Severe Breast Pain - In late 20s

* Please help*
 

im in my late 20s and have been experiencing horrendous breast pain for 6+ months, I've been to my GP twice, on the first occasion they brushed it off with being related to my menstraul cycle and told me if it hadn't improved to return, a month later and the pain worsened so I made another appointment, this doctor did a physical examination, and explained my breasts felt slightly lumpy but that can be normal but would book my in with my local breast clinic for a ultrasound scan to rule out any cysts. I went to my breast clinic appointment. - and the consultant was really dismissive, when I explained my symptoms and pain - she seems extremely unsympathetic and unresponsive, she did a physical examination and wrote me off with breast pain related to my bra?! Wouldn't follow through with the scan.. she advised me to change my bra to ether a non wired bra or a sports bra. 
I did both.. I also followed advice to take ibuprofen and paracetamol, cold and hot compress and inuropen gel. The pain has intensified so much so - I've had to stop wearing bras altogether. As a 27 year old this along makes me extremely self conscious but it's the only sense of relief I get. Every morning when I wake my right breast is so so sore. It aches all day radiating into my armpit, I get a burning sensation across my chest and down into my abdomen which almost feels like a rash but there's nothing visible to see. Since experiencing the pain, I've suffered awful nights sweats almost nightly. I sleep with my window open (in December) and just in shorts and a loose cami top. 
I haven't started any new medications. 
I tried making another doctors appointment and had a week and a half wait... of which I know they'll probably only refer me for another scan, including another wait. I took myself down to my local minor injuries unit hoping they'd be able to offer me a ultra scan there and then - they didnt even do an examination. Told me to go back to my local Gp. I went home and rang 111. They told me they'd put me on a call back list from out of hours Gp - (of which id already done myself early that morning) your meant to hear back within 6 hours. the receptionist rang me following the 111 request, saying I wouldn't be getting a call back as they're too busy. 
I honestly don't know where to turn - I feel like I'm not being taken seriously. And it's draining me so much I'm just exhausted and cry through frustration. 
has anyone experienced anything similar and had an outcome??? Or any advice of where I should turn next - should I take myself down to A&E?? 

  • Hi everyone,

    Firstly I'd like to say thank you to Jolamine; your response really helped me yesterday :)

    I just got a letter through the door that says that my referral is being reviewed. Does anyone know what this means? It says I will be contacted by either the hospital/specialist or my GP with more details. 
     

    Frankie xxx

  •  

    Hi Frankie,

    It is impossible to say why your referral is being reviewed. I would imagine that it may partly depend upon what your GP said in your referral and your age. This is only my guess. It may be that your GP mentioned that she found no lumps and the hospital staff don't think that tenderness is sufficient reason to refer you. Because cancer is less likely in someone of your age, younger people often find it difficult to get referred to the breast clinic. Sadly, although cancer is rare in younger people, it does still occur.

    Younger people sometimes have to stick to their guns if they suspect cancer. If you are happy enough with your GPs findings that's fine, but if not, be ready to insist on being seen. Sorry I can't be more helpful than this.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

  • Hi Jolamine,

    thank you for your reply. I still haven't had a call yet about the referral. The letter said that I would be contacted by now. When I call the clinic I cannot get through. I just need to know where I'm at, but I have to be patient. 
     

    I just wish all of this was over. It's very worrying and tough. hope you're all ok.  Xx

     

    Frankie. 

  •  

    Hi Frankie,

    These clinics can be very busy, so it can be difficult to get an answer. Don't give up. Keep calling the clinic and you will finally get through.

    Try to keep yourself busy in the meantime, as time can seem to stand still while you're waiting.

    I hope that all turns out well for you. Please keep in touch and let us know when you hear something.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi Jolamine,

    I've just had the call and my appointment is at 12:30 tomorrow. She said that they are booking people in with short notice, but it has thrown me a bit because it's really fast. Is it a bad sign? Sorry for keeping on. 
     

    Frankie x

  •  

    Hi Frankie,

    No it is not a bad sign at all. Most breast clinic appointments tend to be booked in as a matter of priority. This is simply because, if it is cancer, the sooner it's treated, the better the outcome tends to be. I am delighted to hear that it has come around so quickly, as it should save you additional days of worry.

    Here's hoping for good news tomorrow.

    Please let us know how you get on.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hello everyone,

    I had my appointment today and it's all good news :) the specialist said that my breast pain is hormonal and couldn't find any signs of anything sinister. She discharged me within a few minutes after examining me. I didn't have to have an ultrasound or mammogram. I'm very grateful and understand how lucky I have been. It really puts everything in perspective. 
     

     I hope you're all ok. Wishing you all the best. 
     

    Frankie xxxx

  •  

    Hi Frankie,

    This is marvellous news. I bet that you feel mightily relieved and I hope that you can celebrate your luck tonight. It is always so good when someone gets the all clear.

    I'm delighted for you.
    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi Jolamine,

    I'd just like to thank you so much for all of your help. You really did help me so much during a horrible time. :)

    Frankie xx

     

  •  

    Hi Frankie,

    Thank you so much for your kind comments. Having had 2 bouts of breast cancer myself, I know just how scary the wait to be seen can be. I am so glad to hear that I could help you in some small way.

    I sincerely hope that all continues to go well for you and, that you can live your young life to the full, as people of your age should be able to do.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx