Mammograms NVR
My partner had one 9 years ago and found it extremely painful.
Has anyone had a mammogram in more recent years (or known someone who has) and what was it like?
My partner has been putting it off for years even though a close family member died from breast cancer and has finally made an appointment. The reason she has been putting it off is because 9 years ago a Doctor found a lump in her breast and she was asked to have a mammogram, found it extremely painful and then thankfully the lump turned out to be nothing.
I have said it is better to know than not, but pain seems to be the main factor in preventing her from having regular checks. Does anyone know if it has become less painful in years? And I know patients are asked not to wear deoderant/talc but (and this may sound like a silly question) what about shaving your armpits? Is this a no-no? Thanks veg-webbers....
Well. All of that doesn't make it sound any better than before, but at least y'all survived it. I've been gaining resolve since January, but since I only had about 3% resolve before I'm only half way there. I keep telling myself how stupid I'll have been if I keep putting it off and they find something that's advanced for a while later on. I think the biggest problem is that I don't want to give my sexual history, but they don't care. They just need it for their records.
Oh! And when I moved to Maryland and started going to my new doctor, I discovered that some docs choose to have assistants in the room during the exam. That DID freak me out a little bit.
Ugh. I was 18 when I went had my first pelvic exam and I went to my general practitioner. It turned out that the nurse who was assisting was my neighbor!!! Ugh. Uncomfortable does not even begin to describe... :-[
Well. All of that doesn't make it sound any better than before, but at least y'all survived it. I've been gaining resolve since January, but since I only had about 3% resolve before I'm only half way there. I keep telling myself how stupid I'll have been if I keep putting it off and they find something that's advanced for a while later on. I think the biggest problem is that I don't want to give my sexual history, but they don't care. They just need it for their records.
I just went for my annual yesterday & it was fine!!! not painful at all, not even uncomfortable really. My doctor is great- that's what makes the difference. Ask some women who live nea ryou who they use, get recommendations. When I started getting exams it was through a planned parenthood clinic & while it was ok, the nurses & doctors seemed rushed, a little "rougher" and not as nice as my current doctor.
As for the sexual history, I think they just ask about within the past year & on the paper they ask if you would like an HIV test. Of course it could be different everywhere.
I actually always had great experiences at my planned parenthood when I used to go there. I would recommend the one in my area to anyone.
I don't know which I'm looking forward to more.. my first mammogram? or my first colonoscopy? :o
K^2
;D ;D ;D
I've never had a colonoscopy but I sure that I'd take a mammogram over that anyday.
I was terrified about having one. I was told if you are small chested, it hurt even more because there wasn't as much fat to squish. I had my first one about three years ago when I was 45 or 46. No history of breast cancer in our family except for Boobie, my since passed male cat (who by the way had a successful removal of the tumour and passed at 20 days before his 20th birthday)
My aunt and sister have both had cysts that gave them a scare but were fine.
So, when I went for the first time I was expecting excruciating pain. It wasn't painful at all and I don't have the highest thresh hold for pain. Uncomfortable yes. Painful...no.
I am now due for another one and will be making the appointment shortly. I have friends in their 40's that are breast cancer survivors because of early detection from mammogram testing.
As for Pap tests, I have had them for years and hated them. I found them painful. That is until I got a new doctor about 7 or 8 years ago. She is wonderful and the Pap test is now nothing. I said to her that she didn't hurt me. She said it was because she knows what she is doing and has done thousands of them. I no longer get the pit in my stomach when I know I am due for another one.
My doctor is an absolute hoot. As I don't absorb B12, I go for monthly shots and I always say OW! She tells me not to be such a big baby! She makes me laugh all the time and is perfectly fine with me not eating meat. I only hope she never retires!
I love my female OBGYN. She's a great doctor, probably the best I've ever had...Gyno or otherwise. I have no problem with the Papsmear. It doesn't hurt...awkward maybe, but no pain. The metal is cold going up, though. No big deal. Go get your pap already, HH. I only go to female doctors, though. Men are clods. :P
I should join the goals thread so I feel answerable to someone. Otherwise, I'll never make it. Although y'all have bolstered me to about 35% ready.
I should join the goals thread so I feel answerable to someone. Otherwise, I'll never make it. Although y'all have bolstered me to about 35% ready.
So....get your a** over to the goals thread! ;D ;D ;D
I'm so ashamed. I haven't gone to a gyno in 3 years. :o Feel free to bash me about it. Maybe then I'll take my lazy behind to one. :P
I'm so ashamed. I haven't gone to a gyno in 3 years. :o Feel free to bash me about it. Maybe then I'll take my lazy behind to one. :P
Time to get your a** over to the goals thread too!!!!! ;D
I'm so ashamed. I haven't gone to a gyno in 3 years. :o Feel free to bash me about it. Maybe then I'll take my lazy behind to one. :P
Time to get your a** over to the goals thread too!!!!! ;D
Yes, Ma'am! :P :P
Hey everyone - thanks so much for all your feedback, it was very reassuring for us to read other people's experiences and a lot of you had some really interesting point of views.
I emailed my Mum for info (as she has also had a mammogram in the past) and she was more like "oh poor thing, they really really really hurt!" lol I wasn't going to tell her THAT!
Today was the big day and it turns out my partner is not such a great big sook ;)
She said it didn't really hurt that much at all (but maybe because the nurse was more experienced, gentle...I don't know).
Her advice if your nervous about getting a mammogram? Relax and it will be over in seconds (between 5-20 seconds per breast), about 1 minute of discomfort. Not so bad after all. Phew :)
Good news, mj. :)
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