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Shoulder pain, possible breast cancer?

Littlemiss82
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Hi everyone,

I hope my lost isn't too long,  it I'm just worrying so much:

I gave birth in January this year, I breastfed for 3 weeks then moved over to a bottle. Around 5 weeks postpartum my left breast was sore and thought I may be engorged so tried to express to see if it would ease the pain.  Blood started coming from my left nipple. I went to the GP who gave me antibiotics, they didn't work, so she referred me to the breast clinic.

i was seen within two weeks (10 weeks postpartum) the Doctor felt all around my breast and couldn't feel anything, but sent me for an ultrasound to look at my breast in more detail. The ultrasound came back clear and I was advised that they weren't worried about pain but to keep an on the bleeding and see if things settle after having just given birth recently.

Fast forward 8 weeks (now 18 weeks postpartum) the bleeding has settled some what but the pain in my left breast is still very prominent. It's sharp and tingly, over the last 3 weeks I also have developed terrible shoulder pain, that goes under my arm and down my arm. Lifting anything makes the pain in my underarm worse. I also have trouble turning my head to the left.

I'm starting to worry now and don't know what to do. My GP wasn't particularly nice about the first referral and I'm dreading having to go back and ask her about the problems I'm still having.

im not sleeping at night as I'm so worried it's going to turn out to be something bad and I'm won't be here for my children aged 3 years and 4 months. They are my whole world.

if anyone could offer similar experience or advice that would be much appreciated.

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    Hi hun! Congrats on your new baby! 
     

    I still breastfeed my 17 month old! And had lots of breastfeeding struggles! Your body is readjusting so much from just giving birth! From what you've described I wouldn't say are any typical symptoms of cancer! The bleeding has stArtled to settle which is great ! I wonder if perhaps you have caught a nerve maybe. It is worth going back to the doctors because I'm not a doctor and I suffer so bad with health anxiety that got so much worse after having my baby as part of postpartum anxiety but I had it anyways but heightened during my pregnancy! Try not to worry I think it will be something that can be sorted! There's a lot of stress at the moment too which can cause shoulder tension ! Speak to your gp tell her your worries - mine isn't too kind to me either but our health is most important!! All the best xxx

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    Hi there, 

    Congratulations on your baby. Mine is 7 months old now and I'm still breastfeeding, but I've had so many struggles along the way and also suffer from bad anxiety. My worries started with my left breast and now have moved over to my right one.

    If your ultrasound was clear then I would not be concerned, especially since the bleeding has subsided. Regarding the shoulder pain, I too have had bad shoulder pain in my left shoulder that radiated down my arm. It also worsened in certain positions and from moving my neck. It is a little better these days (or maybe I'm just used to it now!) but I've put it down to having to carry my little boy around and feeding him. My next door neighbour has the same kind of pain from holding her granddaughter.

    Of course if you are really concerned then go back and see your GP, but I would not be overly concerned based on what you have said. 

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    Hello. Congratulations on all babes. I know this is an old post, but I am going through something very similar minus the bleeding nipple. However, the shoulder pain etc and painful breast is what I am having at the moment, I am 15 weeks postpartum. I too suffer with health anxiety it's actually crippling and effecting my life. I am currently having therapy for this but still experiencing these pains which aren't helping. Hope you got it sorted and you are ok. 
     

     

    Thanks

    katie x

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