|
|
Post by AN on Mar 15, 2016 13:10:19 GMT
I had a mammogram yesterday (for those of you who've been around since I was posting at 17/18 years old, we're all officially getting old...). During the mammogram, the compression wasn't uncomfortable but she definitely was pulling/stretching to get everything into the plates. She seemed highly competent, and I didn't feel any extreme pain or anything that would make me think something was wrong.
As soon as she was done though, I kind of cupped my hands under my breasts and it immediately felt like it was burning where the breast meets the ribs - like salt in a wound. I looked in the mirror and there was a couple inch strip of redness there, but no visible tears or anything. Once I put my bra on, it felt okay. I mentioned it to her but wasn't overly concerned since it wasn't bleeding or anything.
Last night before bed, I realized it was really raw under there and maybe even a little oozy (so gross, sorry). I put some very lightly medicated powder on it (I've used other places and it never burns like the heavily medicated powders) and it burned very very intensly. Uh oh.
This morning, it is like I have two thin but bad abrasions, feel/look like rope burns, right where the breast meets the body. Less than a pencil's thickness, but probably 3 - 4 inches in length on each side. Very painful if I'm touching it or cleaning it, but not painful if just left alone. I put some antibiotic ointment and gauze on it, and holding it in place with a sports bra. Again, no visible single tears, but I susepct it is lots of micro-tears, if that's a thing.
My google-fu skills are failing me, and I'm just finding info about how to give mammograms when older women have thin skin. So a few questions:
1. Does anyone else get this, and is there anything you do or tell them to avoid it in the future? That's my biggest concern.
2. Should I do anything besides the ointment and gauze? I figured if it's not looking better by tomorrow morning then I'll go back and ask to have it looked at, but I doubt they'd do much beyond antibiotic and pads/gauze.
3. Should I report it to the facility more than just mentioning it to the tech? Like I said, she was really careful and thorough, and I don't think she was negligent or overly rough in her handling. I do need to go back to pick up the report today, so I would have the chance to mention it to the front-desk staff casually.
|
|
moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,276 
Location: Western Illinois
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
|
Post by moodyblue on Mar 15, 2016 13:15:27 GMT
I've never had that, although I can remember thinking once or twice that the skin would tear if she kept pulling.
I think I would mention it when you pick up the report - and maybe ask if someone could look at the spots. That way it's "on record" with them that there is an issue. At the least it should be noted in your records so that future techs are aware.
|
|
sharlag
Drama Llama
I like my artsy with a little bit of fartsy.
Posts: 6,584
Location: Kansas
Jun 26, 2014 12:57:48 GMT
|
Post by sharlag on Mar 15, 2016 13:47:06 GMT
Definitely tell them! Could you email them photos? IS that a dumb suggestion--take photos?
Otherwise they might not believe you.
ETA: No, I've never had that happen.
|
|
|
|
Post by bunnyhug on Mar 15, 2016 14:02:57 GMT
Had sort of the same thing happen with two different techs. I chalked it up to the extreme rate of squishiness they have to achieve to get a good picture ... Uncomfortable, but I also bruise easily, so I figure I just have that kind of skin?
|
|
|
|
Post by knit.pea on Mar 15, 2016 14:45:26 GMT
Are the plates covered with something, and maybe the covering had a tear
in it that scratched you?
|
|
|
|
Post by littlemama on Mar 15, 2016 15:49:22 GMT
Definitely tell them! Could you email them photos? IS that a dumb suggestion--take photos? Otherwise they might not believe you. ETA: No, I've never had that happen. I'm not sure emailing pictures of your boobies is ever a good idea!  |
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 22, 2024 21:48:21 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2016 16:31:21 GMT
Keep a close eye on the wounds. I once had a broken underwire rubbing on my skin all day and ended up with the same sort of thing. It quickly turned to cellulitis and took a long time to heal. Not that it will happen to you -- just look at it closely in the mirror to make sure it isn't getting worse. It's a hard spot to see and it doesn't get much air.
|
|
|
|
Post by flanz on Mar 15, 2016 16:34:28 GMT
Had sort of the same thing happen with two different techs. I chalked it up to the extreme rate of squishiness they have to achieve to get a good picture ... Uncomfortable, but I also bruise easily, so I figure I just have that kind of skin? I have had numerous mammos starting at age 27, and I do bruise easily, but I have never ever experienced anything like this. I would definitely take photos, go back there, and prob. show my primary doc too! I'm so sorry that happened. I have never heard of it being that bad, for anyone! |
|
|
|
Post by pierkiss on Mar 15, 2016 16:36:06 GMT
Do they put any gel or anything on the plates? Or could there have been like a plastic covering that maybe was a little rough around the edges and that cut you? Clearly I have haven't had one yet as I don't really know what the apparatus looks like! I'd definitely let them know though. Also if it's not better by tonight I'd probably go to my dr to get it looked at. I'm a little worried about infection for you as it can get sweaty under there!  |
|
|
|
Post by bianca42 on Mar 15, 2016 16:38:15 GMT
I would probably call whatever doctor ordered the mamo and get their take.
|
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on Mar 15, 2016 17:35:53 GMT
I haven't had it with a mammo, but have had it in other circumstances. I put an antibiotic ointment on it and a kleenex along the abrasion to keep my bra from rubbing on it. Keep it dry and it should go away in a few days.
And I'd definitely report it to the imaging place so that they can put it in your records. If your skin in sensitive or fragile, they may need to be more careful and stretch that area of skin less. (I'm a redhead and my skin definitely is thinning. I'm only 48!)
|
|
|
|
Post by 2peafaithful on Mar 15, 2016 18:01:34 GMT
Major ouch! That is not fun at all. I have had 5-6 mammograms and haven't ever had that happen. I personally would take pictures and I would share them with them. They need to know.
|
|
|
|
Post by Anne-Marie on Mar 15, 2016 18:08:51 GMT
I had a similar thing happen in December. I have had several mammograms (6 - 8 I would guess b/c I've been called back a time or two to get a different/better view) and this past time was the only time that's ever happened. Mammograms have never been comfortable for me but at the time I did feel like this one was even less so than ever before. The tech actually apologized several times (I might have winced without meaning to). I didn't realize that I had anything other than usual soreness until that night when I took my bra off and got in the shower. In the process of showering, the soap and hot water made me painfully aware that my skin was torn. I didn't have any oozing as you described (I'm thinking my tears weren't as deep) but it was painful for a day or so.
I didn't go back and mention it as my results were emailed and I was so relieved that all was clear that I kind of marked it off my worry list and moved on. Like I said above though, I'm thinking my tears weren't as deep as what you're experiencing. If you are still having pain and/or oozing by tomorrow I would definitely let them know. And please let us know what you find out - selfishly, I would like to know if they have any tips on avoiding that issue altogether next time.
|
|
|
|
Post by flanz on Mar 15, 2016 18:10:06 GMT
Another reason to take pix is to have them to document what happened, should your situation worsen and your version of events be questioned.
|
|
sharlag
Drama Llama
I like my artsy with a little bit of fartsy.
Posts: 6,584
Location: Kansas
Jun 26, 2014 12:57:48 GMT
|
Post by sharlag on Mar 15, 2016 18:36:51 GMT
Definitely tell them! Could you email them photos? IS that a dumb suggestion--take photos? Otherwise they might not believe you. ETA: No, I've never had that happen. I'm not sure emailing pictures of your boobies is ever a good idea! Just the wounds! Not the entire breastal region! |
|
|
|
Post by anniefb on Mar 15, 2016 18:59:56 GMT
Ouch. I've never had anything similar happen but agree it's probably a good idea to get a pic of the area if you can - just so you have a record of it.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 22, 2024 21:48:21 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2016 19:26:43 GMT
You already know I've had this once or twice since we talked about it, but I want to add that these are the kinds of things that you can mention to them and then they will say "Oh, we've never heard of that" and yet by just looking at this thread, you know that it happens sometimes to some women for whatever reason. I can't count how many times some particular thing/side effect will happen and friends/Two Peas/Google will confirm that it happens enough to be more than just a coincidental occurrence and yet medical providers will say that they have never ever heard of such a thing (periods getting much more painful after tubal ligation being one that comes immediately to mind)
I had a metal clip placed after a needle biopsy and I had a lot of pain and itching for almost a year from it, to the point that I was sure I was allergic to that particular metal (although they claim that no one is allergic to it). Anyway, there were lots of reports of women with exactly those same symptoms online and yet the mammogram tech that I mentioned it to at the next appointment said she had never heard of it and doubted it was related.
|
|
|
|
Post by littlemama on Mar 15, 2016 20:01:28 GMT
I'm not sure emailing pictures of your boobies is ever a good idea! Just the wounds! Not the entire breastal region! I wonder what a picture of the underboobage would look like. Would it look like a different body part? Would you be able to ID it without the rest of the breastal region?
(I feel like a 12 year old!)
|
|
sharlag
Drama Llama
I like my artsy with a little bit of fartsy.
Posts: 6,584
Location: Kansas
Jun 26, 2014 12:57:48 GMT
|
Post by sharlag on Mar 15, 2016 20:02:45 GMT
Just the wounds! Not the entire breastal region! I wonder what a picture of the underboobage would look like. Would it look like a different body part? Would you be able to ID it without the rest of the breastal region?
(I feel like a 12 year old!)
Hard to say! Sounds like someone needs to experiment with their camera phone. |
|
MaryMary
Pearl Clutcher
Lazy
Posts: 2,976
|
Post by MaryMary on Mar 15, 2016 20:58:30 GMT
This thread is pointless without pics.
|
|
|
|
Post by AN on Mar 15, 2016 21:20:38 GMT
Thanks everyone! I appreciate all the feedback. It is feeling okay right now, although I probably need to pull it up and refresh the bandages. That's the worst part -- you pull it up to take a look and that hurts!
|
|
|
|
Post by dewryce on Mar 15, 2016 21:34:33 GMT
I often get psoriasis in that area and it is super sensitive. Sorry for your pain!
I have promised my husband I will no longer Google medical issues, LOL. But I will be thinking of you and hope you get good results!
|
|
|
|
Post by AN on Mar 16, 2016 3:00:36 GMT
Careful what you ask for, yo. Pics below. Close out now. I think it is getting better but still a long way from normal, and still painful when messing with the dressing. - - -- - - - - Yes there are going to be underboob pics. - - - - - - -- - - - - Last warning.   |
|
|
|
Post by Delta Dawn on Mar 16, 2016 3:25:43 GMT
That looks like a burn. It is also weird. I would be going to see my GP to discuss this. This is not cool.
|
|
|
|
Post by redrulz on Mar 16, 2016 3:26:21 GMT
Yikes! Those pictures look painful!
You should definitely let the facility know about your experience so they can make a note in your chart in the very least. I know that they might not outright admit that they injured you because they are afraid of being sued, but if you let them know your intention is only to inform and want to see if there is anything that can be done differently next time so this doesn't happen again.
Hope it heals up quickly.
|
|
|
|
Post by dewryce on Mar 16, 2016 3:34:43 GMT
Wow that looks a lot larger than I was imagining. Ouch! I would definitely say something to possibly make it better for you and others in the future.
|
|
|
|
Post by Zee on Mar 16, 2016 3:40:49 GMT
Ouch! I'd call and mention it, and keep some ointment on it with a bit of cotton gauze as you have been for a couple days. Keep it as dry as possible after that. If you can, after your shower let it dry thoroughly with a hair dryer and try leaving it open to air for a while. Maybe you can do that before bed, then put a dry dressing on for sleeping so it doesn't get moist. I'd keep powder off it, though.
Head off to the doctor at the first sign of infection, but hopefully you can avoid that. Yeast is a common infection to get in that area.
Save those pics for next time, as well, so they have a visual of what happened and hopefully can avoid it. I'm not that familiar with mammography other than the three I had to have done, which were painful but nothing like that, so I don't know what they will do differently next time but maybe they'll have a answer when you call and explain.
|
|
|
|
Post by AN on Mar 16, 2016 3:44:02 GMT
Ouch! I'd call and mention it, and keep some ointment on it with a bit of cotton gauze as you have been for a couple days. Keep it as dry as possible after that. If you can, after your shower let it dry thoroughly with a hair dryer and try leaving it open to air for a while. Maybe you can do that before bed, then put a dry dressing on for sleeping so it doesn't get moist. I'd keep powder off it, though. Head off to the doctor at the first sign of infection, but hopefully you can avoid that. Yeast is a common infection to get in that area. Save those pics for next time, as well, so they have a visual of what happened and hopefully can avoid it. I'm not that familiar with mammography other than the three I had to have done, which were painful but nothing like that, so I don't know what they will do differently next time but maybe they'll have a answer when you call and explain. Thanks. I actually see the radiologist on Thursday, so I will bring it up then. Keeping a close eye on it and I think my PCP will squeeze me in fast if anything starts to look concerning. |
|
|
|
Post by Skypea on Mar 16, 2016 3:56:32 GMT
yikes - yes, that looks painful. do you wear an underwire bra? did it look like that right after the 'gram' was done?
that is weird. well, it's been about 6 months since I had one done and I remember it certainly was a pain and not something I'd do for fun... but I can't think of anything that would leave marks like that under the boobs!
I'd be checking it out. did that part of the boob touch metal or something? when they plop the boob on something - could that something (metal?) have had a damaged edge on it? I had numerous tests that day and don't really remember any of them in much detail 6 months later.
btw, gotta tell ya - when I saw your topic line my thought was 'her boobs are crying tiny tears?' ha! can't blame'em on a normal mammogram and yours should have had big 'ol tears with those red lines!
|
|
brandy327
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,353
|
Post by brandy327 on Mar 16, 2016 10:40:23 GMT
I haven't had this issue due to a mammogram (haven't had one of those yet) but I DO have very thin skin in the underboob area due to psoriasis and the meds I use to keep it at bay. I get the same exact type of thing you've posted (in addition I also do get actual ripping).
I would definitely keep an eye on it to make sure you don't get any type of infection. I've tried both ointments and trying to keep it dry to make it heal faster. Personally, keeping it dry (which requires putting some type of cloth in between my boob and bra) makes it heal a bit faster. I will say that I've never had it become infected before - and I deal with this at least once a month.
I would definitely mention it when you go in. And I hope it heals up quickly and without too much issue.
|
|
Refupea #39
