Quote:
Originally Posted by Galahad
Anything touching the sacks is painful lately. I canceled last spring mamo because I knew I couldn't handle the pressure. Dr told me to take vitamin E but it hasn't helped much. Anything I can take to get through it? Aspirins do nothing.
|
****Have it done at a facility with Digital Mammography Unit***
Demystifying Breast Pain: The Actual Diagnosis of Painful Breasts or Mastalgia
Breast Pain: What to Expect
Cyclical
Usually bilateral (both breasts) and felt around the upper outer layers of breasts and is associated with lumpiness.
Dull and nagging, often radiating to the arm pit.
Non- Cyclical
Typically unilateral.
Maybe constant or irregular, acute burning pain felt in the area below the nipple.
Alleviating Breast Pain
Most often, breast pain isn't too severe and fades away in a few days without medication. For more severe cases, topical NSIAD's and pain killers are prescribed. For Mastitis without abscess, antibiotics are recommended. Self remedial ways to palliate breast pain are:
Diet Changes
Avoid Fatty Food Intake: Hydrogenated fats obstruct the formation of Gamma Linolenic Acid, a chemical that stops breast pain. Reduction of fatty foods thus helps relieve the pain.
Limit Caffeine: Caffeine contains methlyxanthine that stimulates breast tissue and causes pain. Keeping a check on caffeine intake, especially before periods is helpful.
Reduce Salt Intake: Excess salt retains fluid in the body and this could increase pain.
Support Breasts
Wearing a properly fitted bra and avoiding high impact exercises is essential. It is advisable to avoid wearing under-wired bras before periods.
Medication
Seek medical advice and then go off or change preparation of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, as changes in hormones may increase pain.
Learn To Relax
Being calm and relaxed reduces the impact of stress related hormones on breast pain.
Others
Use cold or hot compress to soothe the pain.
Next Steps
Breast pain is rarely an indication of breast cancer. However, depending on the cause and severity of one's pain, it is advisable to chart out a follow up routine with your health care provider, which may include routine mammograms. Breast infections generally require a follow up in 24-48 hours. A startling truth is that Mastitis does not cause cancer, but cancer can mimic Mastitis. Therefore it is important to track your pain, get all tests done to rule out cancer and relieve yourself of the anxiety caused by breast pain.
Demystifying Breast Pain: The Actual Diagnosis of Painful Breasts or Mastalgia