I voted AND had my first mamogram!

[Brandi]

I was so nervouse about getting a mammogram and I have to say it was no big at all for me. A bit wierd. And I did feel like they were being handled a bit roughly but it was really not painful at all. Like I said just odd. I guess if you have sensative breasts then I could see why it would painful. I am glad I did it! and they gave me a rose. I got a cup of starbucks tea for free today too for voting!

[Zen]

Mine hurt like hail. Teats in a vise is what it feels like to me

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Mine hurt like hail. Teats in a vise is what it feels like to me

Same here. I hate it, and it hurts.
But I have mine scheduled for tomorrow anyway.

[evangundy]

I get mine in about 3 weeks. I consider this one of life's "necessary evils". It only hurts for a little while and you get chocolate afterwards at our clinic :-)
Edna

[snapdragen]

I've been getting them since I was 34 -- sometimes they hurt, sometimes they don't. I think it depends on the technician.

I'm due for one, but I'll wait until the neck collar comes off.

[Aggie_Ama]

Kudos to you Brandi!

Haven't had one but when I need one I will schedule it promptly. I will also have my first colonoscopy the week I turn 40. What is worse breast cancer or the mammogram? Colon cancer or the colonoscopy? Having seen two of the dearest men in my life fight colon cancer I will take the scope anytime. I guess I will never understand why people play Russian Roulette with their health over temporary pain or discomfort?

[Pax]

I hate em, I've had breast reduction surgery and having the scar tissue smashed is ridiculously painful.

[oxysback]

I started getting mamos at 35 because my mom died of breast cancer. I remember being really, REALLY nervous the first time, but it ended up to be no big deal.

As Aggie says...I'd rather have my boobs squished for a little bit and maybe actually LIVE through cancer if I get it, than not have any advanced warning at all.

[SadieKate]

I hate it but I do it because I have Fibrocystic Breast Disease (and 3rd generation in my family with it and I was diagnosed at 22 yrs old). The pull on the muscles in my neck is very painful and the last time the idiot tech grabbed my left arm and yanked it into position before explaining what she was doing, followed by an audible popping sound and me exclaiming OW! To which she told me I should have told her I had an injury. Well, I didn't have one before her assault.

I should have immediately notified the hospital but didn't because I didn't realize how much damage she did. Here I am almost two years later intermittently participating in the PUP thread -- all due to her incompetence.

Just make sure you don't let the techs do anything without explanation first. You'd think this was a no-brainer.

[snapdragen]

sk - after my stay in the hospital, I wonder about some healthcare professionals. All of the nurses (3 shifts) were great, as were the aids, except for one moron. She worked the night shift; came in every hour to take my blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen levels. Could have been done in 5 minutes, except she'd stand around and watch television while in my room. Then she decided to check my catheter, shoving my legs around and pulling at tubes - I yelled ouch. "Oh, these can hurt sometimes, do you need something more for pain?" I looked her in the eye and said "Nothing hurt until YOU started in....."

[SadieKate]

Bad apples in every industry . . . unfortunately, it's hard to escape them in some circumstances.

Did I ever tell you about the PT who nearly ripped out a 55mm screw in my knee just hours after it was installed? She was out looking for a new job the next day.

[oxysback]

Could have been done in 5 minutes, except she'd stand around and watch television while in my room.

Maybe she's been watching House too much?

[emily_in_nc]

Seems like a popular week for mammos -- I had mine Monday afternoon! I have read to schedule them during the first two weeks of your cycle if you tend to have sensitive breasts before your period, and that has been a very helpful tip for me. In fact, I had to reschedule this one from a couple of weeks ago for that very reason. The compression isn't what I'd call comfortable, but when your breast tissue isn't sore and swollen from hormones, it's certainly less of an issue!

[OakLeaf]

What is worse breast cancer or the mammogram? ...I guess I will never understand why people play Russian Roulette with their health over temporary pain or discomfort?

If you really want an answer to that I'll PM you. I did lots and lots of reading this summer It's not about whether the mammogram is uncomfortable... it's about whether the benefits outweigh the known harm and potential risks.

[crazycanuck]

I'm confused now..Why is it that they only suggest mammos for women over 50? Do you only have to have a history of BC to have one at a younger age?