Near the end of last summer, I had noticed a slight dip in my health. I had a sharp pain under my right armpit, and it hurt slightly to raise my arm over my head. My right nipple piercing was discharging (although both piercings were well beyond healed) and I was often tired, my body ached, and I could generally sense that something was off with my body.
At A Glance Author Vanessa Contact vanb0t@hotmail.com IAM novemaci When A year ago
Figuring it was just stress, I ignored it. Until I noticed a slightly reddish, and warm, crescent moon shape forming around about half of my areola on my right breast. It was warm, and the tissue within my breast was growing in sensitivity. Thinking it was just my sensitive skin acting up, I went without a bra and soothed the tender skin with a cool wet face cloth. Soon, I noticed that was not helping, as the crescent was growing in size, and I could feel heat emanating from the red area. My breast tissue in my right breast was very sensitive, and my flu-like symptoms were terrible. My body was aching, and I was exhausted all the time. I would feel light headed at times, and would become very hot or freezing cold very easily. I had no idea what might be going on with my body.This was all within the span of 3 or 4 days. As the crescent was much larger than when I first noticed it, I was beginning to panic (which is not uncommon when I sense my body to be displeased with me). However, I felt ashamed and embarrassed. I never imagined having a health concern regarding my breast, especially a potential infection. I began further researching the risks associated with nipple piercings. I was already well aware of Mastitis, as I research any risk associated with any procedure I know I will be having done, and I decided to further research the infliction. The most valuable information I found was all regarding women who develop the infection from breastfeeding, so I thought the best idea would be to to seek medical attention.
The first person I called was my friend Courtney (Antishock), who is a modified registered nurse. Who better to trust and understand than someone who has the piercings themselves? She couldn't be sure of what exactly was wrong without seeing my breast, but told me my lymph node in my armpit was sore due to it fighting something off. Courtney's advice was simple. Trace the outline of the red area with a permanent marker, and if it grows larger, get to a doctor. Also, she recommended a homeopathic soothing remedy of warming a couple leaves of raw cabbage and placing them over the tender area.
Well the cabbage felt good, but smelled terrible, and the redness spread. It became more bright and flush in colour, and the tissue beneath it was becoming unnaturally hard. The heat coming from the reddish area could only be described as very hot. It was hot to the point where I could always feel my breast burning under my shirt. I felt strong pain when I lifted my right arm at any level, and when I would, it felt as if something very VERY heavy were sitting upon my shoulder.I could not raise my arm over my head and my right shoulder joint felt locked up.
At this point I was beyond panicking about my medical condition, and got in to see a doctor as soon as I could. When I was being seen by the nurse at my clinic and told her of my symptoms, she immediately switched my room and my doctor. I was terrified at the hustle and confusion my symptoms created within the clinic, but was so thankful to be finally taken care of. The doctor I saw was a young woman with a calm demeanor, which I was also thankful for. When she saw and felt my right breast, she was quite concerned. I had an infection in my breast that needed immediate attention. She gave me a strong prescription (the name of which I can no longer remember) that was to last for 2 days, and if the redness did not decrease I was to immediately go to an emergency room for IV drugs.
When I inquired about the possibility of the infection being caused by my pierced nipples, the doctor caught me totally by surprise. I was expecting a lecture, however she told me that she wouldn't necessarily blame the piercings. She explained that infections can be already present within the body, or even a slight split or crack in any nipple could cause such an infection. I was treated with the utmost respect and concern, regardless of the modifications I have chosen for my body. I should be thankful for this every day of my life since that doctor's appointment. If I were treated with any less respect, or a biased opinion, and was not treated for the infection properly, it could have meant death. On a much smaller scale, it could have meant losing my piercings, which my doctor did not deem to be necessary.
Thankfully, taking the strong pills 4 times a day for 2 days prevented any further concerns or complications, and my infection gradually cleared up. I was able to keep my piercings, and I am blessed that I did not require any surgery or IV drugs.
I have had a couple life threatening medical concerns in my life, however having Mastitis was a very different experience. It is much more personal than any severe asthma attack I have ever had. An infection of the breast tissue isn't something any woman should have to deal with, it is a real concern for many women, both modified and not.
THIS CAN BE LIFE THREATENING, so please, if you experience any problem, do not be ashamed or embarrassed. Please seek medical attention immediately!
This is the first time I have told a full account of my bout with a breast infection, and I am no longer ashamed. Like I said, this is a very real and serious concern if not looked after. I would much rather share it with others than be in a state of concern and confusion like I was.
I modify my body because I respect and love my body. Because I love it, I wish to keep it safe and healthy. You know your own body, please take care of yourself, and take your concerns seriously!