how much does a mamogram really hurt?

[bellebud]

i have to go get my first mamogram sometime soon... I'm SO scared!! Am I being silly??? (I'm only a small B cup, but VERY sensitive, as in I have to wear a bra to bed or they hurt/bother me).

any tips to help me deal?

 

[sunnyday123]

really not that bad...it's uncomfortable, but I've heard cancer is way worse so I suck it up.

 

[mominwestlake]

I had my first one last year and I it didn't "hurt" at all. I was anxious about it but the reality wasn't bad. I wouldn't put it off because you are worried about it hurting.

 

[KarenB]

I am on the ....ahem....smaller side and have had plenty of them done. I can't say it actually hurt, just a little uncomfortable. Also, the employees are very professional. It is like they are working with an everyday object instead of something so private!! The machine is a little big and intimidating, but not painful.

 

[Cool-Beans]

Smaller breasted women report less pain than those with larger "girls."

It hurts, then it is over. So not something to stress over. If you haven't been through worse, I'd be surprised.

 

[cepmom]

it's not that bad. I had one a few years ago. I hve sensitive "girls" too especially before my period so I was dreading it too, but honestly it wasn't all that bad. If you're concerned, take a few advil or tylenol about an hour before your exam and that should help lessen the discomfort.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I've had two mammograms. The first was very uncomfortable, the second time it wasn't nearly as bad. I think it has to do with the skill level of the tech doing it.

 

[SHAYMARAYSMOM]

i have to go get my first mamogram sometime soon... I'm SO scared!! Am I being silly??? (I'm only a small B cup, but VERY sensitive, as in I have to wear a bra to bed or they hurt/bother me).

any tips to help me deal?

I tend to get some pain for them. But it is okay. I found it to be so worth it.
Good luck and it is over in no time. Bring a book to read while you wait.

 

[Nancy]

Didn't hurt at all. I think a lot depends on the technician too. The firstone I had I was very nervous, but it is all so matter of fact, do this, do that..that it wasn't bad at all. And like it was said, the alternative can be so much worse. My mom is a 2 time survivor.

 

[suzimar57]

the worst is getting your girls "situated" in the clamp/plate, then having to hold your breath while you're also keeping your body still in a position that only a contortionist would be comfortable in...

in short: picture a refrigerator door.

now, place your "girls" in the door.

slam door.

repeat, while holding your breath and contorting your body position.

sound like fun yet??!!

(right up there with pushing out an 8 lb baby....)

you might want to take some Tylenol before going - just a thought.

 

[AmazingGrace]

I had one yesterday. It was a little painful and i was a bit sore afterward, but honestly, it wasn't terrible.

 

[golfgal]

I've had two mammograms. The first was very uncomfortable, the second time it wasn't nearly as bad. I think it has to do with the skill level of the tech doing it.

I would agree with this. My first one wasn't bad at all, my second one HURT. I was fairly comfortable in the vice grip with the first one but the second one I was standing oddly and my body was twisted strangely and that is what hurt more then the vice grip. Why don't men have to be tested this way???

 

[SHAYMARAYSMOM]

I would agree with this. My first one wasn't bad at all, my second one HURT. I was fairly comfortable in the vice grip with the first one but the second one I was standing oddly and my body was twisted strangely and that is what hurt more then the vice grip. Why don't men have to be tested this way???

They can not handle it.

 

[HARASW]

I have been having mammograms for the past 14 years. I would not call them painful, just slightly uncomfortable.
I recommend taking some Advil before you go.

It sounds like suzimar57 has had a bad experience. I'm not saying that it wasn't painful for her, but if you've read through all of the rest of the posts, you will know that it's not that bad and you will feel so relieved after you've had it done.

Good luck!

 

[HARASW]

[/B]
They can not handle it.

 

[SamIAm21]

I am fairly blessed in the "girls" department and my first mammogram was easy and painless, the second was fine and the technician actually cracked me up a few times, but the third was uncomfortable and let me tell you why. The technician was the witch from HE-double hockey sticks who must have been late for a date or something. She was very coarse and rough and really made the whole experience a lot more stressful than it needed to be.

What I'm saying is that if you are nervous ask for a patient and caring technician and let them know this is your first mammogram. I'm sure they don't want you to be traumatized. My first few experiences were fine and had the last one been my first, I'm not sure I'd have gone back so readily. I'll be back again this December.

The worst part was not being able to wear deodarant. By the time I got to my appt, I smelled like a goat herder... EWWW!!

 

[camlace]

Not sure why everyone gets so worked up about a mammogram hurting. Its really a mild discomfort if that. Don't stress about it and focus on something else...mind over matter. I have had several mammos done due to family history...every 6-8 months for the last 5 years and a few more scattered in between to check suspicious lumps. They are really no big deal if you stay positive and not focus on the discomfort. Focus on the fact that you are being proactive in regards to your health and well being.

If at any time during the mammo you are truly in PAIN...speak up. The techs have no intention of causing you pain and maybe a quick readjustment may make it a little less uncomfortable.

Best Wishes

 

[suzimar57]

yep, have had several painful experiences with the mammogram machine!

but it was the result of the technician being "rough" and having to re-do the x-ray over and over (leaving me bruised twice)

it's more discomfort than pain - we women can handle it, and it only lasts a few seconds each time (long enough to get the x-ray done right)

you'll be fine - just don't move when they tell you to hold your breath, and know it will be over soon enough!

 

[HARASW]

yep, have had several painful experiences with the mammogram machine!

but it was the result of the technician being "rough" and having to re-do the x-ray over and over (leaving me bruised twice)

it's more discomfort than pain - women can handle it, and it only lasts a few seconds each time (long enough to get the x-ray done right)

you'll be fine - just don't move when they tell you to hold your breath, and know it will be over soon enough!

I am really sorry that you've had such bad experiences. It's those places that cause women to decide not to get their next mammogram.
Please, try to find another place. You can have a much more pleasant experience.(we all know it's not pleasant, but you should not go through such rough treatment!)

 

[suzimar57]

oh, i've been going to the same place for over 10 years (several of those years i'd gone 3 times/year - they'd found "something" they were "watching" and needed to keep checking it - was just a calcium thing)

for a while there, thought i'd be glowing green, i was there so often....

once i was there (literally!) 3 hours!!! - and when i finally got out, i promptly drove onto the highway and got into a bad car accident! (traffic stopped suddenly, cars behind me weren't paying attention) - and then i get home, and there's a notice for jury duty - talk about a bad day!

breast cancer took my aunt - my mother, sister, other aunt and grandmother have all had "issues", so i'm a prime candidate here and aren't taking any chances

so no - i don't miss any appointments - i'm big on prevention and taking care of my health - the occasional "masochistic" technician is just a byproduct of getting a mammogram - i just imagine them getting "squished" in a painful manner during their own procedure - karma, you know!