Terrified of Mammogram

Oh, the dreaded smear test. I doubt I could take any of my own suggestions for that!
I'm reduced to a blubbering, childish mess when I need one.

For me, mammograms are number three on my list of pain, the most painful for me is a visit to the dental hygienist, followed by the cervival smear which was excruciatingly painful. I second the idea about taking a couple of painkillers. My husband suggested that for my session with the hygienist, and it really worked. It's so worth being checked, and with all these they are time limited and indeed the mammogram time is very short. My mum died of cancer so I do always go to be checked. Always twitchy until the results come through though!!

I had a filling done a few days ago and I was hating it - that awful drill. So I made myself think about the supermarket where I was going to next. I saw myself, in my mind, walking into the shop, picking up a basket etc and it really worked. Before I knew it the drilling was over, the filling was put in and I was on my way to do my shopping.
Maybe you could try this method when you have your mammogram on Monday? X

You could imagine all of us (or just some!) with you, encouraging you in our different ways.
That has helped me face some situations where my courage and drive have deserted me, at times.
It means a huge amount to know that people are literally willing you on.

Speak to the staff before you go in and let them know its been painful in the past.The staff in the unit I'll be visiting next Thursday have always been very helpful so I dont worry as I know they'll listen.Maybe do some breathing exercises and listen to a relaxation tape even in the waiting area ,its surprising the difference that makes .Good luck and I hope its all clear for you,then you wont have to face it again for a wee while .

I was the same as you gillybob but on my last screening, it was totally painless as they had a new machine.

Hope you get a new one as well, but whatever it’s like, you really do have to bite the bullet and go.

Count yourself down while it’s happening it’s actually over very quickly start at 20 bet you don’t get to the end I always think they will burst but of course they won’t
Do go, it’s worth it, I m past the age of having them now and the same with smears I used to hate them but they re necessary

It’s probably too late for this mammogram but could you learn a relaxation technique for the next time. If you are anxious and tense things do seem more painful.
Good luck.

Do go, gillybob - yes it is painful and unpleasant but it doesn't take long

I think research is being undertaken on new types of breast screening but I don't know how long this will take or when, if ever, this will be available.

I dread going too but have found that the place you go to has a lot to with how painful or not the procedure is. When I was living in Wales there is Breast Test Wales and they do all the regular mammograms. Whether you went to the headquarters in Cardiff or to the mobile unit in a supermarket car park the experience was not bad at all and the specialist nurses doing the job were lovely.
I was referred to the hospital one time as the GP wanted me to just be checked out between the three year recall -quite a different experience and painful.
Here in France it is a specialised unit you go to and you wait to be given the result and the X rays there and then.
Whatever it takes do try and go Gilly - it is so important to be checked out. Let us know how you get on this time.

I had one a month ago Gilly and it was fine. I too am well endowed and in the past it has often been very painful.
However, I explained to the radiographer that I have fractures in my spine and she was so kind and gentle.
Please don't put it off.

Just grin and bear it!

gillybob talk to the radiographer and tell her how you feel. I know it can be painful but I think we all feel it get some to the point where you can't bear it and then it releases. The pressure is gauged by the machine so it can't overdo it. Please go, it is important. Good luck

Gillybob, we are all encouraging you on. Can you try and think only of today, and not let tomorrow , or the next day, come too soon, if you see what I mean.
I have just had a lumpectomy, and all went well, but am not looking forward to the next mammogram, whenever that may be. (So I really should do as I am telling you)
Do go and get checked out, please my love.

I had a really painful experience during a mammogram a few years ago and missed the next appointment. However, I made myself go eventually and it wasn't painful at all. As has already been suggested - tell the person about to do the mammogram about your fears and, hopefully, they will be more careful. I don't believe it has to be painful.
Good Luck X

I hate them too gilly, but they are a necessary evil. I had one recently and had a sore bosom for a couple of days. I had my letter last week to say that no abnormalities were detected. Phew! I had a call back the previous time, fortunately it was only a small cyst.
I think you just have to tell yourself to go, and grit your teeth and bear it. It's what I do.
Good luck. ?

P.S. I use an aromatherapy blend if really stressed. Some are specially blended for stress and anxiety, but I was told along time ago by an aromatherapist that you need to find a smell you really like and then you know it will work.

I had forgotten about Rescue Remedy MissAdventure, I have used it when flying in the past. It seemed to work, mind you I just have a swift wine (or 2) now which works equally.

Gillybob...do go, take a friend (and some paracetamols) and if it hurts have a good cry (I envy you that).
I had mine recently and as I'm a bit well endowed (no its not a brag they can be inconvenient) it always hurts. However, I am always more distressed by the attitudes of the staff....yes they have a job to do and a timetable to keep and its all a bit invasive and I do understand they have to keep a professional attitude BUT when you are stood there in a caravan in a carpark with your breasts out feeling very vulnerable you could do with a bit more human empathy.
So, take your friend, have a cry and then go and have coffee and cake (or something stronger) its important for you and your loved ones....all the best! XX

I wonder if you can try some sort of mindfulness, or self hypnosis?

I feel the same, I have had open heart surgery and the scar is right in the middle of my chest. The last mammogram I had I was almost screaming in pain.
I just got the letter to make an appointment and really should go.

I think being so very scared will make your body tense, and any pain feel worse.
I wonder if you could have a medicinal drink beforehand?
Would that seem terrible, to turn up smelling of drink?
Some people swear by 'Rescue Remedy'. It might be worth a try?

I agree it can be a painful process but I keep thinking how valuable it is. I had a scare recently when I was recalled - but I believe it's worth the 'discomfort' [!!!]. Do go gillybob. The staff will be very supportive if you tell them your fears.

My maternal Gran and my dear Mum both had breast cancer. I like you dread mammograms and find them incredibly painful.

Please go gillybob it is so important to get yourself checked, I am sure lots of ladies get tearful during the procedure.

Do go gilly, I understand your fears but it is so important my love x