think she was too chuffed either!! . Nurse said they hardly ever take blood from teenagers because it traumatises them so much, so I guess it must be really important when they do.

Cut up sanitary towels good idea. It must be very scary for her. Make sure she has good diet with plenty of iron, you don't need her to get anaemic on top of everything else.

Hope it gets better soon and let us know what happens.

solidgoldbullet4myvalentine · 11/02/2009 14:02

How about a mild tranquilizer before the blood test? You can get stuff from health food shops (Quiet LIfe, Kalms etc) they are harmless, non-addictive etc and TBH I think they are pretty much placebos, but they might help a suggestible or iimaginative teenager.
Poor little girl, though. SHe must be utterly terrified as well as embarrassed: I do hope that it gets sorted out soon.

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