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Original poster

Mammogram - anxious and worried about pain

13 replies

CherryViper · 27/01/2026 13:07

I am usually able to stick up for myself. I don't know why I am finding this so hard.

Although mammograms are only supposed to be uncomfortable, I find them painful. I was bruised and sore after the last one (might be related to medication I take).

Obviously, I feel very fortunate to have access to the NHS and for screening to be done.

I have one coming up in a few weeks and already feel incredibly anxious. I have researched and aware I can ask for compression to be slower or ask them to stop. Last time, I mentioned pain in advance. The practitioner was irritated when I asked them to slow down.

I have an ok pain threshold, this appt feels like it it looming over me. I have managed very painful periods and migraines for years. I have had broken ribs and bones and just got one with things. Any tips?

OP posts:
velvetgeranium · 27/01/2026 13:09

Take two paracetamol an hour before your appointment.

24Dogcuddler · 27/01/2026 13:10

Good tip I find them painful too.

TeenLifeMum · 27/01/2026 13:12

Our local hospital has new equipment and they are much less rough (this year’s was so different to previous ones). I’d take paracetamol before though and maybe arnica.

DramaAlpaca · 27/01/2026 13:15

I also usually find them painful. However, I had one a few weeks ago and it was surprisingly fine. The technician was great, very efficient and gentle and got it done very quickly.

Paracetamol beforehand is a good shout.

Belladog1 · 27/01/2026 13:16

I have my first one coming up next month, so I am a little anxious about it. I will try the paracetamol tip.

I have mahoosive boobs, I have read that it is more painful when you are bigger chested.

TeaRoseTallulah · 27/01/2026 13:18

I've had two the first was really painful and I was bruised for a week then second I was really worried about but it was so much better and over really quickly,I couldn't believe it. I really hope your experience is the same. Take painkillers before you go.

Andylion · 27/01/2026 13:19

My doctor gives me a prescription for Ativan which I take before my mammogram. (I’m not in the UK if that makes a difference.)

Original poster
CherryViper · 27/01/2026 13:36

Thanks so much for your replies.

I have a large bust, I take cocodamol. Hopefully, things have improved from a few years ago. It felt and looked like my breasts were squashed virtually flat. For people having their first one, some people find them no bother.

This is my third one. If it is painful again, I will look up alternatives and save up to go private.

OP posts:
FringeTime · 27/01/2026 17:49

Haven’t had one yet. FFS why the hell do they have to bruise people?! I also have big boobs - puts me right off!

CarrieMoonbeams · 27/01/2026 18:02

I absolutely dread it too - I have scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and it's really difficult for me to contort myself into a fecking pretzel, which is what they seem to need 😕. The staff are always really nice, to be fair, but it's so uncomfortable.

I take 2 paracetamol and 2 Ibuprofen about 2 hours beforehand, AND I buy myself a huge bar of chocolate and leave it in the car before I go in. That helps, because my greedy wee brain focuses on the chocolate a bit, so I try to keep thinking about that instead.

I actually almost laughed the last time - I'm wedged into a machine with my boob as flat as a pancake, and she said "Now, stay as still as you can lovey". God yeah, glad you said that, I was just about to sprint down the street with my boob in a mangle 🙄

wheresmymojo · 27/01/2026 18:12

Belladog1 · 27/01/2026 13:16

I have my first one coming up next month, so I am a little anxious about it. I will try the paracetamol tip.

I have mahoosive boobs, I have read that it is more painful when you are bigger chested.

If it helps I have 36J boobs and yes, it was painful but it was quick and really (for me) just a case of gritting my teeth and it was over quickly.

I will, however, never get over the sight of my boobs which - when squished to a maximum of one inch thick - projected about a foot and a half out in front of me Blush

Mossstitch · 27/01/2026 18:13

CarrieMoonbeams · 27/01/2026 18:02

I absolutely dread it too - I have scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and it's really difficult for me to contort myself into a fecking pretzel, which is what they seem to need 😕. The staff are always really nice, to be fair, but it's so uncomfortable.

I take 2 paracetamol and 2 Ibuprofen about 2 hours beforehand, AND I buy myself a huge bar of chocolate and leave it in the car before I go in. That helps, because my greedy wee brain focuses on the chocolate a bit, so I try to keep thinking about that instead.

I actually almost laughed the last time - I'm wedged into a machine with my boob as flat as a pancake, and she said "Now, stay as still as you can lovey". God yeah, glad you said that, I was just about to sprint down the street with my boob in a mangle 🙄

where's the laughing emoji when you need it 🍫🍫🍫🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

I'm big boobed and can't say i find them painful just uncomfortable...........just don't like being touched and manoeuvred into position, feels so unnatural but it is over very quickly for any newbies🥰

Belladog1 · 27/01/2026 18:35

wheresmymojo · 27/01/2026 18:12

If it helps I have 36J boobs and yes, it was painful but it was quick and really (for me) just a case of gritting my teeth and it was over quickly.

I will, however, never get over the sight of my boobs which - when squished to a maximum of one inch thick - projected about a foot and a half out in front of me Blush

Show quote history

Thank you for the giggle 😃

Edited to say 38H here. I'll look forward to the spread!!

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