OpenHealth Q&A

Is It Safe to Wait for Urgent Care Tomorrow?

I'm a 26-year-old woman with no notable health issues. Recently, there have been a couple of significant events that might be pertinent to my current situation: I experienced a miscarriage in March, followed by an ectopic pregnancy in early May that required a methotrexate injection in late May. Two weeks ago, I had my hCG levels tested, which came back at 4. The miscarriage occurred at about five weeks, and the treatment for the ectopic was administered during the sixth week. I mention these experiences because I've noticed my breasts have been quite sensitive during both incidents, and currently, I'm having my first menstrual cycle since the ectopic pregnancy. I'm wondering if this could be linked to hormonal changes. A couple of nights ago while showering, I accidentally spotted a vivid red mark on the outer edge of my left areola. I'm fairly sure it's not a bug bite. It's been three years since I last breastfed, and to my knowledge, I haven't produced any milk since then. The bright red mark was still visible last night, but without any accompanying symptoms. Today, it has turned a lighter pink, and I’ve noticed a prominent vein in that area. I’ve also begun to feel discomfort under my left armpit, and my breast feels tender to the touch. This issue is localized to my left breast, chest, and armpit region. Specifically, my armpit feels unusually pressured, a sensation that has gradually intensified throughout the day. I would rate the pain at about a three; it feels less like sharp pain and more like persistent pressure that radiates from the armpit to the breast. Despite the discomfort in my left side, I’m not experiencing any breathing difficulties, though I do feel a bit lightheaded, which I suspect might be a consequence of having slept poorly last night. There is no family history of breast cancer or related issues in my family. Conversely, my right breast, armpit, and chest area feel completely normal. I've never performed a self-examination for lumps, but during a physical check-up last December, my primary care physician examined me and confirmed that everything was normal. Upon comparison, both breasts feel similar, with the discolored skin area lacking any significant bump, appearing more as an unusual patch of reddish-pink skin. The left breast might seem very slightly larger than the right due to possible swelling, but I could be mistaken. I’m scheduled for an urgent care appointment tomorrow at 4 PM, since my primary doctor was unavailable until next week and suggested urgent care instead. Is it reasonable to wait until tomorrow for this appointment, or should I consider heading to the emergency room tonight?

Answers (1)

7/3/2025, 2:10:40 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to be concerned about your symptoms, especially given your recent medical history. Based on your description, you have breast tenderness, localized skin changes, and some discomfort in your armpit, which could be linked to hormonal fluctuations or other benign issues. However, there are also instances where prompt evaluation is advisable.

Main Points

• Your upcoming urgent care appointment is reasonable, but certain symptoms may warrant more immediate attention.
• Hormonal changes following a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy can cause breast tenderness and discomfort.
• The appearance of a bright red mark and ongoing discomfort in your left breast and armpit are concerning and should be evaluated further.

Explanation

Given that you have a history of recent pregnancies, some breast tenderness and sensitivity can certainly be related to hormonal shifts as your body recovers. However, a bright red area on the skin, combined with tenderness and discomfort in the surrounding region, is something that should ideally be evaluated to rule out infections, inflammation, or other conditions. The sensation of pressure in your armpit, paired with changes in the breast, also deserves attention.

Next Steps

1. Monitor Symptoms: Continue to observe for any changes in the red mark, tenderness, or discomfort. If they worsen or if you develop new symptoms (like fever or increased pain), this may necessitate more immediate medical attention.

2. Pain Management: If you're experiencing discomfort, consider using over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as directed to alleviate your symptoms until your appointment tomorrow.

3. Urgent Care Tomorrow: Proceed with your scheduled urgent care appointment. Mention all symptoms in detail, especially the recent significant events in your medical history and the pressing sensations in your breast and armpit.

4. Emergency Care if Worsening: Should you experience increased pain, fever, or any new concerning symptoms (such as swelling, severe lightheadedness, or any discharge from the breast), consider going to the emergency room for an immediate evaluation.

It's reassuring that you have an appointment scheduled, but be vigilant about your symptoms, and never hesitate to seek immediate help if you feel it’s necessary. Remember, your health is a priority, and it’s okay to advocate for yourself.