Preparation for mammogram

[Body_bonkers]

I’ve had an appointment letter for my first mammogram. Always been apprehensive about this as heard it’s painful and know lady who needed physiotherapy on her shoulder afterwards. I have PMR to contend with now and whilst the afternoon slot should help, wondered if there is anything I can do make things easier ?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I have never had a problem beyond it being a bit uncomfortable for a minute or so - but would suggest that you are clear to the operator that you may find it difficult to get your arm into the position cradling the machine that they want. And don't force the action.

It doesn't need to be painful - modern machines don't squeeze the breast as hard to get a clear image so many complaints were associated with the older machines.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

It’s not the most comfortable experience… but these things never are.. but I wouldn’t go so far as to say painful.

Just explain to nurse/technician carrying it out that you have an illness that affects your muscles - particularly around your shoulder so you appreciate her being as gentle as she can… 😊

[SnazzyD]

I can understand your concern, after all having one’s frontage being placed between something like two large encyclopaedias isn’t exactly a good day out. It does depend on how you’re built and what they have to work with. I wouldn’t dwell on the negatives as the experience is better if you are not in a state of panic when the plates are in place. I always concentrate on my breathing having rehearsed it before with anything that is likely to make me feel trapped or not in control of any procedure. It doesn’t take long though. We’re not talking a scan here! There will always be people who have a bad time with any procedure which doesn’t help you being calm about it. The people doing it will also have had all sorts of reactions to deal with.

[SheffieldJane]

I have never had any discomfort. I am fairly big chested, maybe it’s uncomfortable if you are more dainty?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to SheffieldJane]

No! Never been accused of being dainty 🤣😂..

[Linlang in reply to SheffieldJane]

Certainly more of a squeeze. Occasionally men have to have one. What a fuss!

[Kendrew]

Helpful advice already been given so I'd just say that the thought of it is definitely worse than the actual mammogram itself. It can feel a bit strange the first time but it's over very quickly and I personally would say it's nothing to fear. We'll all be holding your hand.

[Koalajane]

Just to repeat that the last few I have had have been completely painless. The old machines certainly squeezed more but I have never found it a problem. I am sure you will be fine especially if you explain to the technician doing it about your concerns

[Sillydogsmum]

I take Paracetamol 2 hrs before.........

[Body_bonkers]

Thank you so much for your support and advice ladies

[Trovatello]

it is not at all painful, just slight discomfort. Relax the body and allow the assistant to place your body in the optimum position for good pictures.

[Potemkin]

I went this year and it was so much better, they had new equipment. It's more uncomfortable than painful and it doesn't take long.

So worth it. My SIL's found cancerous cells that were treated way before she would have noticed a lump. She's well now.

If it's your first time and you get a call back try not to worry, it can be that they've no previous records to compare. Happened to me.

Hope it goes well.

[Gimme]

I've never had any problems, even though I have a very large bust and with PMR. I wouldn't even describe it as uncomfortable, just that you have to stand in a specific position, but it is over and done with so quickly. I was terrified the first time and I almost cried with relief afterwards. They have done a lot to make the machines more comfortable and the modern ones are nothing like the original ones. The ladies have always been absolutely lovely. Just ask them if you have any anxieties about it or tell them before they start if you have limited mobility in your shoulders. They are extremely gentle. The only people that I have heard say they found it uncomfortable are people who have a history of cysts in their breasts. Again, just tell them beforehand if that applies to you.

[Tescohednesford]

Hi, I once had a very painful experience....but that was once...Apart from slight embarrassment!

I think they are efficient,extremely quick and as PMRpro says just slightly uncomfortable but not painful.....it's over in a minute or two.....

Good luck....

[Viveka]

I think the new machines are better. Old ones were painful but last few times it's just been a bit uncomfy.

[Frewen1]

I agree with your other replies…nothing to have serious worries about. I’m on the larger side and have always found this procedure temporarily uncomfortable, rather than painful. I wonder if it’s just equally so in a different way, if your shape is smaller …? But overall not too bad, and over quite quickly.

[Bramble2000]

I had one when my PMR was at its worst and it didn’t hurt at all. X

[Lookingforideas]

thanks so much for posting that and all the reassuring replies. I’ve not had a mammogram for many years as I found it Very uncomfortable last time, so chickened out the last twice I was asked … anyway, I have another appointment soon - although I was on the verge of chickening out again & cancelling until I read this.

So I think I’m going to ‘man up’ and go this time if the machines are better as everyone is saying - and I’ll report back after it 😊.

[S4ndy]

I've had a few mammograms. I've always told the technician about my PMR and spinal problems and they are really helpful. It's never hurt but just an uncomfortable squish for a short time. The technician's are really good with people I find as they do this day in and day out 😀 My mother died of breast cancer so it's important for me to get screened.

[Paulamac77]

Before you can say ouch it’s over. Not the pleasantest of procedures but well worth enduring. I’ve never heard of anyone suffering after effects so deep breath, I’m sure you’ll be fine.

[Linlang]

was a mammographer. Agree relaxed state makes a difference

Tel the radiographer. It is not necessary to have pain discomfort yes but no more, wish I was still working! I do you!, in fact never happened was away when happened.Was to do a prominent person just her and me in room .knees iffy would have knelt down to lift breasts and then might have had to say so sorry could u pl help me up!,,l

[Telian]

I understand your anxiety but would say try not to dwell on others experience. You’ll be in very good hands who deal with all levels of anxiety on a daily basis. The new machines are not as harsh as the older ones and it takes literally seconds to take each image. Talk to the technician about your anxieties and you will be reassured. I’ve had mammograms annually for over 10 years, 2 last year and this year 3 in the past month. I have one medium size boob and the other is definitely the runt of the litter following surgery and requires a bit of coaxing but they never hurt me. Remember your relaxation breathing - you will be fine. 🌺

PS: I have active PMR (9 years) and very sensitive in the shoulders. I’ve had no adverse effects from mammograms.

[sidra1968]

It's nothing, whole thing is like 10 minutes maybe. High risk here, so been getting them for 25 years. Wouldn't say it's "painful". Stubbing your toe is much more painful and we all do that all the time.

[Jigsawlass]

I had them yearly for 5 years post Breast cancer . Not the most comfortable experience but I've never had pain afterwards . The radiographers are always so lovely too.

[Rubha]

It's not something I'd give a gift voucher for but I have never found it painful. The radiographers are usually very helpful and when I explain about my neck and shoulders they are very careful. It's over in seconds and can save a life . Good luck .

[KASHMIRI1]

Don't worry as its not painful and doesn't take very long. Just try to relax and focus on the very pleasant person that is doing it.

[ImC_]

I may as well chip in . . . I have had many mammograms, having had 3 separate treatments for breast cancer. It is like being squeezed quite hard and you might feel you are pressing up to the edge of the plate, so might not be comfy as such but I'd never call it painful, not at all. TRY TO RELAX and let the technical put you into what slight contortion they want, then hold your breath and it's done as quickly as taking a photo. Good luck!!

[Lookingforideas]

I thought I’d replied in here but now can’t see it🥴. So, I’ve had the mammogram and it definitely wasn’t anywhere near as bad as I remembered it from 10years ago at all. Ladies were very nice as usual and although it still wasn’t my favourite thing to do, I’ll go back without hesitation ( or the dread) the next time, as it’s way better than it used to be - and it seemed maybe a little bit quicker too - but maybe that’s because I wasn’t quite so stressed going in this time due to the encouraging comments in here last week ? Thank you all for that 😀 - overall it’s now not the big scary deal I used to think it was - thank goodness. And no pain whatsoever afterwards either.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lookingforideas]

See - was worth it all in the end! It may be the PMR forum but we have lots of experience about other things too

[Lookingforideas in reply to PMRpro]

You certainly do - no doubt about that at all. And everyone’s input over the last few years has been invaluable- I don’t know where I’d be without you all. I’m not posting on here so much at the moment as very busy and travelling etc & dealing with family issues too but I’ve been on 0 pred for over 6 months and no signs of a flare as yet so I’m hopefully in remission - but always alert to any dodgy signs. I really don't want to leave the group though because many of you now feel like friends so I’ll just keep hanging about and stalking - but also with any luck be able to reassure some that there is (🤞🤞🤞) a light at the end of the tunnel 😊

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lookingforideas]

You'll be welcomed with open arms!!