paget
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,752
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:39 GMT
|
Post by paget on Mar 1, 2018 1:44:02 GMT
Hmm. I’ve been having mamagrams for 7 years including some call backs and I have never had pain during or after. Slight discomfort at most. I have very dense DDD breasts. The report always says how dense they are and basically can’t see anything (so why I am Doing this?!). The technician always redoes shots during the appointment as well to try and get better pics. Either it’s the technician’s technique or my pain tolerance is awesome.
|
|
|
Post by Darcy Collins on Mar 1, 2018 1:58:15 GMT
Are they offering you a 3D mammogram elaine. I have dense breasts and had to have follow up ultrasounds every year since I was (38) - really bad family history. Finally last 2 years no call back with the 3D. My insurance pays for it because of long history of additional imaging necessary - but even as a straight patient request it’s only $20 more for my practitioner/insurance - I asked before getting approval.
|
|
|
Post by Zee on Mar 1, 2018 2:18:16 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. I've had many, usually with a different tech each time, and still never had one that didn't hurt. I have a pretty high pain tolerance but there's no getting around the fact that they hurt some people more than others.
|
|
|
Post by elaine on Mar 1, 2018 2:26:54 GMT
Are they offering you a 3D mammogram elaine . I have dense breasts and had to have follow up ultrasounds every year since I was (38) - really bad family history. Finally last 2 years no call back with the 3D. My insurance pays for it because of long history of additional imaging necessary - but even as a straight patient request it’s only $20 more for my practitioner/insurance - I asked before getting approval. If Fort Belvoir or Walter Reed have 3D Mammogram machines, I will certainly petition to get one! I am limited by whatever technology the local military hospitals have invested in. With Tricare Prime, I am limited to what the facilities have to offer, unless I can get them to send me out (highly unlikely).
|
|
FurryP
Drama Llama
To pea or not to pea...
Posts: 6,976
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 19:58:26 GMT
|
Post by FurryP on Mar 1, 2018 2:27:15 GMT
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. YES! I was saying this just yesterday. I have an appt in two weeks. Ughhhhh, It hurts so much!!
|
|
|
Post by 950nancy on Mar 1, 2018 2:34:46 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. My first few didn't hurt much at all. I think it might have been where I was on my cycle. Some days my boobs were just sore. The worst pain I had was when they had to pull out the tiny paddles. They squish harder than the original machine paddles. They were looking specifically for something.
|
|
|
Post by tommygirl on Mar 1, 2018 2:41:01 GMT
I had a 3d mammogram for the first time this year. I felt like it hurt less and was faster than ones I have had in the past. It may be the newer equipment, or maybe the technique of the technician.
|
|
|
Post by Outspoken on Mar 1, 2018 3:07:59 GMT
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. I am 9 months post reduction - G to a C cup - and I am due for my mammogram. The office calls me twice a week. I’m avoiding it. My scars still hurt and frankly, I’m scared! I know I have to go. But, I’m still so scared! But, I am loving my little boobies. They ain’t pretty, but to me, they are wonderful!
|
|
|
Post by MichyM on Mar 1, 2018 3:21:03 GMT
I feel so badly for those who have pain with mammograms. I dreaded having to have my first one because of all the stories I was told over the years. I feel fortunate that for me they aren't terribly painful, and only for a moment or three. I've been down the multiple mammograms/ultrasound/breast biopsy thing several times. I hope your "do-over" mammogram is all for nothing. Feel better soon!
|
|
|
Post by elaine on Mar 1, 2018 3:26:01 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. I've had many, usually with a different tech each time, and still never had one that didn't hurt. I have a pretty high pain tolerance but there's no getting around the fact that they hurt some people more than others. I think it is akin to getting one’s teeth cleaned. I get that done twice a year and it doesn’t hurt, nor do my gums bleed but once every few years. There are a fair share of people here who require sedatives to get through dental procedures due to pain and anxiety. I’m guessing that simply telling them that it doesn’t hurt me, so all the dentists and hygienists that they have been seeing have been doing it wrong, wouldn’t go over well. I’m not sure what the resistance is to believing that mammograms might hurt some women more than others. The first sign that I was pregnant was always that my breasts would start killing me - beyond the usual monthly pain. Some women never experience breast pain while pregnant either. That doesn’t make it less real for those that do.
|
|
|
Post by papercrafteradvocate on Mar 1, 2018 3:28:25 GMT
I had one that was so painful (I was very large breasted) and they ended up doing some other kind of “X-ray/ultrasound” with me sitting up and laying down with another tech actually holding my boob up and around!
I had breast reduction and am just this month being scheduled for my first mammogram since the surgery and I’m quite nervous!
|
|
|
Post by elaine on Mar 1, 2018 3:29:57 GMT
I feel so badly for those who have pain with mammograms. I dreaded having to have my first one because of all the stories I was told over the years. I feel fortunate that for me they aren't terribly painful, and only for a moment or three. I've been down the multiple mammograms/ultrasound/breast biopsy thing several times. I hope your "do-over" mammogram is all for nothing. Feel better soon! Thanks, I’m sure that the do-over will be nothing. I’ve had several over the years. Calcification and dense breasts = do over. It is just the pain factor. Post-menopausal mammograms are hurting more, rather than less. Then again, my breasts are still as large/dense as ever. That might change over the years.
|
|
|
Post by AN on Mar 1, 2018 3:39:15 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. NO!!! They don't!! I had to go in for a biopsy and they have a special breast care nurse who is there to baby you and rub your hand and whatever. I talked to her about it because #1) this can't be normal #2) I had to have a second mammogram after the biopsy/clip, and didn't want to have it re-injured. That old bat told me it looked like it was caused by my bra rubbing, not the mammogram. I was super pissed. Ummm, no... I got a mammogram, held under my breasts right afterward, and it immediately started burning from the salt on my skin/touching the tears. I don't think I'd be wearing a bra if it caused this, lady. Not a good experience. The squeezing itself was fine, but they legitimately injured me and tore my skin open with how they pulled/positioned and then let the machine pull. I'm sorry it happens to you too.
|
|
|
Post by penguin on Mar 1, 2018 4:02:07 GMT
The worst one I ever had was after a biopsy to check that the marker was placed correctly. I ended up bleeding all over the plates and I thought I was going to pass out. I really hope I don’t have to do that again.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 20, 2024 15:16:45 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2018 4:32:28 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! My sister has said this for years!
|
|
PrettyInPeank
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,691
Jun 25, 2014 21:31:58 GMT
|
Post by PrettyInPeank on Mar 1, 2018 4:39:11 GMT
A little off topic, but something I've always wondered: does having dense breast tissue mean they tend to have firmer/perkier boobs, too?
|
|
cbscrapper
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,418
Sept 5, 2015 18:24:10 GMT
|
Post by cbscrapper on Mar 1, 2018 5:30:49 GMT
I’ve also found that the time of the month can contribute to the pain. My breasts get tender and “lumpy” the week before menstruation. My first mammogram was during that week and it was excruciating. Felt like a million tiny balloons in my breast were going to explode. The next year I paid attention to scheduling and avoided that week in my cycle, and it was much more tolerable. I forgot about it this year, realized they had scheduled me during my “tender” week, and promptly called to reschedule - not going through that again! (And I have dense tissue and DDs).
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 20, 2024 15:16:45 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2018 5:59:09 GMT
When I first began having mammograms, I was barely a B cup and it hurtttttttttt! I think they pull and squish more when you're smaller. I'm a constant DD (34) and the discomfort was the same until last year when I had the 3D mammo. It felt like nothing!! I have dense breasts also, and each of my sisters had issues with their breasts. I've had the US in the past when they were concerned with a dense spot. I never got to the point of the needle biopsy.
I just had another 3D mammo a few months ago, and again, it was a breeze. I hope it's as effective!
|
|
|
Post by crazy4scraps on Mar 1, 2018 6:09:07 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 has been my experience too. I would much rather have a mammogram than a Pap test!
|
|
|
Post by gar on Mar 1, 2018 11:23:30 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! But why are we expecting or waiting for men to come up with something better? Women in the field of medical equipment design/development must have mammograms- you’d think they’d make it a priority 😉
|
|
seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,433
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
|
Post by seaexplore on Mar 1, 2018 14:30:00 GMT
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. I am 9 months post reduction - G to a C cup - and I am due for my mammogram. The office calls me twice a week. I’m avoiding it. My scars still hurt and frankly, I’m scared! I know I have to go. But, I’m still so scared! But, I am loving my little boobies. They ain’t pretty, but to me, they are wonderful! As a well blessed 32h, how bad was the surgery? I am now 44 and have wanted it since I was 18. Never did it. At this point, after nursing 2 kids, I’m thinking it might be time.
|
|
Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
Jun 25, 2014 19:53:37 GMT
|
Post by Mystie on Mar 1, 2018 15:23:31 GMT
I had a 3d mammogram for the first time this year. I felt like it hurt less and was faster than ones I have had in the past. It may be the newer equipment, or maybe the technique of the technician. My mom said the same thing. She's always had a lot of pain with mammograms, but they did the 3D this time and it was much less painful. I'm a lucky one, I definitely find them uncomfortable, but it's quick and doesn't last. I'd say I have more discomfort than pain, and it's more from the contortions I have to do than the actual pressure.
|
|
Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
Jun 25, 2014 19:53:37 GMT
|
Post by Mystie on Mar 1, 2018 15:29:05 GMT
I had one that was so painful (I was very large breasted) and they ended up doing some other kind of “X-ray/ultrasound” with me sitting up and laying down with another tech actually holding my boob up and around! I had breast reduction and am just this month being scheduled for my first mammogram since the surgery and I’m quite nervous! I wish I could remember how long after reduction I had my first mammogram. I do remember it wasn't nearly as bad as I'd feared. And I haven't had any problems since then.
|
|
|
Post by mcscrapper on Mar 1, 2018 15:32:35 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. I was gonna say the exact same thing. Why do I have to sit through that horrible mammogram when I know I'm gonna get called back for the u/s every time? I constantly wonder how we can make this easier for us to do. No man would ever, in a million years, go through this. SaveSave
|
|
|
Post by mrst on Mar 1, 2018 16:38:35 GMT
It must be me but I've had mammograms in 2 countries but they have never had any pain. I'm tall, fat and have DDs . I must be L UCKY,
|
|
|
Post by tommygirl on Mar 1, 2018 17:02:21 GMT
PrettyinPeank --As I understand it the density of your breast cannot be determined by perkiness, size, etc. They have to do a mammogram and then the density is apparent. It shows up as white on the mammogram which can hide what they are looking for. In my state the radiologist is required to inform you (I received a letter in the mail) if you have dense breasts. I have B cup, non perky breasts but they are dense. The official recommendation if you have dense breasts is to get an ultrasound as well as a mammogram. I have not done that. I did go with the 3d vs the standard mammogram. In the future I may start getting ultrasounds I just haven't done it yet. I was told the 3d mammo may not be covered fully and an additional charge may be required by my insurance but it did not cost any extra.
|
|
tracylynn
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,870
Jun 26, 2014 22:49:09 GMT
|
Post by tracylynn on Mar 1, 2018 17:11:23 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. Honestly, I agree with you. I turned 40 almost 3 years ago now and was really not looking forward to it. I've had 3 now, and honestly, the worst part is if the skin where my boob meets my chest gets stretched awkwardly. And even that's not horrible. Disclaimer - I do have large boobs and that supposedly helps. Frankly, I think the absolute worst part is having someone all up in your grill grabbing your boob and moving it around at-will like they own that thang. But - you gotta do what you gotta do.
|
|
|
Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Mar 1, 2018 17:47:46 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. The first time I ever had a mammogram, the technician said, "Just flop your left one on up there." Well, honey, mine have never flopped a day in their lives. I only got to a nice really full B cup with pregnancies. So it takes a contortionist move or two to get enough of mine in the plates to get a view. Fun times. I can't say it's all that painful, but it sure as heck is uncomfortable. A little off topic, but something I've always wondered: does having dense breast tissue mean they tend to have firmer/perkier boobs, too? Mine are very fibrous. I often have to have the U/S follow-up to the mammo because they have a hard time "seeing" through all the fibrous tissues. So, it sure would be nice if that meant that they'll stay perkier as the years continue to progress. I'd consider that a fair trade.
|
|
|
Post by refugeepea on Mar 1, 2018 17:50:53 GMT
I need to get my first one this year. There isn't much to squeeze.
|
|
|
Post by burningfeather on Mar 1, 2018 23:08:25 GMT
Why do I have to sit through that horrible mammogram when I know I'm gonna get called back for the u/s every time You would think that the US would be better, right? The way it was explained to me is that starting with an US would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. The mammogram tells them where to look. The US takes a much closer look at a very small, specific area. My skin tends to tear also. One of my previous facilities used something called a "mammopad" that that was a disposable, cushy pad that they put over the plate and around the corner so it was more cushioned. I asked my current screening facility about it and they said that they feel that they don't get as good of results. I will say that I had a great tech this year. She didn't put nearly as much pressure as some do (so does that make her better? Or worse? Hmmmm). Either way - it was much more comfortable. The worst are the side views when they have to get all the side boob and underarm tissue. It's uncomfortable and awkward and I find myself praying for it to be over. I've run into so many of my friends at the facility where I go, we've decided that we should just plan it out several months in advance, all go together, then go out for drinks and tacos after! LOL.
|
|