The boy who cried wolf (worried)

[holliberry28]

I wouldn't normally made an AW thread, but I'm desperate for some non-biased, brutally honest advice.  I've been suffering from severe anxiety for a long time now, which manifests itself 90% through hypocondria.  Despite therapy, medication, and meditation, I'm still having chronic health anxiety.  Today I submitted a 24 hour urine draw to my OB's office because of elevated blood pressure readings.  6 months prior I saw a cardiologist who said I have white coat hypertension.  Still, I decided to due the urine draw to make sure I'm not at risk for developing pre-eclampsia.  Now, a week ago, I've had a painful lump in my right breast, which seems to move around from deeper within the breast tissue, to more on the surface depending on what day.  The midwife today said it felt like normal breast tissue, but since she never felt my breasts pre-pregnancy, if I'm concerned, I should get a breast ultrasound.  I don't want to be doing all these extra tests if I'm creating anxiety in my head, but I also don't want to miss something, and be the "boy who cried wolf," and it actually turn out to be something.  Sorry for the long winded post.  I just need to know if I should just stop with my neurosis, or continue testing to be safe.  I don't want my stress to affect the baby.

Side note, if this thread is completely ridiculous, feel free to turn it into a Monday GIFs thread.  I'll apologize in advance.

Thanks ladies.

Edited: Sorry for the AW usage.

[mrskblack11]

Your breasts are changing. From the internet, "Having breast cancer during pregnancy is very rare (especially if you’re under 35), according to the American Cancer Society – plus the many changes that are happening to your breasts while you’re expecting can cause them to feel much more lumpy, heavy and firm than you’re used to. In fact, if you’re in your second or third trimester, the most likely explanation for a lump is actually a clogged milk duct.

"If the testing will ultimately make you feel better, go for it.

[billyhorrible]

goodbyecb.proboards.com/thread/5837/psa-on-prelude-acronyms

[silv3rlining]

You will definitely experience changes in breast tissue throughout pregnancy and afterwards. I'd wait on the ultrasound for now. I got one when DS was almost a year old because DH, myself, and PCP felt a lump. Nothing showed on the ultrasound and after a few months it went away on its own. Best we can assume is it had something to do with a milk duct.

[PurpleIris]

Do you have a BP monitor at home? If it's white coat hypertension in might be reassuring to get some normal readings at home.

[Widget123]

Agree with PP that talked about clogged milk ducts. Your breasts will likely continue to get heavier as the pregnancy progresses and after the baby is born you will feel clumps of milk in them, even after you think they are fully drained so to speak. I think you are freaking out about nothing, honestly.

[honeybunches101]

If a nurse felt the lump today and said it is normal breast tissue, I would hold off on any more testing. Your breasts are going through normal changes and gearing up to make milk, so it's probably nothing!

[holliberry28]

Thanks guys for your feedback!

[leenziepops]

Sorry you are suffering, I can't imagine what you are going through. The lump in your breast is most likely nothing. My friend recently went through a scare and was told that cancerous lumps don't wiggle around. Agree with a PP about our breasts changing and milk ducts. I really don't think you have anything to worry about. Hope you can start to enjoy your pregnancy a little bit more.

[daydreamernyc]

I agree with all the pp that it is most likely (very likely) nothing and that your beasts are just changing and adjusting. That being said, I would have it checked out for price of mind but then I would also talk to your therapist ( you mentioned therapy). If therapy is not working for you (you said despite therapy) I would consider a different therapist.

It sucks to feel this way.

[theBeeMama]

This may make you feel better: when I was pregnant with my first, I went to a check up with my midwife and there was a student midwife who actually did my exam. I needed a breast exam, so the student MW did it and got really concerned (which freaked me out thoroughly) and called the CMW into the room and had her do an exam, because she had apparently felt all kinds of lumps and craziness... The MW examined and said to the nurse "oh no, these are just simply breasts that are getting ready to have milk in them. Nothing to worry about!"

Soooo even a student nurse midwife was worried about lumpy breasts. Don't feel bad for worrying but I bet it's absolutely nothing but your breasts getting themselves ready.

[kpgrala]

Feb 2, 2015 10:09:39 GMT -5 mrskblack11 said:

Your breasts are changing. From the internet, "Having breast cancer during pregnancy is very rare (especially if you’re under 35), according to the American Cancer Society – plus the many changes that are happening to your breasts while you’re expecting can cause them to feel much more lumpy, heavy and firm than you’re used to. In fact, if you’re in your second or third trimester, the most likely explanation for a lump is actually a clogged milk duct.

"If the testing will ultimately make you feel better, go for it.

I agree with Mrs black this is great advice.