First mammogram tomorrow...any tips?

[OnlyYourSharpestMinds]

I've been called in for a mammogram tomorrow morning due to a change in my breast...to say I'm scared is putting it mildly 😬

The hospital haven't provided a huge amount of information about what actually happens at the appointment - just not to wear deodorant and to wear a mask. I would be very grateful for any wise words of advice or tips - does it hurt a lot, or is the pain fairly mild? Is there any point taking paracetamol beforehand? Will I be sore for a while afterwards?

The thought of my poor boob being squidged between the plates is giving me the fear...but I know it's a necessary discomfort and I am trying my best not to panic.

I have them annually because I’m high risk. Obviously everyone is different but they don’t bother me at all. I’ve found it occasionally uncomfortable but never painful (big boobs). Let them position you and it’s much easier; if you’re not in the best position they may need to reposition you to get the best image.

What I do appreciate is that the staff make you feel very comfortable. There are usually one or two women in the room and they are always very nice. They ask you to take your top and bra off, put them on a chair and step over to the machine. Wear something easy to get in and out of, and put a deodorant in your bag so you can nip into the loo and have a spray before you go home.

Good luck 🤞

I had one recently and was paranoid it was going to be painful , I took 2 paracetamol just incase before hand

Anyway it wasn't sure at all or even that uncomfortable, I have quite large boobs though (38E) so don't know if that might be why. But not sure at all for me.

Sore* not sure.

I agree with the advice to go floppy and let them handle you into place. Drop your shoulders and let everything sag!

I also found it more bearable if I don't look down at what's happening - very often you end up with your face twisted away anyway.

I'd rather have a mammo than a smear

I didn't find it painful at all. Like pps said, just a bit of a weird position to stand in but that was it. Hope it goes well.

You're all amazing! Thank you so very much - now I know what to expect, I don't feel half as apprehensive...honestly, I'm so grateful 💐

I'm off to bed for an early night... hoping to actually get some sleep, although it's unlikely. I'll come back and update tomorrow once it's done.
I love Mumsnet (15 years on the coalface ✊) and this has just shown, as usual, how fabulous and supportive it is when women need advice. Thanks again everyone!

I've never been told not to wear deodorant and I've had three.

I don't find them at all painful. All over very quickly and no more uncomfortable than having your hair washed at the hairdressers.

I had my first this year. The first attempt was incredibly painful I had to ask her to stop - she repositioned me and it was a lot better. Don't be afraid to question it if something doesn't feel right. Do be prepared to feel completely squished and like you might pop - it's over very quickly though. Good luck x

I found the healthcare professionals working in the department to be calm, dignified and matter of fact. I’m a nurse myself - I was so relieved that they were all so lovely the care was excellent throughout. The squishing was slightly uncomfortable

I'd say the waiting around is the most painful part. Good luck op 👍

I had one recently. The lady who did it was lovely, and it was all very quick. You stand at the machine and she places your boob in the machine and it's squashed between two plates.

I suppose the procedure ranges from uncomfortable to painful depending on the individual. Mine was just pretty uncomfortable.

But the whole process was fine and the results came back clear.

Good luck!

Don't use talc. It shows up on the x-ray.

A quick update - it went very well and I've been given the all clear! So relieved and the whole experience went smoothly and was super quick. All of the staff were amazing, especially the lady who actually did the mammogram. She was chatty and friendly and just lovely. Thanks to the excellent advice from you all, I let her get on with positioning me and just tried to relax. I certainly didn't expect to get the results so quickly , one of the nurses described it as "a one stop shop" 😂

It was definitely uncomfortable, but not as bad as I had feared...I actually feel more sore now. I took a couple of ibuprofen beforehand, not sure if it helped or not.

Anyway, you were all so very helpful and kind - thank you for helping to make what could have been a very stressful experience far less so!💐

Oh, and thanks so much for linking this thread @ValerieMorghulis - full of excellent advice - these two threads combined were so helpful. I'm really glad you were ok, too!

Ah that’s good news @OnlyYourSharpestMinds How fab to get the result straight away!