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Post by elaine on Mar 1, 2018 0:03:39 GMT
I had a mammogram yesterday, with extra pics to my left breast and I’m still hurting today. Not only that, but I got the call on the way home that I have to have a follow-up mammogram at the closest military hospital. I’m dreading the pain again.
I wish that there was a better less painful way to image breasts. Especially since year after year my mammogram reports say that because of density, it is possible that lesions may exist and not be detected.
If men had to squeeze their testicles between glass plates and pounds of pressure yearly to diagnose prostate cancer, they would find another way.
I still advocate getting them done annually and will do it myself, but, damn it hurts!
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ginacivey
Pearl Clutcher
refupea #2 in southeast missouri
Posts: 4,685 
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Post by ginacivey on Mar 1, 2018 0:06:24 GMT
i had one done last month
it doesn't take long and other things hurt more
but damn i just hate going
gina
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Post by elaine on Mar 1, 2018 0:09:01 GMT
i had one done last month it doesn't take long and other things hurt more but damn i just hate going gina My left breast kept waking me up last night when I shifted because it is so sore. If it was just during the procedure, I wouldn’t be such a whiny baby. |
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Post by Layce on Mar 1, 2018 0:13:11 GMT
Hmmm.. well, maybe if we could like, prepare for them, mammograms wouldn't be so painful. Surely there's a tutorial out there on how to prepare for a mammogram?  |
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Post by AN on Mar 1, 2018 0:15:05 GMT
Brutal. I have only had one - at age 30 (so not like my skin was particularly fragile), and it tore the HELL out of where my breast met my chest. Awful and I was in intense pain and had to treat it with antibiotic and bandages for a week.
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Post by Delta Dawn on Mar 1, 2018 0:15:43 GMT
I had a mammogram yesterday, with extra pics to my left breast and I’m still hurting today. Not only that, but I got the call on the way home that I have to have a follow-up mammogram at the closest military hospital. I’m dreading the pain again. I wish that there was a better less painful way to image breasts. Especially since year after year my mammogram reports say that because of density, it is possible that lesions may exist and not be detected. If men had to squeeze their testicles between glass plates and pounds of pressure yearly to diagnose prostate cancer, they would find another way. I still advocate getting them done annually and will do it myself, but, damn it hurts! I have an Rx for pain that's a Naproxen product but it's Anaprox. I take it for period pain and it covers everything. Between breast pain, lower back pain and anything else it's awesome. Maybe try Aleve tonight and take 2 before you go in for your next appointment? |
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Post by dewryce on Mar 1, 2018 0:18:33 GMT
i had one done last month it doesn't take long and other things hurt more but damn i just hate going gina For me and my bodacious tatas there isn't much that hurts more. It isn't as long term as some of my many other pains, but during mammograms I often have tears running down my face. What about ultrasounds? Are they not as reliable? When I've had pain in a breast, they often do both. And they always do an ultrasound under my arms since I have breast tissue there. I need to schedule mine, thanks for the reminder! |
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scrappinmama
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,872
Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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Post by scrappinmama on Mar 1, 2018 0:30:46 GMT
I have large, dense breasts. Mammograms hurt like hell, but like all of you I still force myself to go every year. Then I have to go through an ultrasound right after that. I always wonder why they can't just do an ultrasound if they always end up doing one anyway.
They are life saving and so important, but I sure do wish there was a less painful way.
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Post by 950nancy on Mar 1, 2018 0:31:19 GMT
I have been having mammograms for years. I will say that it kind of depends on when you get them taken. I have had a few that were really easy all the way to really painful. I can remember being sore the next day but not as sore as you describe. Sorry you are feeling poorly and I agree, testicles would not be entering a squish machine.
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Post by elaine on Mar 1, 2018 0:37:25 GMT
i had one done last month it doesn't take long and other things hurt more but damn i just hate going gina For me and my bodacious tatas there isn't much that hurts more. It isn't as long term as some of my many other pains, but during mammograms I often have tears running down my face. What about ultrasounds? Are they not as reliable? When I've had pain in a breast, they often do both. And they always do an ultrasound under my arms since I have breast tissue there. I need to schedule mine, thanks for the reminder! They have already told me that they are probably doing both at this call back - I’d be happy to skip the mammogram and go straight to ultrasound. But, it is military medicine, so we will redo the less expensive mammogram first. I have DD breasts and it is just awful. I’ve been wanting breast reduction surgery - B size breasts sound like heaven. And my research found that studies show that breast reduction surgery, especially after the age of 50, reduces the risk of breast cancer. I’m practicing ways to make this argument to my military docs. Less painful mammograms would be a bonus. |
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garcia5050
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,728
Location: So. Calif.
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Post by garcia5050 on Mar 1, 2018 0:40:13 GMT
A couple of years ago, the tech was raving about the new technology they got for mammograms, and I got really excited. When I asked if the process was different for me they said no, for you it’s all the same. Great. But I agree, if men had boobs, the process would be different. How could we still be doing the same thing after so many years?
This year, the tech saw me making a face (because I was in pain), and she said if it hurts, speak up, it shouldn’t hurt this much. But doesn’t it? Doesn’t pain just naturally get coupled with this exam? She said no. It hurt because the skin under my boob was grabbed along with my boob. She fixed it, and it felt better (but still hurt). When she looked at my previous years, she noticed that my skin was always grabbed. So she said to speak up in the future. It might help a little.
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Post by Zee on Mar 1, 2018 0:43:26 GMT
I think it's every bit as bad for small breasts as large ones, because we get squeezed and manipulated just to get a good picture from the smaller amount of tissue.
Some women say it's awful and others, not so bad. I never have to have another one again, which is a small joy after having a mastectomy! I used to grit my teeth every time and I always got called back for a repeat, inevitably followed by an ultrasound. I was always sore for a day after (small but dense breasts, lots to compress in there and it hurt like hell!)
My surgeon was going to recommend skipping the mammogram and just going straight to US but then I got diagnosed with cancer and it became a non-issue. I'm not sure that's the best option for everyone, but you could ask if you're one of those women who ends up having the US every time anyway.
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Post by dewryce on Mar 1, 2018 0:43:33 GMT
Unfortunately for me, it's the size of my breasts and how much they have to squish them to get a good image that causes the pain. elaine, I also dream of a day that I can get a reduction. Sad to say, DD would be a huge improvement. |
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Peal
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,524
Jun 25, 2014 22:45:40 GMT
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Post by Peal on Mar 1, 2018 0:46:15 GMT
I haven't found them to be painful. And I have very large breasts. Maybe it's the technician more than the technique?
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Post by dewryce on Mar 1, 2018 0:46:18 GMT
I think it's every bit as bad for small breasts as large ones, because we get squeezed and manipulated just to get a good picture from the smaller amount of tissue. Some women say it's awful and others, not so bad. I never have to have another one again, which is a small joy after having a mastectomy! I used to grit my teeth every time and I always got called back for a repeat, inevitably followed by an ultrasound. I was always sore for a day after (small but dense breasts, lots to compress in there and it hurt like hell!) My surgeon was going to recommend skipping the mammogram and just going straight to US but then I got diagnosed with cancer and it became a non-issue. I'm not sure that's the best option for everyone, but you could ask if you're one of those women who ends up having the US every time anyway. So the US is just as good? If so, then why oh why was I exposed to the radiation and pain on those years they also ordered an ultrasound? I guess maybe to have films to compare. Any ideas? |
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Post by Zee on Mar 1, 2018 0:51:54 GMT
I think it's every bit as bad for small breasts as large ones, because we get squeezed and manipulated just to get a good picture from the smaller amount of tissue. Some women say it's awful and others, not so bad. I never have to have another one again, which is a small joy after having a mastectomy! I used to grit my teeth every time and I always got called back for a repeat, inevitably followed by an ultrasound. I was always sore for a day after (small but dense breasts, lots to compress in there and it hurt like hell!) My surgeon was going to recommend skipping the mammogram and just going straight to US but then I got diagnosed with cancer and it became a non-issue. I'm not sure that's the best option for everyone, but you could ask if you're one of those women who ends up having the US every time anyway. So the US is just as good? If so, then why oh why was I exposed to the radiation and pain on those years they also ordered an ultrasound? I guess maybe to have films to compare. Any ideas? I'm not an expert in this area but I believe the mammogram is still the gold standard for detecting cancer. But in certain women with very dense breasts, an US might be better at detecting lesions in those cases. I had had a few biopsies by the time he suggested going with just the US.I may do a little googling later to see what the experts say. My surgeon told me the above, so he still prefers the 3D mammo most of the time but in some cases US is better. |
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Post by piebaker on Mar 1, 2018 0:52:31 GMT
Since I am past menopause, the tissue has become less dense, and they hurt less. I have had callbacks for magnified views and sonograms in the past. There is a new technique called tomosynthesis (sp?) that I paid a copay after insurance of $75.00 that is supposed to provide better images. Maybe you could ask for a referral to a center that has that brand of machinery?
I usually take Tylenol or Advil after a mammogram. Hope your follow-up is less painful.
Regards, Lynn
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Post by Zee on Mar 1, 2018 0:53:23 GMT
In short--ask your dr if it's an option for you.
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,414
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Mar 1, 2018 0:53:35 GMT
I haven't found them to be painful. And I have very large breasts. Maybe it's the technician more than the technique? me too. |
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Post by dewryce on Mar 1, 2018 0:53:59 GMT
Okay, thanks Zee Good to know I probably haven't been getting unecessary and painful testing. I'll verify next time I see her! |
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Post by Delta Dawn on Mar 1, 2018 0:57:17 GMT
I went for mine this year and last year and this one beautiful x-ray tech did the first one, totally painless but there was a lot of laughter in the room. Her name was Ziggy and she was from the Caribbean. Ok so she had a lot of personality and maybe I forgot about pain. Next one was this European woman and she was so nice. She was so gentle and she made me feel like her new BFF. No pain and nothing. Just fun. Yes it was fun meeting her and she was so personable and sweet. The machine did not hurt at all. I mean at all. Maybe your equipment isn't good? Maybe ours isn't? I don't know. It was so fast and totally painless. I would be it's not good equipment.
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Post by Zee on Mar 1, 2018 1:00:20 GMT
I haven't found them to be painful. And I have very large breasts. Maybe it's the technician more than the technique? me too. I think density of tissue might had something to do with not only how hard they have to squeeze to get a picture, but in the pain response. Adipose tissue (fat) is easier to see through and IME hurts quite a bit less when compressed. |
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Post by anniefb on Mar 1, 2018 1:02:02 GMT
If men had to squeeze their testicles between glass plates and pounds of pressure yearly to diagnose prostate cancer, they would find another way. Yes, that's what I always say! |
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AmandaA
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,502
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Post by AmandaA on Mar 1, 2018 1:03:15 GMT
Should I put on my fire proof suit if I am gonna say that it didn't hurt that bad when I had my first one this past fall  I honestly think I had myself so psyched out that it would be the worst thing ever, that I was pleasantly surprised for it to be tolerable. But I did get called back for more images lest anyone hold a grudge against me. |
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Post by pjaye on Mar 1, 2018 1:07:31 GMT
Maybe you need to see a better practitioner?
I've had 4 now and I can honestly say that there was zero pain involved in any of mine...and all 4 were done by different people, but all were women.
I wouldn't even say it was uncomfortable, I do think I am quite tolerant to procedures, not much phases me, but I couldn't even see which part was supposed to be painful. Just stand the way they tell you, breathe out and it's over in 30 seconds.
I'm not a big fan of getting the girls out...I prefer to be the one clothed in medical settings, but apart from the initial embarrassment of being out of my comfort zone I find them really easy.
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Post by quinlove on Mar 1, 2018 1:15:49 GMT
Maybe you need to see a better practitioner? I've had 4 now and I can honestly say that there was zero pain involved in any of mine...and all 4 were done by different people, but all were women. I wouldn't even say it was uncomfortable, I do think I am quite tolerant to procedures, not much phases me, but I couldn't even see which part was supposed to be painful. Just stand the way they tell you, breathe out and it's over in 30 seconds. I'm not a big fan of getting the girls out...I prefer to be the one clothed in medical settings, but apart from the initial embarrassment of being out of my comfort zone I find them really easy. This is me too. I wouldn't go as far to say that I * like * them, but almost ! |
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Post by elaine on Mar 1, 2018 1:20:52 GMT
Maybe you need to see a better practitioner? I've had 4 now and I can honestly say that there was zero pain involved in any of mine...and all 4 were done by different people, but all were women. I wouldn't even say it was uncomfortable, I do think I am quite tolerant to procedures, not much phases me, but I couldn't even see which part was supposed to be painful. Just stand the way they tell you, breathe out and it's over in 30 seconds. I'm not a big fan of getting the girls out...I prefer to be the one clothed in medical settings, but apart from the initial embarrassment of being out of my comfort zone I find them really easy. In military medicine, one doesn’t really get much of a choice as to the technician. You get who you get. And you don’t get the choice to go off-base unless you want to pay the costs. So you get the technology that they have and are willing to use. Each of my mammograms has been done by someone different throughout the years. All of the technicians have been women, although the radiologists have all been men. The woman yesterday seemed very skilled and went about her work positioning me quickly and efficiently. I have large dense breasts however, that menopause hasn’t changed so far. I will guess that Zee is correct and that breast density plays a large part in how painful mammograms are. Count yourself lucky that you experience no pain when you get them. I really don’t have a low threshold for pain tolerance. After my last c-section, the nurses told me to take it easier, because I was up and walking as quickly as vaginal deliveries, and they were worried for my stitches and staples. If I could switch bodies with you next time, I gladly would! |
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,414
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Mar 1, 2018 1:30:56 GMT
I think density of tissue might had something to do with not only how hard they have to squeeze to get a picture, but in the pain response. Adipose tissue (fat) is easier to see through and IME hurts quite a bit less when compressed. Mine are really dense too. My place does a digital x-ray so they can see right away if they got a good picture. I'm still not looking forward to it because it's annoying to do. HOWEVER, after I'm done nursing my almost 2 year old, then waiting 6 months, I'm headed in for one. |
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Post by LisaDV on Mar 1, 2018 1:35:28 GMT
I had totally forgotten about this: Many years ago, I met a doctor and nurse at a medical seminar I was at about triage prep. Being all women, the mammogram discussion came up. The doctor said she doesn't have them, but has thermography. Unfortunately, your insurance won't pay for it. I just had to google alternatives to mammograms because I couldn't remember what she had said. This was a decent article on it. Except for the fact they say 20% of breast cancer is caused by mammograms and there is no definitive proof of that, not that I don't believe it, just all I want are the facts not your opinions. |
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Post by SunnySmile on Mar 1, 2018 1:38:38 GMT
Brutal. I have only had one - at age 30 (so not like my skin was particularly fragile), and it tore the HELL out of where my breast met my chest. Awful and I was in intense pain and had to treat it with antibiotic and bandages for a week. This happens to me every time, and I go every 6 months. It's like the skin just splits, it's awful, and they don't seem to have any sympathy for you either. |
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