Terrified of Mammogram

Do you think its somehow to do with your mums cancer that you're so afraid, gilly?

gillybob
Please consider a few minutes of pain is worth the relief when you get the all clear letter, or quick effective lufe saving treatment is something is found.
As someone who is battling through the truly grim breast cancer treatment. I can assure you i would endure the discomfort of the mammogram anytime for what i am dealing with at the moment.

Sorry to hear you are so worried about this but are you working yourself up into an over anxious state because you fear the process or the outcome? If it is the process, is it because it was so painful as I think they are uncomfortable but certainly should not be painful. If that is the case explain to the nurse beforehand and hopefully they can help you. If it is the results or the waiting for them that is making you worry so much then tell yourself that these are procedures that we are fortunate to have available to us now days and are wise to avail ourselves of them. I tend to think if it is unpleasant I would rather get it over sooner rather than later. If you don't get it done you will worry all the more and for longer. Maybe promise yourself a little treat afterwards. Get it done and come back and tell us.

Maybe take a couple of painkillers before you go? Definitely mention to the nurse how painful it was last time, I’m sure she will be sympathetic to you.

Good luck!

Take a couple of paracetamol before you go. While it is being done concentrate on a treat you are going to give yourself. Do not think about having it done , think about after it has been done and how relieved you will feel.

Could you take a friend or daughter to support you?

Do go gilly, I understand your fears but it is so important my love x

My maternal Gran and my dear Mum both had breast cancer. I like you dread mammograms and find them incredibly painful.

Please go gillybob it is so important to get yourself checked, I am sure lots of ladies get tearful during the procedure.

I agree it can be a painful process but I keep thinking how valuable it is. I had a scare recently when I was recalled - but I believe it's worth the 'discomfort' [!!!]. Do go gillybob. The staff will be very supportive if you tell them your fears.

I think being so very scared will make your body tense, and any pain feel worse.
I wonder if you could have a medicinal drink beforehand?
Would that seem terrible, to turn up smelling of drink?
Some people swear by 'Rescue Remedy'. It might be worth a try?

I feel the same, I have had open heart surgery and the scar is right in the middle of my chest. The last mammogram I had I was almost screaming in pain.
I just got the letter to make an appointment and really should go.

I wonder if you can try some sort of mindfulness, or self hypnosis?

Gillybob...do go, take a friend (and some paracetamols) and if it hurts have a good cry (I envy you that).
I had mine recently and as I'm a bit well endowed (no its not a brag they can be inconvenient) it always hurts. However, I am always more distressed by the attitudes of the staff....yes they have a job to do and a timetable to keep and its all a bit invasive and I do understand they have to keep a professional attitude BUT when you are stood there in a caravan in a carpark with your breasts out feeling very vulnerable you could do with a bit more human empathy.
So, take your friend, have a cry and then go and have coffee and cake (or something stronger) its important for you and your loved ones....all the best! XX

I had forgotten about Rescue Remedy MissAdventure, I have used it when flying in the past. It seemed to work, mind you I just have a swift wine (or 2) now which works equally.

P.S. I use an aromatherapy blend if really stressed. Some are specially blended for stress and anxiety, but I was told along time ago by an aromatherapist that you need to find a smell you really like and then you know it will work.

I hate them too gilly, but they are a necessary evil. I had one recently and had a sore bosom for a couple of days. I had my letter last week to say that no abnormalities were detected. Phew! I had a call back the previous time, fortunately it was only a small cyst.
I think you just have to tell yourself to go, and grit your teeth and bear it. It's what I do.
Good luck. ?

I had a really painful experience during a mammogram a few years ago and missed the next appointment. However, I made myself go eventually and it wasn't painful at all. As has already been suggested - tell the person about to do the mammogram about your fears and, hopefully, they will be more careful. I don't believe it has to be painful.
Good Luck X

Gillybob, we are all encouraging you on. Can you try and think only of today, and not let tomorrow , or the next day, come too soon, if you see what I mean.
I have just had a lumpectomy, and all went well, but am not looking forward to the next mammogram, whenever that may be. (So I really should do as I am telling you)
Do go and get checked out, please my love.

gillybob talk to the radiographer and tell her how you feel. I know it can be painful but I think we all feel it get some to the point where you can't bear it and then it releases. The pressure is gauged by the machine so it can't overdo it. Please go, it is important. Good luck

Just grin and bear it!

I had one a month ago Gilly and it was fine. I too am well endowed and in the past it has often been very painful.
However, I explained to the radiographer that I have fractures in my spine and she was so kind and gentle.
Please don't put it off.

I dread going too but have found that the place you go to has a lot to with how painful or not the procedure is. When I was living in Wales there is Breast Test Wales and they do all the regular mammograms. Whether you went to the headquarters in Cardiff or to the mobile unit in a supermarket car park the experience was not bad at all and the specialist nurses doing the job were lovely.
I was referred to the hospital one time as the GP wanted me to just be checked out between the three year recall -quite a different experience and painful.
Here in France it is a specialised unit you go to and you wait to be given the result and the X rays there and then.
Whatever it takes do try and go Gilly - it is so important to be checked out. Let us know how you get on this time.

Do go, gillybob - yes it is painful and unpleasant but it doesn't take long

I think research is being undertaken on new types of breast screening but I don't know how long this will take or when, if ever, this will be available.

It’s probably too late for this mammogram but could you learn a relaxation technique for the next time. If you are anxious and tense things do seem more painful.
Good luck.