Dreading First Mammogram

[halfsiesonapotnoodle]

How have people found having a mammogram? I have my first ever one this afternoon and am absolutely dreading it. My boobs are extremely droopy and I'm so self conscious, plus pressing them is so uncomfortable. Does the process hurt a lot? 😔

It can be uncomfortable when they're pressed, but it's not unbearable to most and you can stop at anytime. Take some paracetamol before if you can, drink plenty and eat something before you go

I found a lump a few a months ago and got an appointment at the hospital. I didn't really expect to be having one because I had only just turning 40 but they wanted one doing. It is slightly uncomfortable but doesn't last long and the women who where doing it would have seen loads. Don't think they even think about.

Sal

It was uncomfortable but not quite painful. I have big boobs so she had to take more plates than average but it was still over quite quickly. I'd rather go for afternoon tea than have my boobs squished but I didn't have any lasting discomfort afterwards and she was very skilled and reassuring while doing it.

Try not to worry. I found it painful because I have tiny boobs. It's over quickly though but I was quite sore for a couple of days after. Take some ibuprofen.

It was uncomfortable rather than painful. I was a bit self conscious too but the lady was so lovely and relaxed about it and it didn't take long at all. Hope it goes well.

It can be a bit uncomfortable but it's only seconds so well worth the discomfort. As per pp, take a couple of paracetamol an hour before. The medical staff will not care what your boobs look like, it's over very quickly.

Please don’t dread it.

Mammographers are generally lovely. If you mention you’re not feeling the best about it, the will be understanding.

I agree, take paracetamol before you go. Try it and you can also say no or stop.

I've got a huge pair of droopy tits (thanks kids) and found it fine, I had my 1st one earlier this year. The lady was so kind and lovely, completely distracted me and I had the results in less than 2 weeks.

I am a G cup btw, so it took a bit of squishing in but it wasn't remotely painful. Just an odd feeling and over in seconds.

Thank you so much everyone. That is reassuring to hear.

It's discomfort rather than pain.
The mammographer will have seen all shapes and sizes of breast ... droopy may well be easier to position and need less pressure.

Wear a bra and top that's easy to get off and on, and no necklaces Iirc.

I've had 11 mammograms to date and, while they are very uncomfortable for me, they're over fairly quickly. If they get a clearer picture of any lumps and bumps they can squeeze my breasts in that machine as much as they like.

The person doing the mammogram really has seen all shapes and sizes of breasts and truthfully is more concerned about getting a good scan than appraising any of them. The ladies who have done mine have been wonderful and we are more likely to talk about films and Christmas shopping than breasts. They're usually very good at putting people at ease.

I had one recently, and was dreading it after my mum described it as “like medieval torture”. It wasn’t, for me it was a slightly uncomfortable squishing of my boobs, but not painful.

I’m sure the comfort level/pain differs for every woman, but as you would expect the woman carrying it out was utterly professional & the one thing I didn’t feel was embarrassed.

I had mine done in a portable 'bus'. The staff were lovely.

sadly I think these days 'large & droopy' is an accurate description of my former full bouncy boobs.

however, for mammograms I think it's probably the easiest variety. They kind of sprawl on the machine & not too much depth to need to squeeze.

after a couple of can you reach like this, bend that way etc she said 'Do you mind if I move you?' And she just put everything where she wanted it 🤣🤣

she was lovely and it didn't hurt. I'm not at all bothered for my next one. Hope you feel the same.

I had 2 mammograms over the space of a year and honestly I felt nothing (other than a bit of embarrassment). Just felt like a squeeze like if someone squeezed your hand or leg. 1st mammogram found 2 cysts and they were drained while i was there. I think the mammogram process is one of the best things on the NHS. Everybody there was lovely and supportive. Good luck!

No more than slightly uncomfortable for me.

I was also dreading it, not least rhe getting naked and having my breasts handled, but she was so proffesional and stood behind me to place my breasts it was fine honestly.

As others have said it was no more than a bit uncomfortable. I was incredibly anxious as I was there for an urgent referral after a lump had been found and they were absolutely lovely.

I'm a GG boob size and the nurses do take a few minutes to get each boob positioned correctly but I've had four lots of mammograms now and due another one next year but it's uncomfortable for seconds not minutes.

I don't look forward to them but the nurses are always very nice and I do it as my mum had breast cancer late in life so feel I should always have them when called.

I've had several - I'm older! None has been unbearable and the women are usually very nice. Mine are huge and I have to kind of flop them on to the glass but after the first time I've never dreaded going! You'll be fine!

I could backwards from 10 in my head once they start the squishing and it's over by about two!

I had one recently amd the worse part for me was the build up to actually whipping my bra off. The nurses were wonderful. I was called back due to hormonal changes showing up and again it was the build up that bothered me most. The actual screening wasn't unpleasant though I did have to do a bit of contorting so that I could be screened correctly. They also explained everything to me too. The nurses and consultant have seen it all before and couldn't have been nicer. I feel that they understand that folk are naturally worried and may feel a bit self concious. . As a PP has suggested, a couple of paracetamol may help. Hope it goes well.

Hi OP, I had my first last year and was so scared by everyone telling me is was agony and the worst pain ever. I was so worried but it was only uncomfortable for a few minutes. The worst bit for me was my breast being lifted and pushed into position by the really lovely lady. Good luck!

I had one this morning and it was much better than my last one. She was really nice and gentle. I don't wear a bra and then you're in and out super quick.

I just find them slightly uncomfortable and the female staff are lovely, reassuring and very gentle. I hope you’ve had it done by now - if not it only takes a few minutes.

All done and it was fine! Contortions bit and then a brief couple of squishes and it was over. You all really reassured me! Thank you!