I didn't want to get too detailed in the subject line, because what I am about to ask is pretty gross. If you get sick to your stomache easily, please be warned. I have been sick for about the last month and a half. It started out with what I thought was the stomache flu. I had that for a few days and then got a little better. A few days later, I had an allergic reaction to something and ended up in the E.R. with hives all over my body and my throat swelling shut. They gave me medicine (didn't test me to tell me WHAT I was allergic to) including Zyrtec and Prednisone, and sent me home. I continued to have chest pain and itching for about a week, even went to see my Dr. the day after the E.R. visit, and then is started to go away. Just as it was completely gone, I got a chemical burn on my stomache that got VERY infected. I didn't want to go back to the Dr. again, I had been so many times in the last few weeks, that I waited a few days. I went in with a fever, chills, blood and plasma oozing from the burn site. The Dr. gave me more medicine, this time an antibiotic and hydrocortizone cream, and I went home and took it. On Sunday, I started to get a cold. In my sinuses and my chest and my throat. I talk for work, an dI sound horrible! I have felt pretty crappy for the last five days, but if it's just a cold, there is nothing the Dr. can do, so he is not going to get any more out of me this month!
So here is where my issue comes in. Last night, I went to get undressed for bed, and as I took my bra off, I had black, gooey liquid leaking from my nipples. Now, I'm certain it wasn't blood. I wiped it off with a Q-Tip and it has no tint of red or brown or pink or yellow. It is black and gray completely. More has leaked out this morning and I am scared to death!! I found what I think might be a lump, but it could just be me overreacting to the liquid. I had my yearly exam two months ago and everything was normal. I also check myself regularly. I looked on Web MD and couldn't find anything.
Has anybody had, or know what this could be? I haven't breatfed for five years. Help?
Update #3:
Mammograms HURT!!!!! But, everything looked "mostly" normal. I still have to wait to hear back from the surgeon, and I may have to have a ductectomy (say that word out loud, ductectomy, the funniest word ever!) but the radiologist said that he didn't think he saw any signs of cancer. YAY!!
Update #2:
I went in for an ultrasound on Wednesday. They found a "mass" and sent me to a surgeon/breast specialist on Friday. He has scheduled me for another ultrasound and a mammogram on Tuesday. This is totally wearing me out!
Hi everyone. Thank you for all of your responses. I went to a lot of the websites that you suggested and they were all very informative. Also, I posted this on Thursday night and I was seen by my doctor on Friday afternoon. I took in the Q-Tip with the stuff on it and he said he had never seen anything like it before. He felt the lump and has scheduled me for an ultrasound this Wednesday and bloodwork. I feel like I should have a permanent hole in my arm so that every time they need more blood from me they can just open up a little faucet or something :). Anyhow, I just thought I would let you know that I am NOT just sitting at home wondering what is going on. I am scared to death, but will know a little more by Friday when I get the results. THANKS SO MUCH!!!
Go to the Doctor NOW! It is not worth the worry! I too often think I can handle things myself and ended up with anemia for over 3 years and lost a lot besides my health. Don't try to second guess. Go NOW!
You need to see a doctor for this. And if you're not satisfied with the care you've received thus far, you need to find a new person to see. What you're describing could be a very big deal.
Go to this website. I think it will relieve some anxiety, but you do need to get to a doc.
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/nipple.asp
--S.
I am a Mom/Baby/GYN nurse and I'm not sure exactly what is going on with you, but I do strongly feel you need to see a Gyn doctor. There could any number of things wrong from something as simple as your blood work being off and needing medication to having cancer. You need to find out ASAP. Do not delay. The longer you want the worse it will get.
Barb T.
Please call the doctor right now!!! I don't know what the black liquid could be, but I do know that it is not normal. Don't take your health for granted, so please call the doctor as soon as possible.
If there is a lump, I would definately go to the doctor to get it checked out. Especially when there is a discharge also. Most women find breast cancer by feeling the lump, not by a physician or mammogram. Make an appointment to see your OBGYN quickly. Please just get it checked by a doctor... better to be safe than sorry.
Hi, C.,
I found this info at the Mayo Clinic:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nipple-discharge/WO00093
You may have the inflammed duct thing, but either way, you should make an appointment with your doctor. Anytime there is something unusual with your body, you should get it checked out. Don't be afraid that you've been to the doctor "too much." That's what they are there for! Trust me, I know how you feel. After my pregnancy, I feel like the doctor's office is my second home lately, but it gets better! Sometimes it's a blesing in disguise! I'll be praying for you, hon!
Chrissy
NEED to get this checked out right away. Even if you just had your exam. Make an appt with your family doctor now.
J. MD
My advice to you is get to the doctor's ASAP. Anytime something like this happens you need to see that doctor. I know you have been there numerous times before but you have to remember we all are getting older and things do happen that make us go to the doctor real frequently.
Let us know what your doctor has to say please and don't wait to long please.
N.
Certain medications are known to turn breast milk black. Even if you are not currently nursing, it isn't uncommon for women who have nursed previously to still have milk months, years later.
Physician referral is recommended ... but here's what one book says, "a derivative of tetracycline, Minocin ... has been associated with black milk." See what antibiotic you most recently took. You could talk to your pharmacist for info before going to the doctor, but your health is worth the money to your kids. Good luck.
You need to go see your doctor again.
I would definitely go back in to your Gyno and get your breasts checked out. Anything abnormal like that needs to be really looked at if you ask me. My mom is a breast cancer survivor so I'm one to have it all checked out. You can't be too cautious!
C.,
My sister in-law forwarded the following to me. I hope you will go get checked. Maybe you should consult another doctor. I hope all turns out well for you after all is said and done but I thought I should pass this along.
New kind of Breast Cancer - DO NOT DELETE
Please forward to all of the women in your lives ........ Mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, friends, etc.
In November, a rare kind of breast cancer was found. A lady developed a rash on her breast, similar to that of young mothers who are nursing.
Because her mammogram had been clear, the doctor treated her with antibiotics for infections. After 2 rounds, it continued to get worse, so her doctor sent her for another mammo gram. This time it showed a mass.
A biopsy found a fast growing malignancy. Chemo was started in order to shrink the growth; then a mastectomy was performed; then a full round of Chemo; then radiation. After about 9 months of intense treatment, she was given a clean bill of health.
She had one year of living each day to its fullest. Then the cancer returned to the liver area. She took 4 treatments and decided that she wanted quality of life, not the after effects of Chemo. She had 5 great months and she planned each detail of the final days. After a few days of needing morphine, she died. She left this message to be delivered to women everywhere:
Women, PLEASE be alert to anything that is not normal, and be persistent in getting help as soon as possible.
Paget's Disease: This is a rare form of breast cancer, and is on the outside of the breast, on the nipple and aureole. It appeared as a rash, which later became a lesion with a crusty outer edge. I would not have ever suspected it to be breast cancer, but it was. My nipple never seemed any different to me, but the rash bothered me, so I went to the doctor for that. Sometimes it itched and was sore, but other than that it didn't bother me. It was just ugly and a nuisance, and could not be cleared up with all the creams prescribed by my doctor and dermatologist for the dermatitis I got on my eyes just prior to this outbreak. They seemed a little concerned, but did not warn me it could be cancerous.
Now, I suspect not many women out there know a lesion or rash on the nipple or aureole can be breast cancer. (Mine started out as a single red pimple on the aureole. One of the biggest problems with Paget's disease of the nipple is that the symptoms appear to be harmless. It is frequently thought to be a skin inflammation or infection, leading to unfortunate delays in detection and care.) What are the symptoms?
1. A persistent redness, oozing, and crusting of your nipple causing it to itch and burn (As I stated, mine did not itch or burn much, and had no oozing I was aware of, but it did have a crust along the outer edge on one side.)
2. A sore on your nipple that will not heal. (Mine was on the aureole area with a whitish thick looking area in center of nipple).
3. Usually only one nipple is effected. How is it diagnosed? Your doctor will do a physical exam and should suggest having a mammogram of both breasts, done immediately. Even though the redness, oozing and crusting closely resemble dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), your doctor should suspect cancer if the sore is only on one breast. Your doctor should order a biopsy of your sore to confirm what is goin g on.
This message should be taken seriously and passed on to as many of your relatives and friends as possible; it could save someone's life.
My breast cancer has spread and metastasized to my bones after receiving mega doses of chemotherapy, 28 treatments of radiation and taking Tamaxofin. If this had been diagnosed as breast cancer in the beginning, perhaps it would not have spread...
TO ALL READERS:
This is sad as women are not aware of Paget's disease. If, by passing this around on the e-mail, we can make others aware of it and its potential danger, we are helping women everywhere.
Please, take a moment to forward this message to as many people as possible, especially to your family and friends. It only takes a moment, yet the results could save a lif e
I would be going to the doctor and perhaps checking into a specialist. I would also retrace my steps and find out what you had an allergic reaction to in the first place. Allergic reactions frequently get worse and with the episode you had you need to be aware of what caused it. Benedryl is good to have around if you do start to have a reaction to anything before help gets to you the benedryl starts working immediately on stopping your immune system from overreacting, you need to know, there are all kinds of tests to find out what you are allergic to and you need to know. The black goo is scary and you need to find out professionally what is causing this. Make phone calls to specialists and ask questions, they may know where to direct you before you make an appointment somewhere. It may be more allergic reaction to something or something more serious but don't wait because of finances or denial, get information and get help. Good luck,
S.
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/nipple2.asp
I found this info. I wouldn't fool with it, please go to the doctor - maybe even start with a new dr. from the same practice, since you sound like your regular dr. is not receptive to your issues.
Go see your doctor.. if uncomfortable seeing your doctor find a different doctor but go see someone.
Good luck, it might be nothing but this is something you do not want to question; you need to know that either you are fine or that you will get the treatment you need to continue to live a healthy life.
Go to the doctor and get it all straightened out. Tell them all of the story, not just parts! You've had an awful couple months and need it all checked out.
Hello C.,
I am certainly not an expert or doctor but your body's reaction warrants professional investigation. You have been through so much the last several months and have taken several drugs that may not agree with your body. It is my understanding that when any liquid leaks from the breast other than breast milk it is VERY important to get it checked out immediately by your doctor. Make the appointment today.
Take care of yourself always,
Peace and health,
J.
Darling,
I would say you have been so sick and on so many meds you are "toxic"... I do have a degree in biology... Here is what I would do. 1)try and get a sample of the GOO... as much as possible so that a lab can run it. A sterile Q-tip would be prefered but a regular Q-tip would be fine and then seal it in a plastic bag and mark the date and time that you took the sample with a sharpie on your sandwich bag. Make and appointment with your doctor... BRING IN ALL THE MEDS... write everything down (journal it) evidence is everything.
NOW I would get either Espom's salts or Baking Soda (both work) and put in 2-3 cups in your tub and SOAK in the hottest water you can stand unitl you are pruny. DRINK LOTS OF WATER and try to start pulling thows toxins out of your body. (journal that as well)
When you go to the doctor I would demand a full lab screening, blood, urine, GOO sample ... everything and I would request a TOX screen...Do not be affraid to be bold and kind of bitchy in insisting on figuring out what in the heck is goining on and finding a way to fix it and fix it NOW. If you do not have confidence in the doctor you are seeing I would ask for another but often it is better to be seen by the same one and ask them to pull in one of their partners (if they have one) for a second opinion consult. Where the three of you can meet TOGETHER.
LEt us know what turns out.
Oh you poor thing. What a nightmare.
You need to get to a GOOD doctor RIGHT NOW!!!
Arms around,
M.
Call your Dr immediately! This isn't something to be looked up on Webmd. It could be a reaction to the meds but you really need to know that for sure. A year or so ago my nipples leaked this yellowish fluid, they took samples and ran tests and did a mammogram and it wasn't anything,I hadn't nursed in years either when they found this. Just because you had a general checkup two months ago doesn't mean anything!
I don't want to scare you but please just to the Dr!!!!
I would call the doctor and insist that they see me, immediately!!
A few years ago I had greenish/gray fluids coming out of my nipples. At first it was only one nipple, then the other had a a little ooze.
I freaked out and went back to my doctor (for me it had the 3rd time that week - all different issues). She told me it is actually normal to have some fluids occasionally. She went ahead and had some blood test drawn to test my hormone levels. They were higher than normal and she referred me to an endroconologist (not sure if the spelling is exactly right, but this is a hormone/fertility specialist doctor).
The endroconologist informed me that extra handling of the breast (ie: squeezing fluid out my nipples, checking more often for lumps) can actually make the hormone levels rise. So he had some blood drawn before giving me an exam. Thank goodness the hormonal levels were fine.
I've never had any foreign fluid ooze out of my nipples since.
First I wanted to tell you this to let you know everything turned out fine for me and is more likely to be for you as well. Second, both doctors were actually concerned enough to actually do blood test.
My advice to you is
1)don't stress yourself out. This can actually make things worse.
2)see your doctor again, or a different one. You need to make sure it's not something more serious that can be taken care of if it's caught early enough.
Remember, all of the medicines you're taking may actually just be causing your hormone levels to rise and causing fluid to leak.
I have never had this myself, but I did a little googling and I found a link to the mayo clinic about it:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nipple-discharge/WO00093
It looks like you should be seen, but it may not be as bad as you would think. I hope that it isn't!
Good luck!! You need to get some rest after all that your body has gone through.
~Rach
Glad to here I'm no the only one! I too have had this and the liquid started as a blueish color then went black I finally went to the doctor and they did blood work but before that he said that as you get older your fibroids change thats all it is. he said it doesnt happen to everyone but it does happen. and it doesnt mean anything! but I still would go get it checked! I was also scared to death at 30, but releaved! good luck hope it is nothing like mine!
I hope for starters that you're test comes back negatvie. However, have you asked your doctor about an antibiotic resistant staph infection? Staph infections can be extremely serious and hard to treat. I would suggest you ask to be tested.
Hi,
This could be a toxic build up.
If I were you I would keep doctoring but
also I would do a detox. I would take Natural Cellular
defense, I would take 15 drops/4 times aday,
and put some on the nipples.
you can read more information at
www.liquidzeoliteinfo.com
You can get it from
www.mywaiora.com/968229
If you have anyother quesations please email me
____@____.com
B. Adams
I have abeen married 30 years,
Mother of 3 grown sons and a grandmother of 5
Uh....GO TO THE DOCTOR????
my mom had brown liquid leaking. she went and did a biopsy and they said she was fine. she wasn't. she had cancer and they missed it.
i think leaking is a very scary sign and i would definitely get to the doctor. i would not play around with this situation. breasts should not be leaking weird stuff.
you have been so many physical problems lately, maybe it could be something with that, but i personally would go to a specialist (not that it did my mom any good) and figure out what is going on. something is definitely going on!
Save the liquid if you can and take it straightway to the doctor or emergency room--I think doctors see so many people who over-react to stuff that they don't always take us seriously when they need to. I'm not a doctor, but I'm thinking black is never a good sign. Give them as much information as you can, including every other medical problem you have had lately. It is more embarrassing to us than it is to doctors-who deal with that kind of stuff all the time.
Go to a doctor. It may be nothing but colustrum leaking from your nipples (hormone related), but absolutely go to the doctor. Go to a freee clinic if you need to.
If I were you, I wouldn't hesitate. Just call your Doctor right away. Also, the internet is a great resource!
you need to see a doctor and really soon i might add. I would actually advice you to go to an urgent care center if you dont want to go to the ER if you dont have an urgent care go to the ER. Befoer you go write down everything that has been happening this past month in a timeline sequence. That way you dont forget any of your sxs that have been happening this past month.
I wouldnt wait for this....it sounds serious. Best of luck...the chemical burn i m concerned about too.....
Dear C. - Save any residue on a Q-tip inside a plastic bag and get yourself to the emergency room as soon as you can. Anytime you have anything leaking from your nipples, is cause for concern. The only thing I can think of is the infection you had from the chem. burn has somehow gotten into your other systems. Please let me know how it turns out.
Now go!!!
T.
I noticed that you said your doctor wasn't going to be able to do anything for you if it's just a cold, but that isn't always the case. You could have a bacterial infection or something. I wouldn't wait any longer so see someone, go to an urgent care if your doctor doesn't have weekend clinics. I worked have worked in the medical field for 4 years and really this is the kind of thing that needs to be paid attention to, your doctor will strongly agree also. Please go so someone.
I had to respond to your blog, i work at a cancer center in colorado. I would definitely push for a mammo or an ultrasound of your breasts. That would not be over reacting. I would push for your phyicians to do further testing. Breast cancer can have all types of symptoms. Especially if you found a lump in your beast, and now there is discharge from your nipple. Very serious!!!!!!!!!! Get to your physicians office asap, insist on an mammo, ultrasound, mri or cat scan!
C., I found a lump just recently and went to my GYN yesterday. The first thing the asked was if I had any discharge from my nipples. I did not but I would strongly suggest you call your GYN and get in there ASAP. Best of luck!!!
I would call your ob and see what they say. My guess is they'll want to see you right away. The other thought, is do you have a good allergist near you that might be able to get to the bottom of what started all of this? If you were in Denver, I'd recommend National Jewish, but I don't know of a place near you. This must be scary. I'll keep you in my prayers!
Hi C.,
Of course I am not a doctor, but that sounds pretty serious. I would save a sample of the black liquid to take into the doctor. I know how tedious it is to go to the doctor a million times, but don't chance it you could regret it later. Before my mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer she said that she was coughing up a black liquid that was not blood. I don't want to scare you, but doctors miss things and sometimes test aren't always accurate. I hope that everything works out, but I would go get checked out again and soon.
Take care,
E.
C.,
I'm so sorry you have been feeling so badly but I think you need to go get medical attention immediately, preferably with a specialist, not an ER doc! You could do some research on the web about this. I would suggest going to your OBGYN right away.
Best to you, M.
I would call a lactation consultant, just to see if the infection or the medication could be coming through your breasts. I think at that point they could send you to someone more approiate than the ER doc or your 'regular doc' to see what is going on. I would have it checked out more by a specialist than a general doc (although I don't know what that specialist may be). I am thinking the LC may be able to recommend someone for you to see.
I would love to hear what this is. Never heard of this before.
Girl you are sick! With all of your symptoms, I might consider walking into the ER at a good hospital. The hospital has all kinds of resources and specialists and if you are in the ER I think they have to come and consult. Good luck.
Hi C.,
I will be the first person to try to take my health into my own hands and I always try to go the natural route; however, this sounds like it could be serious. I would recommend that you do go to a doctor. I know that you have been quite a bit this last month and that your check up a couple months ago came back fine. Heaven forbid something to be wrong, but you may have a serious infection or something else. If you do not think tha tyour doctor is taking you seriously or taking proper care of you then I would try a new doctor. I would recommend Dr. Hugo Rodier, he is very good, well respected and cares about his patients. Here is his contact information...
Pioneer Integrative Medical Clinic
12433 South Fort Street (950 East)
Draper, UT 84020
tel. ###-###-#### / fax. ###-###-####
I hope that you feel better very soon...R.
I know that everybody has been saying go to the doc, and I agree. BUT I wanted to add: make sure that whichever doctor you go to gets the FULL medical history you just posted (including the "common" cold)and anything you may have left out. That can help the doctor put it all in perspective: your body might be reacting to previous meds, or it could all be part of some bigger thing. The faster you catch whatever it is, generally the easier it is to solve it.
First of all, let me say that I'm so sorry you've been feeling so ill! I HATE being sick. And it sounds like you've had more than your fair share of it lately. In my opinion, you should just buckle down and go see the doctor again. Like one of the previous posters said, you should make sure he knows exactly what's been happening, and every little detail since you first got sick so he knows how better to treat you. If you would rather not just make an appointment, call ahead and ask to talk to the doctor or Nurse Practitioner, Physician's Assistant, etc. ahead of time and see if it's really something you need to worry about. I really hope you start feeling better soon. Good luck!
You need to go to the doctor to have your breasts checked, amongst the other things. Abnormal leakage/discharge from the breasts is a concern and any lump should be checked---even if you were just checked 2 months ago! Early detection is the key.
Best wishes.
This could be infection from the chemical burn or some of the chemical that caused the burn. OR it could be something more serious. Don't rely on the general public for medical treatment. Go to a doctor. Have you ever considered alternative medicine?
I'm scared shitless too! I'm 41 years old, have had a host of medical problems since my gastric bypass 9 years ago and this is the scariest. So far, the only thing I have learned from the internet is that about 50% have cancer and the other 50% don't know yet. I read that if it IS cancer, then it is most likely a very tricky one that stays undetected until stage 4 and it could take up to 10 years to rear its ugly head. If you need to talk to someone who is in the same boat, my email address is ____@____.com god bless you and good luck to you. ;)
