Bingo, I'm not a doc. We're all peers here on the forum. We cannot, obviously, dispense medical advice, but we can sure share our experiences and offer support to others, (as well as provide it!)
I am post-menopausal, around 4+ years. I didn't exactly keep a daily calendar about this whole thing! :)
My concern about the antibiotics is this: (and remember, this is my non-medical opinion, this is me as a patient talking to you as a patient). If there has been no diagnostics done to even confirm that you even have an infection, and that it's a bacterial infection,.....well, for me personally, before I'd take one single pill I'd want that back up information FIRST.
It is absolutely not something to take lightly. Too many people think along the lines of, "Oh well, it's 'just an antibiotic,' so it won't harm me,"....and over the years, that line of thinking is what's gotten the public into the state it is now with super-bugs that traditional antibiotics can no longer touch.
Please remember, I'm just touting my own personal belief, but I'm delivering the message to you combined with cold, hard science to back it up. Taking an abx, or taking any med we do not need,....is harmful, and should never be taken lightly.
I've had a few itchy red patches on my breasts over the years, and (for me, personally, remember), they were not infections. I've had cysts flare up, engorge, change density,...but again for me personally, they did not turn out to be infections.
All I'm saying is ask your doctor IF you need this medication, and why. If he says something like you "may" have an infection, (but he doesn't know), there are tests that can at least provide some data either way.
If, after testing, it's been confirmed that yes, you positively do have an infection, -- again, I would always recommend following the doc's instructions to the absolute letter. Finish the entire rx, regardless of how you feel. IF this is an infection, and I'm not saying it is, because I don't know,.....and you stop taking the abx before finishing the whole course of treatment, you could end up with a super bug and a significantly stronger infection, and be in a much worse spot than where you are.
Get the information first. Confirm, confirm, confirm! :)
M.
Moderator Anxiety/Panic Forum
"My time for tears will be at my Victory...not at the start of the War." ~~Vickie
Understand totally about antibiotics being used way too much and have had knowledge of this for years. I definitely should have questioned it more. The redness is more pink in color and not what I would call patchy and is not itchy either, which is likely what led to the antibiotic recommendation, in that it was not an epidermal kind of rash as in contact dermatitis. I would think the difference might imply a suggestion of an inflammatory breast process, i.e. infection. Nevertheless, you are correct that I was remiss in not questioning that more. I'll just be happy when this aspiration is done and behind me.
Alice,
Please accept my apologies if my posts were striking you as coming on too heavy-handed. I would never, ever intend to do that!
Instead, I was posting out of concern and this thing inside of me that just wants to jump up and protect everyone! :)
If there's inflammation, sometimes something as simple as ibuprofen can help reduce that (again, if your doctor OK's that).
I'm re-reading my posts and can see where I might have been jumping up and down with just a wee bit too much vigor out of my earnest eagerness to help thwart the possibility of taking abx IF, and only IF, they weren't needed,.....OR....if they were needed, to underscore the importance of finishing the whole Rx.
I understand about wanting to get this aspiration just done and over with.....with each day that passes, you're one step closer! Hang tight and keep plugging along.
Again, I am really sorry if I came on too strong there! I only wish you the best!
M.
Moderator Anxiety/Panic Forum
"My time for tears will be at my Victory...not at the start of the War." ~~Vickie
Please accept my apologies if my posts were striking you as coming on too heavy-handed. I would never, ever intend to do that!
Instead, I was posting out of concern and this thing inside of me that just wants to jump up and protect everyone! :)
If there's inflammation, sometimes something as simple as ibuprofen can help reduce that (again, if your doctor OK's that).
I'm re-reading my posts and can see where I might have been jumping up and down with just a wee bit too much vigor out of my earnest eagerness to help thwart the possibility of taking abx IF, and only IF, they weren't needed,.....OR....if they were needed, to underscore the importance of finishing the whole Rx.
I understand about wanting to get this aspiration just done and over with.....with each day that passes, you're one step closer! Hang tight and keep plugging along.
Again, I am really sorry if I came on too strong there! I only wish you the best!
M.
Moderator Anxiety/Panic Forum
"My time for tears will be at my Victory...not at the start of the War." ~~Vickie
I just got back from my follow up mammogram and ultra sound. I'm 63 years old and have had annual mammograms. This is my first time being called back. The radiologist said it was a cyst and to do a follow up in six months. I asked if I needed to have it aspirated and she told me it was my decision but she would send the report to my doctor with the results plus recommending a six month recheck. She did hand me a pamphlet about the procedure for aspiration. I'm a total worryier so wonder if I should have it aspirated for piece of mind. I have an appointment with my gynecologist on 29 October so will ask her opinion.
I am 61 years old and post menopausal. I recently had my 2 yearly mammogram and received a letter advising me to attend a local hospital for further tests. I had another mammogram and an ultrasound scan and was advised that I had a cyst and that there was nothing to be concerned about. I was copied on a letter to my GP stating the same. I was relieved to say the least but since then I have been having some discomfort in my left breast and arm, particularly when I stretch my arm up above my head. I was advised also that I would be tested in the normal way in another 2 years. I was considering going back to my GP to ask if I needed further tests but having read this thread realise that these cysts are more common than I thought and that they can grow over time. The point of my post is really to say thank you to all the people who have contributed to this topic as it was beginning to worry me. One question though; I have always worn underwired bras which probably don't help the current situation. Can anyone recommend a good comfortable bra without wires please?
First, I have never laughed so hard. What a great feeling. I love all of your posts...
I had breast cysts all my life and thought they were gone forever. Have not had one for over 15 years. I am 59 and not on hormones but I found one today. Same place as most of the painful ones that have had in the past. Right breast. Funny because the bigger ones were always aspirated from my left breast but the painful ones were always in the right breast.
Once a doctor did a breast biopsy which burst the cyst and it quit coming back...until now anyway.
Also, I had one female doctor in the past to ask me why I wanted it aspirated and I told her that I have a huge pain tolerance, had 2 babies back in the 80's natural (do not know what I was thinking), one weighed 9.8 lbs and the other 8.8 lbs but at least that was done and OVER. These cysts hurt 24/7 and mine have never gone away on their own. I know that aspiration is temporary fix but I do not know how anybody can stand this 24/7 pain. (She did not do the aspiration but she went and found somebody else to do it.)
If any of the doctors question me this time I will have a line to hand back to them thanks to the post where the lady said...let a man have scrotum problems and it would get healed right away. It will be funny to see their face.
I have already asked my primary care doctor to refer me TODAY and hope to have the mammogram next week. I don't care if they think I am a sissy
I had breast cysts all my life and thought they were gone forever. Have not had one for over 15 years. I am 59 and not on hormones but I found one today. Same place as most of the painful ones that have had in the past. Right breast. Funny because the bigger ones were always aspirated from my left breast but the painful ones were always in the right breast.
Once a doctor did a breast biopsy which burst the cyst and it quit coming back...until now anyway.
Also, I had one female doctor in the past to ask me why I wanted it aspirated and I told her that I have a huge pain tolerance, had 2 babies back in the 80's natural (do not know what I was thinking), one weighed 9.8 lbs and the other 8.8 lbs but at least that was done and OVER. These cysts hurt 24/7 and mine have never gone away on their own. I know that aspiration is temporary fix but I do not know how anybody can stand this 24/7 pain. (She did not do the aspiration but she went and found somebody else to do it.)
If any of the doctors question me this time I will have a line to hand back to them thanks to the post where the lady said...let a man have scrotum problems and it would get healed right away. It will be funny to see their face.
I have already asked my primary care doctor to refer me TODAY and hope to have the mammogram next week. I don't care if they think I am a sissy
Had a my mammogram about ten days ago and got the letter saying they needed more imaging done due to nodule densities (2). Since that letter I have been feeling pain in my left breast. Actually have felt pain there before but am now paying attention to it. Am scheduled for a spot compression mammogram on Wednesday. Have not slept a full night since I got my letter, even if I take my ambien. Any suggestions? Nervous person here waiting to hear from someone. Forgot to add I am 65 so I can rule out period pain in my breast.
Hi nana28
I just came back from having a recall mammogram and ultrasound on my right breast. I was told by the radiologist that they found a small cyst. I am 64 years old post menopausal and not taking hormones.
They told me not to worry and come back in 6 months???? They no longer do any drainage breast cysts.
This is a worry. I feel as though I should get a second opinion.
Years ago I had a breast reduction to remove fibrocystic cysts and fluid, therefore, there should be no sign of a cyst.?!
Should I tell my caregiver to refer me to a specialist for a second opinion? Need advice.
I just came back from having a recall mammogram and ultrasound on my right breast. I was told by the radiologist that they found a small cyst. I am 64 years old post menopausal and not taking hormones.
They told me not to worry and come back in 6 months???? They no longer do any drainage breast cysts.
This is a worry. I feel as though I should get a second opinion.
Years ago I had a breast reduction to remove fibrocystic cysts and fluid, therefore, there should be no sign of a cyst.?!
Should I tell my caregiver to refer me to a specialist for a second opinion? Need advice.
Hi. New to forum. My menopause started at 26, no children, no HRT. I'm now 48 and for the last few days I've had extreme pain in both breasts and nipples. No discharge or lumps. My breasts are swollen, I considered it may be a chest cold but I've only started coughing today. I take cilatopram anti depressant in 20mg but have been reducing it for a few months now and haven't had any for two weeks.
GP practice shut over festive period but hoping it's open tomorrow.
GP practice shut over festive period but hoping it's open tomorrow.
HI- I am a 64 year old female - going in for an diagnostic mamogram and also an ultrasound- a palpable small mobile mass in my left breast and a whit lesion on the nipple- an hoping it is a cyst- but has anyone had a white pimple looking thing right at the end of the nipple? No redness or fever- but have been feeling some discomfort in the left breast- also no fluid or a anything from the breast
Thanks !!
Thanks !!
Hi Pama & welcome to Healing Well. Yes, I did have the pimple looking thing on the nipple, no discharge & also had no pain. The dr said it was normal for my age, I was in my 50's at the time. It did eventually go away.
Good luck on the mammo & ultrasound. When I was in my 40's my mammo showed two small cysts initially. I got the call saying I needed that was called a mammo with magnification views. It turned out everything was fine but I did these extra magnification view for 2 years to make sure they had not changed.
Keep us posted on what you find out. Take care.
Susie
Moderator in Chronic Pain & Psoriasis Forums
Good luck on the mammo & ultrasound. When I was in my 40's my mammo showed two small cysts initially. I got the call saying I needed that was called a mammo with magnification views. It turned out everything was fine but I did these extra magnification view for 2 years to make sure they had not changed.
Keep us posted on what you find out. Take care.
Susie
Moderator in Chronic Pain & Psoriasis Forums
straydog said...
Hi Pama & welcome to Healing Well. Yes, I did have the pimple looking thing on the nipple, no discharge & also had no pain. The dr said it was normal for my age, I was in my 50's at the time. It did eventually go away.
Good luck on the mammo & ultrasound. When I was in my 40's my mammo showed two small cysts initially. I got the call saying I needed that was called a mammo with magnification views. It turned out everything was fine but I did these extra magnification view for 2 years to make sure they had not changed.
Keep us posted on what you find out. Take care.
Hi Pama & welcome to Healing Well. Yes, I did have the pimple looking thing on the nipple, no discharge & also had no pain. The dr said it was normal for my age, I was in my 50's at the time. It did eventually go away.
Good luck on the mammo & ultrasound. When I was in my 40's my mammo showed two small cysts initially. I got the call saying I needed that was called a mammo with magnification views. It turned out everything was fine but I did these extra magnification view for 2 years to make sure they had not changed.
Keep us posted on what you find out. Take care.
Thank you so much!! And I wifi keep you posted!
Hi, I'm new to this forum...
Just had a mammogram in February, that was all clear. This am I woke up with a painful left breast; did a check and found a lump. When my husband woke up, I had him check, too. Yep, he could feel it, also. I had a benign cyst when I was 22; they removed it to biopsy (late 70's) but it's been all clear since. A couple years ago, they found calcium deposits in the right; biopsied, but no issues found.
I am 62, post menopausal about 4-5 years, and do not take, nor ever took, hormone replacement. I do take Armour thyroid, omeprezole, metformin, and otc Vit D3 and K2 (intermittently), but otherwise, I've been doing quite well.
Just curious how this lump could come up SO fast...unless they missed it during the mammogram...
Just had a mammogram in February, that was all clear. This am I woke up with a painful left breast; did a check and found a lump. When my husband woke up, I had him check, too. Yep, he could feel it, also. I had a benign cyst when I was 22; they removed it to biopsy (late 70's) but it's been all clear since. A couple years ago, they found calcium deposits in the right; biopsied, but no issues found.
I am 62, post menopausal about 4-5 years, and do not take, nor ever took, hormone replacement. I do take Armour thyroid, omeprezole, metformin, and otc Vit D3 and K2 (intermittently), but otherwise, I've been doing quite well.
Just curious how this lump could come up SO fast...unless they missed it during the mammogram...
Hello & welcome to the forum. Sorry to read what you have just found. My thoughts are hopefully you are dealing with another cyst. I am leaning more towards the mammo not missing something because cysts can pop up at any given time.
Please get this checked & let us know what you find out. Take care.
Susie
Moderator in Chronic Pain & Psoriasis Forums
Please get this checked & let us know what you find out. Take care.
Susie
Moderator in Chronic Pain & Psoriasis Forums
I am a 65 year old postmenopausal female. I've had painful, lumpy breasts since my early 30's. Every mammogram I've had since my mid-30's has shown both breasts to be severely fibrocystic. Not much has changed since then...the pain, the heaviness, the mammograms. I did take HRT for perimenopausal symptoms, most noticeably night sweats and hot flashes. I continued the HRT even after the announcements that they caused breast cancer. However, as a high school teacher, my hot flashes were so severe, I had to bring extra underwear to school to on change most days, so I refused to quit the hormones. Eventually, the hormones ceased to work, though I tried patches, creams, foams, troaches, and I eventually began bioidentical hormone implants. They helped with my menopause symptoms, but my hot flashes have never stopped. (My mother had hot flashes till she died at age 76.) My libido was greatly helped, at least for awhile. I am currently in the process of stopping these as they are expensive and I have to travel quite a distance for them. Plus, they don't seem to help much anymore. I have had increasing breast size and breast tenderness and pain as I get older, rather than the opposite being true. The pain is constant, not intermittent. I have tried evening primrose oil and vitamin E with little to no help. I have cut my caffeine to one cup of regular coffee in the mornings. I used to be an avid exerciser and runner, but I have multiple bulging discs in my neck and lower back and have degenerative disc disease so I don't exercise as I used to. It seemed like the year I turned 64, my body turned on me. I hurt everywhere...neck, shoulder, ribs, back, leg, hip...but only on one side. I am so tired of being in pain all the time. Who said these were the golden years?
Could you feel the cyst & was it tender or painful?
Hi MilMil60, some women can have cysts & not know it, same with pain, they may not have any pain. If you suspect you may have a cyst by all means get checked by your dr.
Take care.
Susie
Moderator in Chronic Pain & Psoriasis Forums
Take care.
Susie
Moderator in Chronic Pain & Psoriasis Forums