I was wondering if anyone can help me with my problem. I have a large lump in my left breast, which the doctor described as 'gristle' - nice description huh? There wasn't much she could suggest for me, and explained that it 'wasn't sinister' and not to worry, it would clear up in time. It's at the side of my left breast, close to the underarm, and wearing a brahurts (with the wire). I've got quite large breasts (not boasting there, it's a nuicance) andhave the most supportive bra I can find.
I have such an unhelpful quack that I really despair of going back to see her. Does anyone know of anything I can do to help it clear up, or to take the pain away. I've been taking evening primrose oil for a few weeks now, and hopefully that'll help.
Thanks,
Webs x
RE: Sore Boobies!!!!
I suffer with very painful cysts in my breasts which come and go. I have been to hospital and had then drained a few times. Wonder if this is what you have. I too was recommended Evening Primrose Oil, but as with alot of things I forget to take them. Sometimes the pain is very severe, like a sharp stab.
I have to say if I was you, I would insist on having either a second opinion or a hospital referal. My dr is very good, and told me I should always have anything i find checked at the hospital. Each time I have had a mammogram and a scan.
I would be strong and go back if I were you. Its worth it for peace of mind if nothing else.
Good luck!
Tj
RE: Sore Boobies!!!!
Thanks Tj,
I forgot to mention that I had a scan, what's it called? you know like the ones you get when you're pregnant? um.....oh lordy, i can't remember what it's called, You're lucky to have a good doc, but you're right - obviously I should go back. It's just so infuriating you know? Will bite the bullet - thank you again.
Webs xx
RE: Sore Boobies!!!!
I heard that avoiding coffee altogether is good for these problems. Also, ask your doctor if it would be a good idea to take Evening Primrose oil.
Good luck!
Love and light,
Guin x
RE: Sore Boobies!!!!
OO I love coffee!!! Do you think I could still drink decaf?
Websxxx
RE: Sore Boobies!!!!
From what I was told, apparently not I'm afraid [sm=angry-smiley-030.gif]. Coffee of any kind is meant to be avoided with these problems..............I know, it's frustrating isn't it!!!!
RE: Sore Boobies!!!!
Hi,
This may sound strange from a guy, but as a therapist I often come across this complaint. In my experience, regular daily self-massage of the breasts can make a real difference. This should be done, not only when pain occurs but every day 5-10 minutes to maintain good breast health. Oil of Evening Primrose can also be used in massage externally when blended with a carrier oil , eg. Grapeseed oil.
Massage should never be performed however if there is malignancy!!!!!!!
As a qualified therapist I have worked with many women over the years who have experienced the range of issues associated with breast pain and discomfort. Some simply need the nurturing of a general massageto relax and enjoy relief from stress. But I have also found thatspecialized therapeutic massage techniques can help women cope with a variety of concerns related to their breasts. Massage of scar tissue can help alleviate pain after surgery, giving greater pliability to the tissues.
Manual lymph drainage is soothing and effective in encouraging proper lymph drainage of the upper torso and regular massage and/or daily self-massage can make a difference with non-malignant cysts and lumps. The breast and axillary regions are very rich in lymphatic tissue which can be compromised by surgery and/or radiation. Pregnant women and nursing mothers have benefited from specific work to ease the pain of changing or lactating breasts. Therapeuticbreast massagecan alleviate the pain that some women experience during their monthly cycles and it can be used to help women with healthy breasts stay healthy.
One woman who had been experiencing very painful breasts during pregnancy, made this comment after receiving therapeuticbreast massage:I feel great. It feels like my breasts are a part of me now. Another client, who had experienced chronic sharp pain in her breasts. She said she felt wonderful after one session, followed by daily self-massage and that the pain had not returned.A woman, who always had emotional issues about her body, said the breast massagemade her feel more comfortable with her breasts and her body generally. It felt safe, liberatingand made me feel okay with myself.
The technique I use are very gentle, non-invasive and respectfulto individual needs. In this work specific protocols are followed. Clear intention, communication and consent are vital.
I also found that reflexology can also be helpful reducing breast pain.
Andre
RE: Sore Boobies!!!!
Thank you Andre7
Do you know if there are any particular techniques I should use? I don't want to be doing something that might make it worse. Perhaps I should see a qualified massage therapist first? Maybe they would think I was pervy if I asked them to massage my boobs for me lol!!! [sm=scratchchin.gif] No perhaps if I explained why then it would be more acceptable!!
Thanks,
Webs xxx
RE: Sore Boobies!!!!
Hi Webs,
I can understand your reluctance asking for breast massage - most massage therapists struggle when asked, as they have never reached the confidence with this work. Schools that teach massage often avoid this area, so therapists feel uncomfortable to offer it to clients.
Therapeutic breast massage can be part of a full body massage treatment and I often start the massage with a gentle skin brushing that includes the torso to encourage lymphatic flow. Breast massage techniques are quite simple. In treatment they are largely modifications of common massage strokes adapted to the size and shape of the breast. As part of a full body treatment a more extended breast massage, including Ayurvedic techniques can take up to 20/30 minutes.
In self-massage one uses pressure lightly (as one would stroke a cat) and the intention is to activate the lymphatic system. Gentle to moderate circular strokes are sufficient to induce increased lymph and blood flow to the breastusing the palm and fingers of the hand using gentle-to-moderate pressure.
To drain the lymph fluid from the breast, one useful massage stroke is agentle outward stroke from the nipple to the outer edge of the breast. This is done by applying light pressure starting from the center of the breast and making several strokesfrom the nipple towards each part of the perimeter of the breast.The direction of the strokes are like following spokes in a wheel from the center to the edge. Ideally the massage should be done on a daily basis with some lotion or massage oil .
Regular massage and/or self- massage can help:
congestion, oedema, painful breasts, premenstrual congestion
discomforts of pregnancy, breastfeeding
general drainage problems, cysts (family tendency, large breasts, etc.)
tenderness and congestion related to benign conditions and changes
fibrocystic breasts, breast trauma, discomforts related to cancer treatment
following diagnostic procedures and recent surgeries,
symptomatic relief and promotion of good quality scarring
restrictive, adhered, poorly oriented scars
integration of post-surgical changes,
helping the client become comfortable with her body
However massage is contraindicated and should not be done in case of:
malignancy, mastitis, post-surgical infection,
current active infection for any reason
&
RE: Sore Boobies!!!!
Thanks Again Andre7,
I will certainly have a go at the techniques you've suggested. They seem simple and I hope they'll be effective.
I've also found a therapist in Cheshire that specialises in Manual Lymph Drainage massage, so I'm going to have a consultation with her as soon as I can, I've started the Evening Primrose Oil again, I'm still on the coffee for the time being, but if things don't improve I'll cut that out too.
Thanks to everyone again for all your wonderful advice, I'm so glad I found this website!!
Love Webs xxx
RE: Sore Boobies!!!!
If you suffer from sore boobs at certain timesI would also recommend avoiding caffeine. My nurse practiioner gave me this advice many years ago - and I can really see a difference. Good Luck!
RE: Sore Boobies!!!!
Some morepractical and dietary suggestions. Some of these may sound a little over the top :)but can make a difference:
Wear comfortable, natural fiber (i.e. cotton) underwear. Bras that have underwires or that are strapless push the breast up and/or make red marks weaken supporting muscles and constrict lymph circulation and if worn regularly or for long periods will allow toxins to accumulate in your breast tissue.
Use deodorant that is free of aluminium salts or other compounds. Aluminium can enter the blood and lymph systems through the skin and severely challenge the immune system.
Avoid hydrogenated fats like margarine and vegetable shortening. Use olive, peanut, sunflower, or sesame oils in cooking and butter. Eat a diet low in animal or saturated or mono-saturated fats, refined sugars, dairy products, red meats, and caffeine and high in whole grains (i.e. brown rice, oats, barley), green and orange vegetables.
Eat soy-based products, such as soy milk, tofu. Just a little regularly helps block the tendency for breast tissues to bond with extra estrogens that can cause disruptions in healthy functioning of breast tissue.
Colour TVs, microwave ovens, computer screens and mobile phones emit radiation that can damage tissue. How long are your breasts in front of, or close to a computer or TV screen daily? Use shielded computer display terminals and try to keep a good distance between you and your TV. Don't stand right next to your microwave when it's on and don't wear mobile phones like a necklace!(For similar reasonsmen should avoidusing laptop computers on their lap there is a risk of testicular cancer.)
RE: Sore Boobies!!!!
Thanks again Andre7, I'll certainly take your suggestions onboard.
I went to see my GP this morning she said it was most likely to be fat!!!!!!!!, and she had no suggestions apart from lose weight and take evening primrose oil.
I'm now taking 1000mg of EPO, I've just bought some fruit teas to replace coffee and tea. I don't eat meat so I do tend to eat a lot of soya products and vegetables. I suppose I should lose a bit of weight. I do spend quite a long time in front of the computer, I'll look into getting a screen for the vdu.
I also tried the massage that Andre7 suggested, and after a couple of days it seems to be alleviating the pain. I was using a technique I found while looking up Manual Lymph Drainage massage on t'internet. The site also suggested body-brushing. I wonder then if it's like a build up of lymph fluid and/or toxins. I'll continue these and see if it continues to improve.
I'm still gutted about the coffee though [sm=mecry.gif]
Love Webs x
RE: Sore Boobies!!!!
Update:::
I'm still taking the evening primrose oil, and am completely off tea and coffee. Some of those fruit teas are really nice too!!! I'm also going to a massage therapist for Manual Lymphatic Drainage which I hope will also be a step in the right direction. Phew....
So I'll see how that all goes to start with.
Love Webs x
RE: Sore Boobies!!!!
I'm glad you're enjoying the fruit teas! 🙂
I hope it will all go well for you.
Love and hugs,
Guin x