I've scheduled my first mammo. Any ideas to make it more comfortable?
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I've scheduled my first mammo. Any ideas to make it more comfortable?
Avoid scheduling it around your period--assuming your breasts are more tender during your period. You might aim for mid-cycle.
Beyond that, I don't generally find it to be that uncomfortable--at least not with digital equipment. I'm small breasted, so they really have to cram me in there to get an image. The discomfort isn't lasting and is over pretty quickly.
Relax. Tense muscles can make it harder to get everything in the right position.
I find them painful, but the pain only lasts a couple of seconds. They loosen the plates as soon as they get the image.
Take an OTC pain killer before you go in.
Don't panic when they call you back. Almost everyone gets called back after their first Mammogram because there is no base line.
Thanks! I actually made the appointment because I found a lump, so I'm already getting an ultrasound as well, so hopefully, that will be all. I'm pretty sure it's a cyst (the NP didn't think it looked like cancer), but I'd better not put this off any longer.
Yes it can hurt for a few seconds when they squish but it's over quickly.
The digital place I go to is strict about NOT wearing deodorant at the time. Something (aluminum?) distorts the pictures. They do have aerosal cans of deo spray for after the pics but I take my own. Feels weird not to use deodorant. But then again, I live in the desert.:D
My place has special wipes in case you forget to not wear deodorant.
It hurts for a few seconds. Totally worth the pain.
Not worse than climbing a very steep hill.
Don't be scared about the pain remarks. Its just for a moment, but the OTC pain killer does make it easier. The important thing is getting it checked out. Hope all goes well for you!
Hey, I said it's not worse!
I don't know, I just expect certain things might hurt and then it's over.
I will remember to take an Ibuprofen before. My NP also suggested avoiding caffeine for a few days before, but that might kill me. <3 my coffee. I think caffeine withdrawal is worse than hills. That kind of puts it in perspective. :)