Mammograms

[southerner]

I've never had one done and I have an appointment next month for one. Tell me what to expect. I've heard it hurts.

Also, while we're on the subject. How often do you get them done?

Any other stories, suggestions, etc. would be greatly appreciated :o

[tenofcups]

I started getting them a few years ago. I'm 42 now and should get one once a year.

I've heard all sorts of stories about them too, but I've found them to be a total non-event. It's not comfortable or fun, but I wouldn't say it hurts. I'd liken it to getting a pap smear or having blood taken or getting a shot--something most of us don't actually *like* to do, but no big deal for most people.

[southerner]

thanks tenofcups! That doesn't sound too scary :o

[sublime311]

I'm 37 and had one done in early last year (when I was 36). It was recommended for my age so I had it done. It is uncomfortable because they really pull to get the tissue from your arm pit. Then they smoosh it all between two plates. For me the pain just felt like skin stretching mostly (kind of like an "indian burn" - geez is there another term for that!?).

One thing I should say is that there is a high prevelance of having to get additional views your first time. That means that after your images are reviewed, they may call you back to get more views. This scared me to DEATH! The worst was that I had to wait for 2 weeks to go back because of work issues. It's just that they have nothing to compare to so they can't tell if that little smudge on the film is something to be concerned about or just normal tissue. Anyway, mine ended up being normal, but it was awful waiting for my appt. If they call you back, take their earliest available appt to get it over with ASAP.

ETA: I'm not sure if breast size has anything to do with the amount of discomfort, but I'm a C cup for what it's worth.

[Phen]

The younger you are, the "denser" the breast tissue is going to be and harder for the radiologists to read. If you're under 35, you may want to ask if you can have an ultrasound done for your baseline. Those work a lot better with the dense tissue problem.

~Phen

[southerner]

sublime311, thanks for the heads up about getting called back. Knowing me, I would be very paranoid if that happens, so it's good for me to hear that it is common before it might happen to me.

Phen, I'm only 30. I requested this, as I had scare recently. Since I have a history, I want to have one done. I'll have to call and ask about insurance paying for an ultrasound. Are they as accurate or moreso than mammograms? How are accurate are mammograms anyway? I was hoping you'd stop by this thread :o

[southhavenjen]

I will be 35 next year and asked my GYN if that's when she does the baseline mammogram. She said she typically waits until age 38. Woohoo - I'm off the hook for a few more years! She also said she's not too concerned about one for me (at age 35) because I'm "easy to examine." I guess that's a nice way of saying I'm small-chested. :rolleyes:

[charliezangel]

Bumping for questions....

I'm 23 and i have this bump in my armpit so i went to the dr today to have it looked at. she did a breast exam and found a lump in my breast on the same side. She wants me to have a mammogram. I'm trying to make an appointment right now for tomorrow it I can.

From what people are saying here it doesn't really hurt too bad, but i should mention that I am a D cup, and growing!!!! Anyone with big BBs have a different experience than those posted here??

[Tonysweetie]

Bumping for questions....

I'm 23 and i have this bump in my armpit so i went to the dr today to have it looked at. she did a breast exam and found a lump in my breast on the same side. She wants me to have a mammogram. I'm trying to make an appointment right now for tomorrow it I can.

From what people are saying here it doesn't really hurt too bad, but i should mention that I am a D cup, and growing!!!! Anyone with big BBs have a different experience than those posted here??

Good Luck!!! I'll pray it all goes well.

[jeepgirl]

Personally, I think mammograms are the DEVIL. I ached for 2-3 weeks after mine.

The younger you are, the "denser" the breast tissue is going to be and harder for the radiologists to read. If you're under 35, you may want to ask if you can have an ultrasound done for your baseline. Those work a lot better with the dense tissue problem.

~Phen


This is true. I've read the research on it. However, in some states, like mine, they MAKE YOU get a mammogram before an ultrasound (some kind of insurance thing). When I lived in Washington this was not the case, and all I had to get was an ultrasound.

[Sophia]

I was about 34 when I had my baseline done (due to a family history). It was uncomfortable, but it didn't "hurt." I was a full A cup at the time.

[Lindsan]

I had my first mammogram earlier this year. I am 32. I didn't think it hurt all that much, but I have quite a large chest (DD/E) and I have heard that it hurts less on women with bigger breasts. I was called back for an ultra sound since the mammogram was inconclusive. It was basically impossible for the doctors to figure out if it was something or just my regular tissue. The ultra sound is much more sensitive and accurate and in my case it ruled out any suspicion. I know that for young women doctors here prefer to do ultra sounds instead of mammograms.