Thank you. I will let you know what happens. Best of luck for your appointment too. Xxx

Thank you. I don't have an appointment yet, the GP is doing an urgent referral though so should get one within 2 weeks. The waiting/uncertainty is hard though so I feel for what you must be going through, especially with a young baby (my daughter is 26, I'd be much more scared right now if she was younger).

I hope everything goes well for you on Monday, fingers crossed your OH is right and it's an infection - it's probably the most likely explanation so please try not to worry too much over the weekend xxx

Thank you. The waiting is agonising. Fingers crossed for good news for both of us. 

Hi Sairy, did you hear back from 111 or get to see your GP?

I had a call back from the breast clinic earlier, I've got an appointment a week on Wednesday. It feels like an age away!

Hi Evie, 

Yes I saw my GP yesterday (Monday). He is pretty sure it's mastitis and said that my aerola is swollen rather than the skin being thickened. I've been on antibiotics for a few days so would have hoped to see some improvement by now, but he's said to give it a few more days. He's going to call me on Thursday for an update. Fingers crossed that things improve.

That's good that you have your appointment. I know it feels like ages to wait and waiting is so hard. Just try she distract yourself being doing productive things (easier said than done I know). Sometimes when I feel anxious about waiting I pretend that each day is the last day I have to live and it actually makes me enjoy life more. Let me know how you get on. 

Hi Sairy,

That's such good news! I remember having mastitis when I was breastfeeding, it was horrible and painful and I hope yours clears up soon. But it must be such a relief to not have the extra worry on top!

I'm really pleased for you. If you have any fears in future don't hesitate to come and share them instead of worrying alone xxx

Thanks Evie, I will stay on here as I want to know what your outcome is. Also, the swelling has not gotten better for me yet so it remains to be seen whether or not it is definitely mastitis. Fingers crossed. 

I'll keep you updated, and I hope your swelling goes down soon. I can't remember how long my mastitis lastest, it was such a long time ago. I remember it feeling like ages!! 

Try not to worry too much or think of worst case scenarios and give the antibiotics a couple more days. Sometimes they have to try different antibiotics so hopefully it's just that. Feel free to share if your feeling scared again though xx

Swelling/thickening of the areola still hasn't gone down :(

The doctor called me yesterday for an update and I said that the redness seems to have gotten a bit better (which it has), but that the areola is still swollen. He has said we will give it another week and if there is no improvement then he will ask the breast clinic to take a look at me. He is going to call me next Thursday.

I'm so scared. I know you shouldn't Google stuff, but I have been and I can't find an explanation for swollen or thickened skin that isn't cancer. And everything I've read says that mastitis should clear up in about 48 hours on antibiotics. My mind's been running away with me and I keep imagining not being around to see my son growing up which is breaking my heart.