[karen1968]

DS is 8 weeks old tomorrow and we've been battling thrush for 6 weeks now (with all the usual treatments - GSE, gentian violet, APNO, etc.). After 28 days of diflucan, I think it might be gone. BUT...it's left me with a nasty crack/ulcer at the base of my right nipple. I've been nursing through painful latch-on and early session pain, and sometimes lingering pain after nursing. And yesterday I noticed it oozing yellow-green pus (I wouldn't have noticed it if i weren't using disposable breast pads to keep the APNO off me bras).<br><br>
I'm still cleansing with GSE/water solution after nursing, and then applying APNO. I've considered pumping that side but have heard that might hurt as bad as nursing...I also have a call in to my midwife. At the very least, I'd like to get another 'scrip for the APNO, as I've only got a few days worth left. Is there anything else I could/should be doing to help this nipple heal??? I'm about at the end of my rope!

 

[samuelsmom]

It sounds like you're doing the right things... Maybe try a little expressed breast milk on the sore after you cleanse and let it air dry...Here's a link, too, from kellymom.com that looks pretty helpful:<a href="http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/nipplehealing.html" target="_blank">http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/...lehealing.html</a><br><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug"> Good luck and hang in there!

 

[lazulip]

Sorry to hear all that you are going through. I had a similar experience that went on for 2 1/2 months. The ulcer was pretty deep and went in and out of getting better and then worse. It probably took a month or more to finally close for good. I used GSE and APNO but didn't find it that helpful so made up my own solution after trying various things on the nipples. I started to do sea salt soaks in warm water after nursing for 10 min or so. I also applied sesame oil with goldenseal and myrrh. I found this to work the best in healing as the sesame oil helps moisten and heal the skin while the goldenseal and myrrh help with bacteria and speed healing. Myrrh is absolutely amazing for any cuts and heals things so quickly. I found at night worked the best as I had a 4 hour stretch w/o feeding. The myrrh can stain so need to cover. In terms of yeast, I found letting the nipples out in the sun was really helpful and taking garlic capsules internally. I was a little worried about putting breast milk on the nips as I had yeast very deep in the breasts with the terrible pains reaching to my back. Once it was gone, it was very helpful for healing. Hang in there. My babe is 7 months and we have been yeast free since mid Dec. LMK if I can offer any more help. Best.

 

[crooa]

I'm still cleansing with GSE/water solution after nursing, and then applying APNO. I've considered pumping that side but have heard that might hurt as bad as nursing...I also have a call in to my midwife. At the very least, I'd like to get another 'scrip for the APNO, as I've only got a few days worth left. Is there anything else I could/should be doing to help this nipple heal??? I'm about at the end of my rope![/QUOTE]<br><br><br>
First a quick question...do you find the GSE wash to leave a bitter taste for babies nect feeding or do you rinse it off?<br><br>
Second I also have an ulcerated nipple. It has been 2.5 months and I have noticed it does improve with giving it a break. Right now I am ona doctor ordered 1 week break with only pumping allowed to try and heal it (as the doc says if there was a gold medal for breast feeding, I would get it, as most would not stick to it as I have). the only thing with pumping I have noticed is that my breast does not seem to drain as well. I have lumps by nexzt pumping (scares me a little but they dissparear after pumping).<br><br>
Have you tried breaking open a capsule of Vitamin E on the nipple?

 

[karen1968]

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<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>crooa</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7911133"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">First a quick question...do you find the GSE wash to leave a bitter taste for babies nect feeding or do you rinse it off?<br><br>
Second I also have an ulcerated nipple. It has been 2.5 months and I have noticed it does improve with giving it a break. Right now I am ona doctor ordered 1 week break with only pumping allowed to try and heal it (as the doc says if there was a gold medal for breast feeding, I would get it, as most would not stick to it as I have). the only thing with pumping I have noticed is that my breast does not seem to drain as well. I have lumps by nexzt pumping (scares me a little but they dissparear after pumping).<br><br>
Have you tried breaking open a capsule of Vitamin E on the nipple?</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
If the GSE leaves a bitter taste, he hasn't shown any signs of it. I've noticed more reluctance to nurse when I've used the vinegar/water solution.<br><b><br>
2.5 months!!</b> wow. Mines only been about 3 weeks, but it does seem to be getting worse, not better. I see my mw on Monday, so we'll see what she says...I haven't tried Vit. E Have you? Does it make a adifference? I also haven't tried going topless, as it's too cold here still, not to mention a little uncomfortable (big boobs! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"> ).

 

[Dillpicklechip]

<div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
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<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>karen1968</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7906527"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">DS is 8 weeks old tomorrow and we've been battling thrush for 6 weeks now (with all the usual treatments - GSE, gentian violet, APNO, etc.). After 28 days of diflucan, I think it might be gone. BUT...it's left me with a nasty crack/ulcer at the base of my right nipple. I've been nursing through painful latch-on and early session pain, and sometimes lingering pain after nursing. And yesterday I noticed it oozing yellow-green pus (I wouldn't have noticed it if i weren't using disposable breast pads to keep the APNO off me bras).<br><br>
I'm still cleansing with GSE/water solution after nursing, and then applying APNO. I've considered pumping that side but have heard that might hurt as bad as nursing...I also have a call in to my midwife. At the very least, I'd like to get another 'scrip for the APNO, as I've only got a few days worth left. Is there anything else I could/should be doing to help this nipple heal??? I'm about at the end of my rope!</div>
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Wow! I came here today to post something like this...something almost EXACTLY like this! My ds will be 8 weeks old in 2 days. I have been battling thrush for 6 weeks now just like the op, and I too have been on fluconazole for several weeks.<br><br>
I think the thrush is gone now, but I am left with an ugly looking ulcer on my right nipple. I've had it for about two weeks. It's roundish, probably 2 mm across. It doesn't bleed, it just looks like a place where there is no skin. Pretty gross.<br><br>
I have been using APNO all along, and I was using GSE for a while too--but I used too high a concentration, and it make my nipple skin peel. I think that was when the ulcer/sore started. But I haven't used GSE for a while, and I have cut way back on nursing on that side, and still the sore is there. It never goes away and I'm starting to get freaked out a bit by it.<br><br>
I notice in the above link Kellymom says to do a saline soak--how does this work to promote healing? Just curious.<br><br>
So does anyone else have an ulcerated nipple right now? Or has anyone had success healing one recently? I would REALLY like to cure this as quickly as possible! But I'm not sure what to do. Right now it's just APNO, and maybe I will try the saline soaks as well.<br><br>
Any advice anyone has for me would be greatly appreciated. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[smanore]

If you've been experiencing these symptoms for 8 weeks, after doing everything for the thrush, it might be a good idea to have the area swabbed and cultured. It'll help you know exactly what you're dealing with. Then you can treat it appropriately. It could be an allergic reaction, contact dermatitis, a bacterial infection and a host of other possibilities.<br><br>
Dabbing breastmilk on the area can help heal it. I think the saline solution is a great idea. It keeps it clean, and helps with the healing. Plus it feels great.<br><br>
I hope you're feeling better soon.<br><br>
Sue