Mastitis?

[Mahjong]

I was wondering if any hubbers have experience mastitis at all?

I seem to have a few symptoms pointing towards mastitis in my left breast. I cannot touch it, only able to express half the amount I have been able to previous days (Im fully expressing my breastmilk due to attachment issues with DS), my boob is rock hard, even after expressing, yet no more milk will come out. Im running hot and cold and it's like I have been punched in the breast and it's all bruised.

My middie comes out this morning and I have an appointment for 2pm this afternoon with my GP to get it looked at.

I was wondering what sort of treatment is involved and how long roughly does it take to clear? I know that I have to keep expressing on that breast to clear the infection and keep my milk flowing. It's so painful this morning, I cannot lift anything with my left arm!!

Any information and advice greatly appreciated. Im so sick of the hurdles with this breastfeeding, I just wanna do it damnit!

[punkbaby]

Sounds like you have it generally though, even though you can only express, having bubs on there is the best and quickest way to clear it, they do the job alot better :) when expressing try and massage the lump out, get a warm face washer to try make things easier too. I know its prob not your thing but it does work, get hubby to help, seriously it does work LOL (ok call me wierd but you do what you have to do at times like this)
I would get some antibiotics though, normally if i get it before it kicks in (the fever etc) indie can feed it out but sometimes i get it too late and i need something to clear it up.

Could bub feed for a bit just to try help move it? if you can get bubs on try and get his nose or chin in line with the lump, if you can see one, if you cant try get it in line with where its hurting the most.

You poor thing i hope that it clears up soon, you have been through so much the last few days and your doing so well too :) fingers crossed you feel better soon.

[Hollywood]

I started to get it twice in the first few weeks, and got rid of it myself by massaging the sore spots whilst feeding and also massaging them in the shower with the warm water running over them. I knew it was mastitis because I had flu like sypmtoms like achy joints etc. If it is really bad you might need antibiotics, but if you catch it early enough you might be able to get rid of it yourself like I did.

Also, feed as usual on the affected side, it helps clear it up.

[punkbaby]

How did you go?