ramifications of taking antibiotics for breast infection, please help

[hlkm2e]

I've been fighting multiple plugged ducts, blebs and who know what for over 3 weeks now. I've tried everything and nothing is helping. I'm beginning to suspect an underlying infection. I know if I go to the dr. he is going to want me to take antibiotics, but I'm scared. I haven't had them in more than 10 years and I'm terrified of thrush. Can anyone tell me what my true risk of getting thrush is if I opt for the meds. And is there anyway of preventing it?

Thanks

[mamanurse]

Unless you have a fever or other symptoms suggesting an infection, I would avoid antibx at all costs. Have you tried adding lecithin as a daily supplement to your diet. The first 5 months I was lactating, I had constant clogged ducts. After a week of taking the supplement, I was free of that horrible malady.

If you do end up having to take antibiotics, make sure you add prbiotics to your diet. This can help prevent a candida infection.

[hlkm2e]

Ihave been taking lecithin, but only for about 3 days. Do you think after a week it may start helping?

I don't have a fever, but I do have a very red spot on my nipple just below the bleb or dead skin. I've tried popping it several time, but nothing comes out and all I can see is pink underneath, no back up.

[provocativa]

My oldest is 3 years and 2 months and the other is 2 months, I've had thrush since the oldest was 2.5 months old- and I've not had a yeast infection in well over 10 years, all my other flora is fine ( the midwife complimented it, even, ha ha). I would avoid antibiotics unless I thought I was dying. Of course, I don't have insurance to get diflucan- nor any assurance of a doctor knowing a severe thrush protocol without multiple visits. In my case, the inflamation from thrush causes my recurrent plugged ducts. Good luck.

[Treasuremapper]

I took antibiotics several times for mastitis and I felt dramatically better. I did not have a yeast infection. I did have a fever and there was no question about it, my breasts were bright red with streaks. I found out what was causing the problem, though, and the recurrent bouts of mastitis stopped. Even though my bra was professionally fitted at a maternity shop, they sold me several bras that totally did not fit because it was one of the sizes they had in stock. I finally went to one of those stores where they had true professional fitters and got a few new bras and have not had a single case of mastitis since that time.

[NIS]

Have you tried a course of grapeseed extract? if you do end up choosing to go with a prescribed antibiotic dont forget to take some probiotics, aslo a breastfeediong counsellor once told me that antibiotics can cause diarriah in nurslings and that they should aslo receive some probiotics, she suggested licking your little finger than placing finger into the jar and letting baby/toddler lick it off

[GooeyRN]

I personally wouldn't mess with antibiotics unless the fever was over 101. I have had mastitis several times. I always have plugged ducts, the lecithin does not help me, even at the highest dose. It just gives me the runs. I took the antibiotics one time for mastitis, since my fever was 102.6 AFTER taking both Tylenol and Motrin. That time with mastitis was not fun! That was right after getting treatment for thrush. That was one month ago. I currently have thrush and mastitis, but the fever is staying below 100 so I am not getting the abx. I have one breast problem after another. When will it end...