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Original poster

First mammogram tomorrow

67 replies

Thecrisplover · 08/08/2021 15:36

Any top tips?

OP posts:
Standrewsschool · 09/08/2021 08:12

and there is absolutely no embarrassment.

That is a good point. It can be a little embarrassing to take your top of in front if strangers, but for the radiographers, consultants etc, it’s all in a days work.

However, at all times, you can ask for a chaperone to be with you if you prefer, either a friend or they will get a nurse or someone.

Standrewsschool · 09/08/2021 08:13

Sorry, let me clarify. You don’t undress in front of them, but usually behind a curtain.

Yutes · 09/08/2021 08:13

@Tempusfudgeit

Can you have one if you're breastfeeding?
No. And you should advise them if you are
Rainysky · 09/08/2021 08:15

@Tempusfudgeit

Can you have one if you're breastfeeding?
I had one recently after finding a lump and being 40 they gave me a mammogram and an ultrasound. It was uncomfortable but I expected that especially as my breasts are 'dense'. What I didn't expect was to squirt milk (even though it sounds obvious, it didn't occur to me that I would) but the technician was completely unfazed. She said she'd had lots of women in their 50s experience that too, many years after having babies!
Rainysky · 09/08/2021 08:18

I should add, my child is 2 so I'm not a 'new' breast feeder if you see what I mean. Maybe the advice to mammogram would be a bit different in the earlier bf days 🤷‍♀️

LemonRoses · 09/08/2021 08:30

To be clear. You can and should seek advice if you believe you have a lump or other concerning symptoms whilst pregnant or breastfeeding. Don’t follow internet advice. Go to a GP.

You can have a mammogram, but it may not be necessary or advised because the breasts are more dense and the imaging may be difficult. Allow a breast surgeon to advise you on risks and benefits.

A mammogram will be uncomfortable whenever it’s done, but is not contraindicated in lactating women.

Arsebucket · 09/08/2021 08:37

Also, I just want to add that if you have health insurance, many cover one stop breast clinics. I didn’t know mine did until I called to ask for advice.

I called on the Monday morning to see if they covered anything while waiting for my dr
to call back.

They did and the next evening, I was at a private hospital where I saw a specialist, had an examination, mammogram, a scan and the results
(all clear) within two hours.

I know a lot of people to have insurance but don’t realise that it now covers checks for cancers.

Arsebucket · 09/08/2021 08:51

(That was with no dr referal needed, just a call to the insurance company. Thought this info might help someone).

AntiSocialDistancer · 09/08/2021 09:20

@Okbutnotgreat

I have 25 year old silicone breast implants which have given me no issues to date but I’ve just been called for a mammogram as I’m in my early fifties. Does anyone know what the likelihood of rupture or problems is with old implants? I can’t afford to replace them and my 25 year old self couldn’t imagine ever being this old so gave it no thought, hindsight is a wonderful thing and I wish I’d never had them but that’s life. Just don’t know what the risks are now and not it seems does anyone I’ve asked.
The breast team I saw for non implant reasons were really kind and helpful, and all connected. If you talk about it with the person giving you a mammogram you may well get some good advice, or a referral to a consultant. Or advice to speak to your GP. If they seek unknowledgable, ask for a referral to someone who knows better.

As I understood it, implants could degrade?; I'd want to know too.

Londonnight · 09/08/2021 09:31

I have had a few and never found them painful at all. I am also very large breasted, so a lot of breast to fit into the machine :)
You will change behind a curtain or in a very tiny room. They will then take you to the mammogram room where they will position you into the right position. It's all over very quickly.
I have always had my results through within about 10 days.

Original poster
Thecrisplover · 09/08/2021 20:24

Thanks for the advice everyone. I took some paracetamol and it wasn't anywhere near as uncomfortable as I anticipated.

OP posts:
SpindleWhorl · 09/08/2021 22:07

Good 👍 and thanks for updating, OP.

user1471538283 · 09/08/2021 22:13

I have had about 15 of the buggers and the pressure hurts a bit but it is quick. The women there are so lovely.

The reason I had so many was because they found something. I would have 100 more to have found that cyst and know it wasnt cancerous.

You will be fine.

Melroses · 09/08/2021 22:23

Mine goes wrong every time. I won't elaborate on the last one Angry.

My best tips are: paracetamol + nurofen plus makes you bombproof, and if it is the wrong time of the month, you can change the appointment to a better time.

Also, I have never been given a 'gown'. The first time I had to make do with my coat so I always take along a comfortable cardigan & book to keep me warm & take my mind off it whilst waiting half undressed.

Since Covid, it seems to be straight in to the room for mamo, then dress in a cubicle. Unfortunately you have to wait outside the portakabin beforehand (and I was really embarrassed by the long queue that formed after they had to shut down and recallibrate the machine. It was January)

GinJeanie · 09/08/2021 23:33

Echo the message re not to panic if you get recalled... particularly common with first mammogram. Glad it went well 🙂

Darkchocolateandcoffee · 09/08/2021 23:38

It's fine. Well done for going

mumwon · 09/08/2021 23:46

Having a smear is worse in my opinion - I would rather have a mammogram than a smear - but the discomfort never put me off

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