tips for better mammogram?

[redrhodie]

I've scheduled my first mammo. Any ideas to make it more comfortable?

[indysteel]

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.

[ny biker]

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.

[Triskeliongirl]

Take an OTC pain killer before you go in.

[Grits]

Take an OTC pain killer before you go in.

+1. 45 min. or so before mammogram.

[Jones]

Don't panic when they call you back. Almost everyone gets called back after their first Mammogram because there is no base line.

[redrhodie]

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.

[indysteel]

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.

I went through that a few years back--and mine ended up being a water-filled cyst. I hope you have a similarly benign outcome. Please keep us posted.

[redrhodie]

I went through that a few years back--and mine ended up being a water-filled cyst. I hope you have a similarly benign outcome. Please keep us posted.

Good to know that yours was okay! I will keep you posted. I know it's nothing, but if it is something, it's small.

[Desert Tortoise]

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.

[Crankin]

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.

[redrhodie]

Not worse than climbing a very steep hill.

Oh man, it sounds worse and worse.

[Triskeliongirl]

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!

[Crankin]

Hey, I said it's not worse!
I don't know, I just expect certain things might hurt and then it's over.

[redrhodie]

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.