To have found my first mammogram really upsetting?

I've only had 1 mammogram, it was completely painless, didn't bother me, the radiographer was very pleasant, and at one point, said " I just need to adjust you here".

Why shouldn't the op have been treated similar kindness.

(I've met atleast 1000 or so medical staff in my life. I've been diabetic my whole life, and used to have to go to diabetic clinic every 3 months, so I met a nurse and a diabetic professor every time). Plus my eyes diabetically photographed annually. Plus 2 kids, at the laster stages scanned weekly. Plus general GP's visits and other staff for general stuff .)

Most staff nice. Some not.
The rare ones who aren't you wonder why they choose to work in a caring profession? Why not go and get another job ?

I completely agree with :
@NotEnoughRoom

"Yes, mammograms can be very painful for some women, and yes, your boobs are out, and need to be manipulated to get the best possible image - no one needs to be a twat about it though, and it wouldn’t have taken that much longer to say “I need you to do x” or “just turning you round/tucking this in/moving that there” etc. they are basic courtesies and should be part of how they speak to any patient. "

It takes a few seconds to say to someone : 'I'm gonna need you to do .... this".

It's a basic courtesy, that should be given to us all, by all, in nearly all situations.

The fact that you are proud of telling a songographer to 'fuck off' tells me so much about you. You sound vulgar and unpleasant but project those attributes onto others.

@MeTooOverHere

The radiographer was sensitive?

@MeTooOverHere

No need to be petty. Radiographers, nurses, any other member of staff, from any company, should treat others in a respectful and caring way. No doubt the radiographer needs to do a job, get the images. But for any situation there's doing a job, and doing it in a pleasant way.

They aren't nurses. They are radiographers. They are there to get a radiograph that can be interpreted to identify and diagnose tumours. Their job is technical, not care giving. (yes they should also be sensitive)

This thread is sad. It every area of life we meet people who are nice and caring, a nice nurse. And we meet others, nurses, waitresses, British gas, HMRC etc who are just 'computer says no' people, or not caring, curt etc. and they ruin it, or make it more unpleasant than it needs to be. and you have to question why they continue to do such a job, it's supposed to be caring. Why go into nursing if you don't want to serve and care? Go do another job! I've met plenty of nice nurses and some not so pleasant ones. Surely most of us have?

Thank you!

First time I had a mammogram I was a bit startled at how 'rough' the procedure was but it was done in private and by a medical professional. They did what they had to do to get the images they needed. This was explained as we went through the process. They weren't rude but they were matter-of-fact. Topless in the same room with the machine.
Yes boob squash is not fun but it only lasts a few seconds. PAP smear is waaaay worse. Intravaginal (wand) ultrasound is way worse too. Machines are getting better all the time.
Consent is obtained by signing the form at the reception desk. Didn't you get a form to sign?

ND - neurodiverse
SEN - special educational needs

What does ND and SEN mean?

@BigAnne hard of thinking?

@daisychain01 misandry is not a real thing, HTH.

OP, no you don't have to be grateful and accept any kind or rude treatment in exchange for the privilege of a mammogram, as has been suggested. We can acknowledge our healthcare privilege without requesting women accept bad care in silence.

She went for her very first mammogram. I have had more than 10 and would have been left stunned by that treatment.

How could she know what to expect? She'd never had a mammogram, and so she doesn't know there can be different levels of deftness, kindness, and care from the radiographer. As with smears, there is a degree of unpleasantness and pain that is not related to the procedure itself, but to operator error - or in this instance a distinct lack of care emanating from the operator.

At my last mammogram, the radiographer was so warm and friendly and kind, and as she repositioned my flesh said why she was doing it. If that was a first mammo, it would have been ideal for the OP.

I've had many and had one a couple of days ago. Each time she positioned my breast she asked if it was okay likewise the rest of my body positioning. It doesn't sound like your medical person had much of a bedside manner and was insensitive. Sorry this happened to you. Please Don let it put you off next time. It's a necessary procedure.

Op there are some bloody horrible responses on this thread.

I am ND, as is my DH and my DD, and I don’t actually see this as a SEN issue or not - just a basic human issue! No-one should need to request an adjustment to be spoken to politely!

regardless of how much research you may or may not have done into the process, etc. the way in which you describe being spoken would not have been covered! And I don’t blame you for questioning whether that was usual.

Yes, mammograms can be very painful for some women, and yes, your boobs are out, and need to be manipulated to get the best possible image - no one needs to be a twat about it though, and it wouldn’t have taken that much longer to say “I need you to do x” or “just turning you round/tucking this in/moving that there” etc. they are basic courtesies and should be part of how they speak to any patient.

In fact, if anything if there are videos etc online the people in them are probably going out of their way to make the process as respectful as possible. Because it’s so important for these screenings to take place, they wouldn’t want to put people off!

its one thing to go in with a limited expectation/understanding and question whether what happened to you was “usual”, but if you’d done load of research and were expecting a lovely, kind radiographer who was a gentle as possible etc, and then got what you got - I think that would have been even worse, if you see what I mean.

im glad you have given feedback. Maybe that person was having a difficult day/it was out of character, but if not, then I hope they are given your feedback and encourage to change their approach.

My impression is that all the health workers who have contributed have sympathised with the OP, and said that courtesy, explanation, consent and kindness is compulsory. It is some of her fellow customers who seem to think the NHS should be run like a cattle market.

Are you for real?
Do you regularly flash your boobs at people?
For the vast majority of women, they only expose their boobs to their partner. So to get them out for someone else makes them feel exposed and vulnerable. Breasts are an intimate part of the female body.

Well done for standing up for yourself!

Vulnerable to what? She's not standing in the middle of a shopping centre.

When someone is stripped off with boobs exposed, they are feeling vulnerable.
If the HCP is not doing their job properly ( as in basic human kindness and explaining everything), then @CameltoeParkerBowles was well within her rights to walk out, and I hope she complained.

This country has actually gone completely mad. The degree of entitlement and complaining is frankly ridiculous. We are so privileged in this country and some bloody ungrateful. And so quick to moan and complain and take offence.

What an absolute delight you are! By the sound of your behaviour the sonographer was simply reciprocating the attitude that you gave her. Very classy - not.

I had the same experience. The nurse was a horrible cow, pushing, grabbing and prodding me about without asking or giving any warning. Mind you, I also had a breast ultrasound about 10 years ago, and the sonographer was so unutterably rude I told her to fuck herself and walked out. Eventually, another one was found to continue the appointment, and she was lovely.

Not misinterpreted at all. I understand totally what you're saying and sorry for your experience.

I also understand what OP is saying and empathise with that. As I'd assume someone who knows how vital mammograms are would, too.

Both feelings are valid - this isn't medical Top Trumps!