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Women's health

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Original poster

First mammogram

16 replies

Lecurie · 14/04/2023 22:26

Hi, I've just joined for some advice. I'm due for my first mammogram next week. The appointment letter gave a link to the government website and then I checked the NHS website for more information. It says a gown 'may be provided'. I live in the north of the country in Merseyside and wondered if anyone can tell me whether a gown is provided. I've been told that gowns aren't provided and you have to walk from the changing cubicle to the mammogram machine without a bra on. I've read a few posts on here and a lot of women commenting that they've had children and after that any dignity is gone (I say this respectfully) but I'm really quite astounded that I'd be expected to walk into the room with no gown. I thought the NHS was meant to focus on patient dignity and it's really bothering me. Can anyone share their experience and let me know if what I've been told is true? I'm not worried about the discomfort as everything I've read suggests it's short lived but I am concerned about not being given a gown.

OP posts:

NooNakedJacuzziness · 14/04/2023 22:35

I was told to keep my jacket on and just took it off by the scanner. It was a very short distance between the cubicle and the scanner anyway though.

RuthTopp · 14/04/2023 22:39

My hospital used to have gowns and cubicles to change in , but last time I was taken straight into the room and took off my top whilst the woman got everything ready.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 14/04/2023 22:41

I changed in the cubicle - bra off but keep jumper on . Got called to the room which was a few steps away and then told to take jumper off. I have to say I hated it and would have felt much better with a gown while being scanned- also less cold!

It was,however, much better than my experience of an MRI where I had to wait in the waiting room with no bra and a very thin top while sitting next to men. Then while getting changed after a male nurse walking into the cubicle to get something. I complained very strongly.

shunderland · 14/04/2023 22:42

Aintree use gowns - not sure if that's where you'll be. Sounds like each trust is different but I'm sure they will have a system to ensure you feel comfortable

BigGreen · 14/04/2023 22:44

I was in a room with the machine, and took my top of just a few steps away behind a curtain.

HyuNis · 14/04/2023 22:50

I had to take my bra off in the changing cubicle and put my top back on. Then I was taken through to the room which was literally 3 or 4 steps away

Bluebells1970 · 14/04/2023 22:50

I had my 1st one last year and it was very dignified. The technician called you into the room with the equipment, chatted through the process, took my history and then got the machine ready while I took my top and bra off. It was done quickly and efficiently and was far less stressful than I'd let myself imagine.

Original poster

Lecurie · 14/04/2023 22:50

Thank you so much for your replies, I appreciate it 💓.

I'm going to St Helens Hospital for it. I had an operation a few years ago and was astonished that I had to walk to theatre wearing a gown with no bra whilst two male porters escorted me. I felt completely shamed by this and it's stayed with me so I hope you can all understand my concerns.

And MrsPelligrinoPetrichor, that's so wrong on every level. I am glad you complained👏.

I understand the benefits of the mammogram but dignity is hugely important.

Thank you again for your helpful replies.

OP posts:

Original poster

Lecurie · 21/04/2023 21:23

I had my mammogram today and just wanted to thank you all again for your replies. I was in a darkened room and stood behind a curtain and walked not even a few feet to the machine. Just the nurse and me and she was lovely. It was uncomfortable but not painful and I'm so glad it's done. My appointment was at 2.30 and I was there for 2.05pm and seen and out by 5.15pm. I'm going to send a letter into the hospital because I was treated with care and compassion and dignity and made an experience I was dreading one that I can definitely do again.
I hope you don't think I was silly worrying about it but the fear of the unknown combined with my severe prudishness overwhelmed me.
I'm so grateful to live in a country where these resources are available to us for no extra cost 💓.

OP posts:

Original poster

Lecurie · 21/04/2023 21:24

Lecurie · 21/04/2023 21:23

Sorry I don't know how to edit. I was out by 2.15pm, got to love the menopause.

OP posts:

NooNakedJacuzziness · 22/04/2023 09:07

So pleased it all went ok for you OP. I had a similar experience with the timings - I turned up about 10 minutes early and was done and out by my actual appointment time. Also had a lovely woman doing the scan and won't worry about doing it again in 3 years time.

Original poster

Lecurie · 22/04/2023 13:48

Thank you! I totally agree. Nothing to be scared of now for future ones. So glad I know now, I suppose it's fear of the unknown. Lovely staff make any experience so much better 💓

OP posts:

Callywals · 24/09/2023 16:39

@Lecurie apologies, I know this is an old post but I've been searching posts as I have my first one this week. Just wanted to thank you for posting with all the same worries I have and, more importantly, your update as you've put my mind at rest.

gingercat02 · 24/09/2023 16:46

No gown here (NE England). You get undressed in a small changing room and walk through a connecting door straight into the x-ray room. Only about 10 steps and only you and the technician in the room. It's not embarrassing or humiliating imo.

Original poster

Lecurie · 24/09/2023 17:39

Best of luck to you and I'm glad the answers helped you ahead of your appointment. Hope all goes well for you ❤️.

OP posts:

Callywals · 24/09/2023 20:20

@Lecurie thank you.

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