To have found my first mammogram really upsetting?

I don't think you can complain about the tiny room and the intimidating machine, really.

@YompingJo I think the thing here is OP that almost every single neuro typical women does feel apprehensive the first time. Most seek some reassurance from internet, friends or the mammogram staff. They are then mentally prepared for something that may feel uncomfortable and awkward/embarassing (to themselves).
I suspect the operator did say something like “let’s get you all lined up then” or similar. They won’t have done it without telling you but I believe you didn’t recognise the significance of what may have seemed to you a throwaway comment.
In future please inform yourself beforehand, preferably by asking real people. Especially any exams of an intimate nature.

I think perspective is needed.
I'm sorry you feel this way about your appointment but being uncomfortable for life saving screening, is just how it is.

I do think your experience depends very much on the social skills of the radiographer. It's never nice but the staff are the memorable parts of it as they make such a difference.

I've had three in total, one recently. The first one was similar to yours, the radiographer was less warm and friendly than the subsequent HCPs and worse, she started sentences then trailed off and looked at me expectantly. Well, sometimes I can extrapolate but not always and I just looked at her blankly. She sighed heavily and waffled a lot, and I felt very awkward and ill at ease. The second time - having learned my lesson! - I said to the nurse that I am autistic and need short, clear instructions. She was great and sympathetic, this made a huge difference to how it went.

Third time I didn't need to say anything, they may have put it in my notes (makes sense). It was still stressful because of the half-nakedness and putting the girls into a sandwich press, but otherwise it was fine.

I do think you should say something next time, when you arrive. The letter says about learning difficulties which I didn't feel I have, but it seems to be worthwhile mentioning the autism as it did change the manner the staff used.

You can be grateful for the nhs but expect kindness.
I had my first mammogram last year and the lady was v unpleasant and although I went in expecting to be manhandled a bit I did not expect to be treated coldly. I've never had that with for example a smear test.

you were right to complain op, sorry this happened to you .

Hi! A mammographer (radiographer) here
I do think some patients are surprised by the handling and brusqueness of a mammogram. I can understand why and it probably does come down to expectations of the procedure.

For a first time patient, I will always spend more time going through the procedure before asking to remove clothes, just to make it clear what to expect . It really does get a better image if I get the patient more relaxed.

There's usually 3-5 min appointment slots for each patient so we're always in a hurry! You can request a longer appointment next time and then hopefully a less rushed mammogram. Please don't be deterred, your next experience might be much better.

Breast scans are uncomfortable and not enjoyable but I am so grateful to have them, for free, on a regular basis. It is a privilege in this ever more broken country.

With two friends having treatment for breast cancer at the moment and a history of it in my family, the attitude of the practitioner is the least of my worries.

I appreciate others may feel differently and I am sure the NHS accept feedback.

This.

How did you expect them to do a mammogram without touching your breasts? (Genuine question) or did you think it was like a chest xray?

Don't let it if put you off going again, it can be a life saver - literally. (From one who's mother died of breast cancer)

@Onetiredbeing she knows what the procedure involved.

This post is not about that - see the above

I'm autistic and needed to know much more what to expect beforehand

So what research did you do, and what did you discover ?

As PP said, a very quick Google shows you the type of room and machine

If you need more info than that, ask. Check up. Question

If you're autistic go down the ""I'm SEN" route, which will then highlight to the medics that you need extra information

There were 20 women waiting at the clinic when I went for my mammogram. SE London and the NHS is overloaded. The radiographer didn't ask my consent before grabbing my breast,but personally I am fine with that, given how busy she was. It wasn't fun, but I wasn't expecting it to be fun, and I feel lucky to get it.

@saraclara it's not confusing at all.

The radiographer was rude and uncaring.

That's it

This. Surely you could have researched for yourself about the procedure?

Ever heard what a prostate examination involves?

Yes,yes - radiographers.

The first mammagram I had was like the OPs and I completely get where you're coming from. It was really bloody painful as well.

I got a callback, and had to go to a breast clinic and have another mammogram and ultrasound, but on that occasion it didn't hurt nearly as much - maybe because the radiographer was nice and actually talked to me instead of treating me like a piece of meat?

I work as a nurse, and will always chat to patients, and make eye contact etc, as it's important to put people at ease.

@YompingJo some of the responses on this thread are so ridiculously patronising and rude - ignore them - as these posters are not trying to help.

Your mammogram sounds awful.
Please give feedback.
Yes, we all have the right to be spoken to and gently handled if not asked first.
I had my first time I had the loveliest woman and no repositioning, fortunately.
I did find my last position so uncomfortable I had to really hang in, and as I just couldn't handle nit anymore, it was done.
Your future mammograms will never be like this I would hope.
Complain..the person might need to be more considerate or find a new job.

Why didn't you read about the procedure beforehand? If they don't send info telling you what will happen, ask or look it up. Would you go for bowel surgery without finding out what it involves.
Sorry, OP, it's a shit procedure, and definitely designed my a man. But the radiographer may have been having a bad day, and you were just one of the 40 or so pts she had to mammogram that day. Let me tell you, heaving boobs around alk day for a living isn't all roses and champagne.
Complain if you want.

Everything other than the radiographers manner was absolutely normal. The tiny room and big machine, the handling of the breasts, all normal.

You say this:
I'm autistic and needed to know much more what to expect beforehand. but you obviously didn't try to find out what to expect. The simplest of Google searches would lead you to photos of the machine and to how the examination is carried out.
Then later you say you're not anxious and happily go into appointments, so it's all a bit confusing.

I just had mine. It was all a bit conveyor-belt like but fine. It was a van in a car park, which wasn't signposted and hard to find.

In the prep notes they sent I was told I would get into a gown and then go into room. In practice I was told to get undressed in changing room, and put my coat back on, before going though to the x-ray room.

The radiographer was quick but they do need to grapple you into position so you need to be a bit practical about what that involves. I don't remember if she asked permission, I doubt it, probably just mentioned she was going to position me.

Sympathies with those who find it painful (I don't). I find smear tests excruciating so know where you are coming from.

YANBU, they would never screen testicular cancer this way, men wouldn't tolerate it.

no, it is not ideal, but lets keep this is perspective. Someone was less than perfectly polite, v you get regular screening to help catch a deadly disease when it is still treatable.

And yes, we are incredibly lucky to live in a country where we are rich enough to pay the taxes to afford this, and the government is stable enough to organise it.

Most women in the world don't. We are among the luckiest

They would have been radiographers not nurses.

I have always had the most respectful and gentlest of nurses (technicians? - I think they were nurses). They don't ask, per se, but tell me what they are doing or want me to do. Like 'I'm need you to lean forward, arm raised and I'm going to place your breast like this, ok some compression now...'. It's not comfortable, it can be embarrassing, but so far it's been fine.
I'm sorry you've had this experience.

I'm sorry you had that experience and hope next time is easier for you.

I've had many mammograms and although never been manhandled I've always found it uncomfortable - hugging that machine and seeing my breasts flattened like pita breads.

I must say since Covid the system has changed for the better... before you would go into a changing room, bra and top off put on gown, go to another waiting area, wait to be called, then after procedure back to changing room. Wearing a gown always makes me feel vulnerable - it's that sitting around with no bra on that does it.

Now, as instigated during Lockdowns you get called into the X-ray room, take off bra & top behind a curtain, have procedure, get dressed and go!

There are lots of amazing, compassionate, considerate healthcare workers. There are also some thoughtless ones, and a few who are downright cruel.