Mammograms - how painful are they really?

Thanks Sparkle

I’m a firm believer in screening Granny so I’ll look for an alternative next time - I can’t go through that again.

SirChenJin - pretty much my experience of my one and only mammogram: rather like placing your breast in an open fridge door and someone slamming the door shut. I am yet to be convinced of the benefit of mass breast screening and so have chosen not to repeat the experience.......

SirChenjin for you. Sounds awful. Look after yourself. Some painkillers would probably be good.

Thanks Sue I’m meant to be at a conference tomorrow but I think I’ll just work from home as I’m still very uncomfortable and feeling quite fragile, so not really up for a long drive and a lot of standing around.

You poor thing, SirChenin! That's really unfortunate, I've not heard of that before. Well done you for enduring the whole thing, I'd have bailed out after the first fainting episode. Be kind to yourself for the next few days.

I think I will * Whitewavemark2*. The mammographer (who was absolutely lovely) thinks that the mammogram burst the large cyst which made it as excruciating as it was. Now of course I have to hope that what she saw were just cysts and nothing more sinister

Always have mine-over 70 now so will request it next time. As OPs have said uncomfortable and just when you’re thinking I’ve had enough of this-it stops. My dear sister had a routine one; a tumour the size of a grain of rice was found behind her nipple. They said by the time it wOuld have been large enough for her to feel it would have probably been too late. After surgery and chemo she’s 15 years down the line. So discomfort a small price to pay-like smears

It depends whether you are pre or post menopausal and not taking HRT. Pre menopause and / or on HRT, big girls pants needed but if your boobs no longer have the density provided by the hormones it doesn't hurt at all!

Blimey sir I would think it is worth paying for an ultrasound next time. That sounded quite horrendous.

Well I had it - but unfortunately it didn’t go well at all. I was one of the unlucky few who have a boob filled with cysts (which I’ve never noticed in all the years I’ve been checking, which is v scary) one of which was massive, and it seems that this makes it very painful (for painful read ‘excruciating’). I fainted several times and all in all it was not the nicest half hour of my life.

Still, it’s done now and I’ll await the results. The mammographer has recommended a trip to the GP to request an ultrasound or MRI for my next one - she said I must fight for it and so I shall go armed ready to win the war!

If anyone is reading this please be assured that apparently my experience was very unusual and whilst it’s usually not the most pleasant of experiences, for the majority of women it’s uncomfortable rather than painful.

sorry, but as a wheelchair user, it is very difficult for me and painful too.

Some say it doesn't hurt at all.

So best to go and do your best,

It is time for a re-design for wheelchair users...but necessary to endure.

No one has mentioned that those plates are very cold! Try and get a summer appointment next time!

I will - and I’ll let a friend know that they should come and free me if I’m not back by a certain time!

SirChenjin Make sure your mobile is in your pocket so you can call for help!

Redlorakeet
I’m going to be thinking that now during my appointment - thanks for that!

Yes, they are uncomfortable but well worth the peace of mind although we still need to examine our breasts ourselves. Ask yourself whats worse, a bit of discomfort for a few minutes or the distress of breast cancer!

I found it very! I swear the woman was trying to squeeze a gallon into a pint pot!
If men had to have it done with another part of their anatomy in exactly the same way, an alternative would have been found long ago!!!

Just uncomfortable. I did have one awful thought once because once you are clamped you cant move and the radiographer is usually across the other side of the room. I worried that if she collapsed or had an accident id be trapped forever and not able to move.

I have never found them uncomfortable or painful, and I have very large breasts

Uncomfortable, but not painful, I’m not well blessed in this area.

There are a lot worse things!

I was told by one of the radiographers that those who find it more painful usually have dense breast tissue which younger women usually have so you are ageing well and mamograms will get easier as you get older.

I had side views done with recent mammogram but don’t remember sides being done previously. The lady said that it may be a little more uncomfortable as my breasts were quite dense. Not sure whether to be insulted or flattered. I find my self right on my tiptoes as well. Just 5’ though. Perhaps anyone shorter just dangles with their feet off the ground!

I’d say uncomfortable rather than painful. It’s all over in a matter of minutes. It’s the waiting for the results that I don’t like.

Had mine yesterday, all done and dusted in 20 minutes. Pics taken and read, examination by Dr. Home for coffee and cake. Slight discomfort, much improved from two years ago.

Oh right - I didn’t realise they did a side view as well I must see if there’s a video somewhere I can watch.