Mammogram on a bus!

I meant to add sorry you feel self concious Marilla, we all have foibles and irrational fears, don't beat yourself up about it.

Having a mammogram on a bus in a car park was a first for me since we moved, I used to have them at local cottage hospital. I don't think it occurred to me this way was odd neither did I feel uncomfortable in any way. No one is taking any notice of those going for their check ups. These mobile units are are fairly common these days.

OldFrill thank you for your reply. . Your comments have been very helpful. It is self consciousness and something I need to work on.

I have reflected a bit on this and I agree. That doesn't mean I think these units shouldn't exist, but that doesn't negate someone's discomfort.

I think some of us, including me, have been a bit insensitive here. OP feels ridiculous and what we are effectively doing is saying pull yourself together woman don't be such a wimp which is rather brutal.

I have an irrational needle phobia and I have to nerve myself to go and get jabbed. No amount of jokes about its just a little prick and telling me not to be ridiculous has any effect. If that is how Marilla feels then it is a bit cruel to re-enforce her feelings of being ridiculous.

I know I am being a massive hypocrite after writing my previous posts but I would like to apologise to Marilla.

I think having a mobile mammogram, and now lung check portable units, are a great idea. They've been going for many years, and make these important checks easier to access and easier to park. Wherever I've gone, hospital or mobile units, the staff have always been very supportive. Along with the new community hubs for other checks, it makes health care more accessible.

Too old for them now but yes I used to visit the buses I think they are brilliant and so convenient I used to go to a nearby car park instead of a bus ride away to my GP or two buses and 12 mile round trip to my hospital ….Bring it on, no brainer
I think you are being very fluffy and precious about this *Marilla’ and yes if they can do chemo in a temporary bus bring that on too I m sure my friends who are facing a 60 miles there and back visit to the hospital for chemo would much rather sit in a nearby bus for a few hours

These buses are kitted out so well for a small space
Brilliant idea whoever thought it up

Ours is usually parked in the car park at the town hall.

Last time I had to go to our main hospital, 20 miles away.

I know which was more convenient!

Bit of a silly comment saying mammogram on a bus IMO ..WISH I COULD STILL GET MINE ON A MOBILE UNIT LOCALLY BUT , I’ve too much breast tissue size 42GG and the mobile breast plates aren’t large enough so I have to attend mammograms at a city hospital which isn’t local to me ..
As other GNs have said it’s a vital life saving NHSservice so don’t complain🙏

To me I don't care where I have to go to have a mammogram the main thing is to have it done . The machines aren't as big as my first one when I was 50 and had bruising across both breasts. I have had MRIs in mobile units.

By having the mobile units on supermarket car parks makes it normal and convenient. Have your boobs squashed then go shopping kills 2 birds with one stone.

Why in this day and age would anyone be embarrassed about people knowing you are having a mammogram. It can save your life. And be honest if you have children you lose any reason to be embarrassed about your body.
Smears , mammogram and bowel screening could save your life .

I hope you find the responses helpful. I can understand why you feel self-conscious and it's unfortunate that you do, and really not ridiculous. Maybe think how you can change that. Most people have developed strategies earlier in life to help them cope with situations they find uncomfortable. Please don't let it put you off making use of the screening service.

These are absolutely normal in the US. They are very helpful in getting to areas where women do not have good access to screenings.

I have never once thought anything about a woman going into them. I mostly think, thank goodness, more women are being served in their own communities.

Crossstitchfan

Maxilla, you invited us to call you ridiculous, and that’s exactly what I’m doing! You are ridiculous!
Just be thankful these facilities are offered to us, and think how many lives they may have saved!

PS I’m sure you’re not ridiculous at all usually, but unfortunately your comment was!

Sorry, I meant Marilla, but it wouldn’t let me change it.

It’s been in a Porto cabin in supermarket car park for years near me. I’ve never considered the privacy aspect but it’s handy for me and saves me a bus journey. If I had to go to the hospital for it it would take up the best part of a day so I’m happy with the supermarket car park.

Marilla

Thank you for all your responses! It’s what I expected.
RosieandherMaw, I do get a bit worked up about going to the loo in public places!
I thought there might be one kindred spirit out there who was a little embarrassed about the Breast Screening sign on the mobile unit.

Like men checking for testicular cancer, we should not let embarrassment put us at risk of not catching a lump in time.

Marilla

Thank you for all your responses! It’s what I expected.
RosieandherMaw, I do get a bit worked up about going to the loo in public places!
I thought there might be one kindred spirit out there who was a little embarrassed about the Breast Screening sign on the mobile unit.

I had just left the mobile unit, when I bumped into a parent, who asked why I was not in school.
He was a school janitor, so I asked why he wasn't in school.😉

I have suffered so many indignities, due to chronic ill health, a mammogram is nothing compared to those.

I think it's marvellous that the mobile breast screening unit comes to me rather than me having to travel for miles to the nearest hospital based unit.
They used to park in our local Sainsbury's car park, but now they use the leisure centre.
They don't call me now, but it will be 3 years next year since my last mammogram and I plan to make my own appointment.

Nope!

Otherwise how would we be screened? There is no other opportunity, otherwise it's a 65 mile round trip here and no chance unless referred by a GP. .

Thank you for all your responses! It’s what I expected.
RosieandherMaw, I do get a bit worked up about going to the loo in public places!
I thought there might be one kindred spirit out there who was a little embarrassed about the Breast Screening sign on the mobile unit.

Marilla where would you suggest that the mobile screening centres could be located, where there is plenty of space and free parking? 🤷🏻‍♀️

I have always had mine in a mobile unit in a Morrisons car park.
I have no problem with it, I usually factor in my shopping.
Nothing ridiculous about it. It saves lives.

Maxilla, you invited us to call you ridiculous, and that’s exactly what I’m doing! You are ridiculous!
Just be thankful these facilities are offered to us, and think how many lives they may have saved!

PS I’m sure you’re not ridiculous at all usually, but unfortunately your comment was!

Manilla. Sorry but you did mention the word ridiculous , so yes I do think your attitude is ridiculous! What does it matter if people know that these sensible women are going for breast screening ? Most women are only too pleased they have access to screening and the big bonus is free / easy parking- perfect! Like many others I am at an age where I am no longer routinely invited so have to ring to make my appointment. I couldn't care less about it being in a supermarket car park ! Just grateful to be able to continue having ut done.

I wonder if the OP shares her mammogram experiences with other women 😱 That would probably be a no.

What a weird thing to be in a tizzy about!
So what?
Are you equally fussed when you walk through a restaurant or a pub to go to the loo?

As my mum used to say, in a different context, “Nobody’s going to be looking at YOU”