question about mastitis

~Roo'sMama~ wrote: I have mastitis again, but it's not quite as bad as it was the other times I've gotten it. I'm thinking about just letting it work itself out on its own and not get on antibiotics this time - for those of you who've had mastitis and not gotten an antibiotic, how long did it take to get better? I wouldn't even consider not doing the antibiotics if it was as bad as last time, but it only hurts a little and it's not bright red, just a little pink. I really don't want to take antibiotics again because I know I'll get thrush if I do. My fever is what's making me the most miserable, but I'm trying to keep it down with tylenol.

lovemy2 replied: Now - I know nothing about this at all mind you - but if it is an infection that requires antibiotics won't it only get worse if it isn't treated? Maybe by treating it early you won't need as strong an antibiotic and maybe won't get the thrush

~Roo'sMama~ replied:
I'm not really sure how it works, but I know there have been a couple ladies on this board who have had it in the past and not gotten treated for it. You would think since it's an infection you have to treat it, but I don't know.

I have gotten thrush every time I've been on an antibiotic while nursing, with all different kinds of doses. I HATE thrush - it's so hard to get rid of! I seem to be really prone to it too.

coasterqueen replied: You know I honestly don't remember. I did battle it every time without antibiotics. Maybe one time I did. I think I'm trying to block that time out of my life. I say if you have a fever you might want to take it. Although look on Kelly's website and see what all she recommends to do for mastitis, especially with fever. If you haven't done that or tried all she says do that first - if you can keep it under control without the antibiotics that's what I'd do. It's hard to say unless you are actually in that situation, you know? I know the times I had it I could handle it, but my level of discomfort and yours might be different. Do what you need to do. Just remember if you take the antibiotics do your anti-thrush treatments. You are a great mother, Sara.

~Roo'sMama~ replied:
I thought it was you that had it and didn't get it treated. Yeah this time I do feel like I can handle it without an antibiotic... so far anyways. If I wake up tomorrow and it feels as bad as the other three times I've had it then you can bet I'll be heading to the doctor! The last time I had mastitis I could barely even move my fever was so high and tylenol wasn't making it go down. And nursing was nothing short of torture. I didn't think to look at Kelly.com... I'll go do that now. I'm going to take either a cool bath or shower too. I don't feel as icky as I did this morning - my temp is only a little over 100 so that's not too bad.

~Roo'sMama~ replied: Just an update... I made it through just fine with now antibiotics. My right breast still feels a little sore but the fever and redness are gone.

coasterqueen replied:
I am taking you meant NO antibiotics, right? Just wanted to make sure. That's awesome Sara. Keep putting warm compresses and massage that breast quite often and the soreness will go away. Mastitis is mostly caused by plugs gone bad and the plug probably worked it's way out, but not entirely. I hope you feel 100% very soon.

Mommy2BAK replied: I'm glad to hear it's getting better Sara, you are a trooper!

~Roo'sMama~ replied:
Lol yeah that's what I meant. It barely hurts at all now.

~Roo'sMama~ replied:
Thanks Tamara! I wouldn't have been such a trooper if it had gotten as ugly as the other times I've had it though - so I don't really feel like one. I had it a couple months ago and I was in agony. My temp was 105 and I just sat on the couch and cried every time Andrew bumped me because my whole body hurt so bad. And then when Allie needed to eat I'd cry some more. I couldn't drag myself to the doctor so I called them and asked them to call a script in for me, but I couldn't even make myself go get that so I had to wait until after noon for my MIL to go and get it for me. Fevers always make me feel terrible. This time my fever only got up to 103 - definitely no picnic but still not so bad.

coasterqueen replied:
Sara, you most definitely are a trooper. Why? Because you still BF your child despite the pain you were going through. It's not a big deal to get the antibiotics to treat mastitis. The reason I always try to encourage to go without it is because of thrush. In your case you get it easily (like me) and that's why I say that. You are DEFINITELY a trooper. Mastitis is painful and a lot of women would quit after the first time of getting it. Kudos.

moped replied: I agree with Karen - KUDOS girl!!!!!!!!!

You are a great mom!

moped replied: Oh and you guys scare me about starting BF again in a few months!

~Roo'sMama~ replied: Aww thanks you guys, that makes me feel good. I haven't been feeling like the best mom lately so that means a lot.

coasterqueen replied:
Sara, there is no doubt in my mind that you are a great mom.