Saturday, September 01, 2012

FMB: In Which I Complain About Breastfeeding Woes

Okay, I should be in bed, BUT....

With Bug, I had this awful thrush and a low-grade mastitis* that I didn't figure out for three months (what, you mean it's not supposed to hurt so much that you cry your eyes out every time the baby nurses???) and it took forever to get rid of and then we both got thrush again every time he got an ear infection.  And then, of course, he got pneumonia and I quit my job.  Anyhow.

With Tatoe.... it all happened again.  Doctor to me: "When did I see you last time?"  Me: "Exactly 3 years ago in June."  (The thrush is all better now; however, I am reminded to go get some grapefruit seed extract).  And the Mastitis That Won't Die keeps coming back.  The doctor whom I am seeing is actually an expert in this and is great, and she's doing all the right things, but it HURRRRTSSS.  We've been through three antibiotics this way.  And I felt okay for, oh, about a day.  And now I think it's back.  

Apparently I'm just that lucky.

* Did you know you can have mastitis without a fever?  For months?  And it's almost impossible really fucking hard to get rid of?**

** Did you know that taking azithromycin for 6 weeks can give you daily migraines?  ME NEITHER. 

8 comments:

  1. Soy lecithin. A gram a day. Yes, it's in with the cognitive enhancement drugs, and this sounds crazy but it totally works to prevent clogs which are what kicks off the mastitis.

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  2. ... yeah, already been taking that for two months. This isn't the kind of mastitis that manifests as blocked ducts, just as persistent pain. But thanks.

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  3. Don't you know that if breastfeeding hurts you're not DOING IT RIGHT? (Dripping with sarcasm, because it seems like it hurts at least a little for almost all of us, and even if it didn't, you're not doing it right is so totally unhelpful.)

    Anyways, this sounds like a horrible, horrible, HORRIBLE experience. Like, WOW. I'm so sorry. I can't really imagine such an unending torment, but I hope your doctor comes up with something.

    I have to say, the idea of a migraine makes me die, and the idea of taking care of screaming children with a migraine...makes me want to kill someone on your behalf.

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    1. I have long thought that it could be reframed as "If it hurts, something is WRONG." Much less blame-y. Or, in the long form, "If, after two weeks or so, you still want to curl up your toes and scream every time the baby nurses, something is wrong and you should seek help."

      I expect we'll try MORE nasty antibiotics now. Sigh.

      At least it's like Migraine Lite? Or something. I only want to die a little.

      Delete
  4. PharmaMicrobiologistMom1:42 AM

    Just awful! Have you considered an oral antifungal, like fluconazol? Fungi can also get into your milk ducts and it hurts.... like liquid fire in your breasts.

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    1. Indeed, I have now taken six weeks of high-dose fluconazole, as well. Trust me, I know EXACTLY how the FUCKING THRUSH feels.

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  5. Thrush = horrible, especially when it lasts FOREVER! I can only imagine the mastitis, I hope something works someday soon. Yeah, so how long again until you get to wean Mr. Tatoe?

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    Replies
    1. I'm considering standing on my head while praying to the moon goddess. (Not really.)

      Bug nursed until he was TWO.

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