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Member since 11/6/04
Posts: 903
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Posted on: 9/28/08 6:58 PM ET
I am being treated for my third breast infection in 4 years. The first two were cellulitis. They think this one is mastitis but want to watch it carefully as the symptoms are very similar to a rare form of breast cancer.

I am 43 years old and my daughter is 14 years old - I haven't been nursing for years. I do not understand why I am getting these infections. When I do web searches, the info is mostly for women who are breastfeeding or cows.

Does anyone have any experience with this problem?
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 7614
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Posted on: 9/28/08 7:14 PM ET
I had mastitis when my DS who is now 14 yo, was a baby. I have no advise, but I certainly feel for you. It's very painful, especially with a hungry baby sucking and kneading me. Glad you don't have to also contend with that. Have you seen a doctor yet?
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Member since 11/6/04
Posts: 903
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Posted on: 9/28/08 7:17 PM ET
Yes. I am on antibiotics (Keflex). Even after 2 days, I am still red and sore and itchy and swollen, though it seems not as bad.

I just don't understand why I am getting these infections... and the docs concern about inflammatory breast cancer has me a bit anxious. I would like to wake up tomorrow and see that it is getting better...

  
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Member since 4/8/07
Posts: 2911
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Posted on: 9/28/08 7:27 PM ET
Hi Steffie,

I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this. I have never heard of breast infections before. Has your doctored ordered any additional tests?

I am sending some good vibes, prayers, and thoughts your way.

LL
  
Member since 7/23/07
Posts: 7276
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Posted on: 9/29/08 11:09 AM ET
In reply to Steffie
Steffie - you poor thing! Breast infections are awfully painful, for sure. I used to be a lactation consultant so I dealt with a lot of these (including my own - one with each baby). I haven't heard of them in non-lactating women, but since we can get infections anywhere from ears to baby toes, I suppose it isn't unreasonable.

The milk ducts to continue to secrete some sort of substance (If I remember correctly) but it is very minimal and not noticeable - like most of our sweat, which we never see or feel, but it is there. I would suspect that a clog in any one of the ducts could cause a back-up and the stagnation could eventually cause an infection. Sort of like a pore being clogged and forming a pimple.

Were the infections in the same breast location each time? Perhaps there is some minimally invasive sort of procedure that could clear the duct? The other thing that may help is changing your bra style. Make sure it fits very well and there is no constriction anywhere. Some people would advocate going bra free for awhile. I don't know how helpful that would be.

Hope you are feeling better!
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Member since 11/8/06
Posts: 872
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Posted on: 9/29/08 11:14 AM ET
You might try taking the supplement Lethicin. It's apparently for nervous system support, but I've seen it suggested many times for nursing women who have recurrent infections, as a preventative. I take it myself for that reason and it's fairly inexpensive. Good luck!
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Member since 9/5/08
Posts: 709
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Posted on: 9/29/08 1:09 PM ET
In reply to Steffie
I can only speculate and toss out some ideas. But sometimes mastitis does come at odd times (and yes, it sucks - I felt wretched when I had it). The most common time for a woman to get mastitis is when she is nursing an infant. The longer a woman nurses a baby, the less and less likely it is that she'll get it.

I got it only once, and yes, it *was* when I was nursing. But my daughter was 2 years old, and it is quite unusual to get it while nursing a toddler, especially with no prior history of infections.

The only things I can think of - is that you might consider changing laundry detergents - maybe the one you use is causing some sort of reaction that in turn allows in bacteria? Or maybe it's causing your milk ducts to swell slightly in irritation, and that in turns traps bacteria which turns into an infection. I'd go with something that doesn't having any added dyes or fragrances, and maybe use an extra rinse when washing bras. And the other thing you might consider, if you wear bras that are made of synthetics - you might try wearing ones that are primarily cotton, to better allow your skin to breathe.
-- Edited on 9/29/08 1:14 PM --
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Member since 3/11/07
Posts: 2074
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Posted on: 9/29/08 1:28 PM ET
I'm not sure how this would work if it's NOT an infection, but you might try a heating pad/hot water bottle/microwavable pouch to keep heat on the breast for an hour so each day (or more, you're the judge) to get the blood and lymph to flow more heavily and take away the toxins/infection. if you go for herbs/oils you can add onion, garlic or rosmary to the mix.

Feel better soon!
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Member since 11/8/06
Posts: 872
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Posted on: 9/29/08 3:57 PM ET
Ditto to what Lade Mame said - that has worked wonders for me.
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I rip what I sew.
  
Member since 4/5/08
Posts: 423
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Posted on: 9/30/08 10:58 AM ET
In reply to Lynnelle
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-- Edited on 10/7/08 10:34 PM --
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