Have got the docs on Monday about teh pain and itching I keep getting

[Saltire]

In my left breast. I'm getting a bit paranoid now, the pain feels like a pulled muscle - I had it last year/2 years ago and was told that's what it was, but it's getting more frequent and even slight pressure, such as lying on it hurts, there is also what looks like a tiny bruise there. Also the nipple is very very itchy, and looks very red. I almost want to claw it off as it's so itchy.

It's going to be nothing serious is it?

Oh my god - are you me?

I have almost the exact same thing. I often get an aching breast, and was terrified it was something sinister - I went to the doctor with symptoms of breast pain and an itchy nipple (also in the left breast btw), and GP thought she could feel a lump, so I was referred very quickly to the breast clinic.
I had two ultrasounds and two consultations and there was nothing sinister to be found.

Anyway a few weeks later I developed a spot under the same boob - left it for ages and picked at examined it a bit, so eventually had to go and get antibiotics as it was infected. This made it lots better but I was left with a big black bruise mark under the skin. Nurse said this was fine post infection and will either clear up or may stay like that forever.

Then a few days ago I looked at it again and it was quite bulbous and very black (I know, disgusting), and also had a red ring around it. I went back to nurse and she gave me more antibiotics, and said that it might be a cavity under the skin that they need to drain and pack .

I know I shouldn't think the worst but I keep thinking what if some parasite has burrowed into my breast or something - I'm sure I read a story about this happening to a woman who didn't wash her bra before she wore it for the first time .

Just realised I am waffling on and in no way helping you!

I am sure it will be fine - I still have the itchy nipple but apparently it's just nipple eczema.

The important thing is you are getting it checked out.

I do tend to be very paranoid - all 4 of my dad's siters have had breast cancer and my only female cousin had it too (she sadly died). Am very wound up about it, I admit to that

I had an itchy nipple a few yrs ago and was sent for mammogram ..turned out to be nothing .

However I now have eczema on both nipples and it drives me mad.
I have tried all sorts of creams to no avail.
The only thing that has really helped has been wearing a sleep bra to help with the itching at night.

Anywya pain is meant to be a good sign , as in very rarely turns out to be breast cancer. I am also reassuring you that nipple itchiness can just be annoying eczema.

Hope you get some reassurance soon.

Well, presumably you've made your docs appt haven't you?

If you've sorted that for early next week, then go off and do something else & don't think about it.

If not, get it sorted asap, then less time for worrying

I ahve the appointment on Monday. Im now getting really paranoid, I keep checking to see if theres a lump

TRy not to. Really if you've got the appt nailed, and if you are going in there to ask for a reasoned diagnosis rather than be fobbed off with take liquids/have a paracetamol, then that is as far as you can go now.

I would suggest you make a large list of jobs and fun things to do, mpre than you could possibly do this weekend, and work your way through so you have no time to think about it.

Saltire - I felt the same when I was waiting for my appointment, but I was very happy when my GP referred me to the breast clinic to rule out anything more.

I too am paranoid, and all sorts of thoughts went through my head - but the others are right - keep as busy as possible over the weekend.

Explain your fears and family history to the GP - don't get fobbed off - even if there is no lump, I would still urge them to refer you so that your fears can be put to rest.

It could be mastitis with a bit of nipple eczema - apparently it is quite common.

Well, she found something. I explained everything to her, and she ahd a good examination. She said she could feel something - not a lump, but more what felt like thicker muscle. She ahs referred me to the specialist, but said it could be something to do with hormones and my age (nearly 40), but becuae of family history she is going to refer me. Waiting for her to ring me back

Good, you got things moving.

I know but now I am worrying myself sick about what it is!

Try not to worry - my GP found something too, but it was nothing. Apparently I have lumpy breast tissue in both breasts.
Remember pain is a good sign - it is unlikely to be anything serious.
You will probably get seen within a week too which means you won't have to wait too long.
Hope you are ok.

She rang back to say she was going to speak to the consultant tomorrow, and hopefully will have an appointment for me in the next week or so
She also wants mt have an ECG on Friday, and asked me lots of questions about my heart

sorry have only just seen your post
Any more news yet?
I know it is deperately worrying but the chances that it is just fibrous tissue is high.
Weird about her asking about your heart though?

I had a suspected heart attack in 2009, and she was asking questions to see if it was my heart again.

No word yet of an appointemnt. I know it could be nothing, but I keep having all these "what if" thoughts and haven't slept properly for 2 nights. I am suppsoed to be starting childminding again soon too, but again I keep thinking "what if"

Got my appointment through for next week.
I know I shouldn't but I am getting my self really worked up about the whole thing