Home Fibrocystic breast tissue/disease

[merrijoy]

Anyone else have this? Mine used to last about 1 1/2 weeks a month. Now it is constant - heavy, heavy nodular breasts. I am 5' 0" and wear Le Mystere 32 F and I feel like I am busting out. They feel like they are going to explode. I am also about 123 lbs and have been for 15 years so I don't think it' weight. I am 32 yo and they are starting to droop more and the bra has always come off when I am at home. And recently I have been opening my bra at work and wrapping a sweater around as this feels better than the constricting. I have 1 cup of coffee a day an no soda and not really any chocolate. I am trying to be consistent with the primrose and vit e, but studies say none of th a definite fix. I just want some relief!!!! Any thing you used that helped/worked? eta: The effect on my spine, shoulders and neck is really bad too. I have a lot of pain. I am popping out of sports bras now too.

 

[Prana]

Merrijoy-
I don''t have any advice, as I''m not familiar with this condition, but I just wanted to say that I''m sorry that you have to go through this! It sounds terrible! I hope that you find some relief soon!

 

[merrijoy]

Date: 2/3/2010 12:09:50 PM
Author: girlface
Merrijoy-
I don''t have any advice, as I''m not familiar with this condition, but I just wanted to say that I''m sorry that you have to go through this! It sounds terrible! I hope that you find some relief soon!

Thank you girlface. I appreciate it. When I search for info on it, it seems pretty common, so I am really hoping someone here has some advice. I went to the doctor and he just say to try to cut out coffee and see if that helps. It would be easier if I was going from 2+ cups a day, but I only have one cup a day. I hate going out because I hate closing my bra. How sad is that?!

 

[partgypsy]

I tried it so know if I have zero caffeine (other than occasional chocolate) it makes a huge difference. Elimiinating coffee entirely and switching to tea is second best (I don''t drink soda). I''m not willing to go cold turkey so I have tea instead of coffee.

 

[somethingshiny]

I''ve had fibrous breast tissue since my late teens. I feel like a sack of peas. I wear really supportive bras and don''t do minimizers or anything too constrictive. Upright is good, squished is not! I did cut out caffeine but for me there was not a marked difference. The fibrocystic breasts were soon followed by PCOS which causes much more severe side effects for me. I hope that you don''t progress down that road.

After years of dealing with it, it just becomes normal. I wouldn''t say that I''m particularly in pain now although everyday I have the backache and tenderness. Breast exams are not fun!

 

[merrijoy]

Date: 2/3/2010 2:17:13 PM
Author: somethingshiny
I've had fibrous breast tissue since my late teens. I feel like a sack of peas. I wear really supportive bras and don't do minimizers or anything too constrictive. Upright is good, squished is not! I did cut out caffeine but for me there was not a marked difference. The fibrocystic breasts were soon followed by PCOS which causes much more severe side effects for me. I hope that you don't progress down that road.

After years of dealing with it, it just becomes normal. I wouldn't say that I'm particularly in pain now although everyday I have the backache and tenderness. Breast exams are not fun!

Thanks somethingshiny. Any suggestions on brands for bras? The Le Mystere is $70 and I rotate between 4 that I have had for almost 2 years now.

eta: This is the one I get in 32 F. I was fitted at a bra store and told I need the 32 F. There are not many options that low in width with that big a cup and they are all pretty expensive.

http://www.barenecessities.com/Le-Mystere-Dream-Tisha-Seamless-Full-Fit-Bra_product_LeMystereLN9955_,search,.htm

 

[somethingshiny]

I''m a 38 G or H and I get all of my bras from Lane Bryant (Cacique) They are affordable and very supportive. But, they don''t come under a band size of 38 for the bigger cups (I actually need a 36 H or I but do what I can with their sizes) I also replace my bras every 6 months (4 bras at a time). As soon as they lose a bit of support in the band, I''m done with them. I usually stick with a molded cup because it offers better support without being squishy. I''ve tried all of the usual store brands like Bali, Just My Size, Goddess, Glamorize etc and was never happy with them. I''d love to be able to go to a big store that has lots of band and cup sizes and styles and find the PERFECT bra. I''d buy 12 and then be on my way!

 

[merrijoy]

Date: 2/3/2010 2:41:48 PM
Author: somethingshiny
I''m a 38 G or H and I get all of my bras from Lane Bryant (Cacique) They are affordable and very supportive. But, they don''t come under a band size of 38 for the bigger cups (I actually need a 36 H or I but do what I can with their sizes) I also replace my bras every 6 months (4 bras at a time). As soon as they lose a bit of support in the band, I''m done with them. I usually stick with a molded cup because it offers better support without being squishy. I''ve tried all of the usual store brands like Bali, Just My Size, Goddess, Glamorize etc and was never happy with them. I''d love to be able to go to a big store that has lots of band and cup sizes and styles and find the PERFECT bra. I''d buy 12 and then be on my way!

Thank you ss. Why do bra designers think that because we ar big busted we are wider around? And why are these bras so darn expensive? I think that if I designed bras I could do well.

 

[megumic]

Not sure if you''ve considered a reduction, but I had mine almost 8 years ago and sincerely feel it was the BEST decision I ever made. I too have fibrocystic breast tissue and it is truly so uncomfortable! It was one of the reasons I elected to have the surgery, but also because I was pushing beyond 32DD. At 5''2" I felt disproportionate, had several symptoms you mention, such as back pain and lots of discomfort.

If you''re truly truly uncomfortable, it might be something to consider. I had been to a breast specialist/surgeon several times because of fibrocystic tissue (which persists to this day...but improved immensely post-op). With a letter from the specialist, as well as a letter from the plastic surgeon, 80% of the surgery was covered by insurance, as it was deemed medical not cosmetic. (I think the total cost was about $10k.) Not sure if you''re considering this, but if you are I''m happy to answer questions or share more!