A question for the ladies

I have to go for my yearly mamagram. Since I just rec'd my new PM a few months ago, Im not sure if this is possible. I called the office and was told no problem but others said no.
Has anyone had a mamagram done after rec'in a PM? Please advise, Thankyou. Just a word to say thanks to all who have answered my privious postings. Thanks again.

9 Comments

Mammogram

by Good Hearted Mary - 2012-09-29 01:09:13

Yes I just got my pacemaker 2 months ago and have already been due and gotten my mammogram. Absolutely no problem. The tech was very gentle. The doctor did tell me that when pacemakers are placed UNDER the muscle, like some of them are, that a mammogram screening would possibly have trouble detecting any kind of mass directly behind the pacemaker.

yes

by Tracey_E - 2012-09-29 01:09:23

I've had several, no big deal. First they did a gentle scan to see where the pm and wires are, then they did the regular scan. I go to a place that is digital so they can always pull up that first scan.

Mary, mine is buried, it's still not a problem. I had some pain a few years ago. When the mammo showed nothing, they did an ultrasound also. I don't worry that they've missed anything.

R U 100% paced?

by ldebaugh - 2012-09-29 04:09:03

I had this same concern. So, I googled pacemaker and mammogram and one woman who is not 100% paced had her leads dislodged-this from JAMA or the Journal of the American Medical Association. She thought it had happened and went to her cardiologist, and sure enough she was right.

If you are not 100% paced, take a chance and have the mammo. If you are 100% paced, ask your doctor to give you a script for a sonogram. That's what my doctor does! I'm not risking it.

And, what's this about being more gentle!!? It's a torture to have a regular mammo if you are a small breasted woman. From my experience, there's no way they wouldn't dislodge a lead.

Ask for the sonogram.

100%paced

by Mongee - 2012-09-29 05:09:42

I have a ICD and am paced 100%of the time. I have had my ICD for 7 years, have had 7 mammogram without any problems. Even though I go to the same place each year, I always remind them that I have a ICD. They are always very gentle.

Different answer

by Shortcake - 2012-09-29 05:09:54

I received a different answer on this when I spoke with my ep. He said no way should it be done. The techs are not trained to do this with pacer implants and can very easily dislodge the leads or damage the pacer, depending on the position of the pm. I am 100% paced so did not take the chance, they can do a sonogram or thermography to detect any type problem. Just another thought...
Susan

mammogram

by Alma Annie - 2012-09-29 08:09:29

My experience was not too good. I had a mammogram last June and I had to have a double appointment but I don't know why. They have a new machine which is not so 'squishy'. All was well until my left breast was pushed over to the left side. This pushed my pm and it hurt and I yelled. Since then my pm is much more over to the left and the wires are under my arm and it is uncomfortable. EP shrugged shoulders and said when he replaces it (in about 7-8 years) he will put it under a muscle. Until then I put up with it as it is working ok. I will not have another mammogram.

I believe there are other methods for detecting breast cancer, as said above.

Alma Annie

Mammogram

by Grateful Heart - 2012-09-29 11:09:27

Yes, you can still have a mammogram. They seem to be more careful about not squeezing too hard where the device is located. They also take a few extra shots behind the device (from the side) so they do not miss anything.

It is actually a relief that they don't squeeze so hard now. You'll be fine.

Had one too

by Janey L - 2012-09-30 01:09:47

Hi. I had my first mammogram 5 months post PM implant. I asked my EP if it was ok to have it done & he said yes, as long as it was in the same hospital where I had my PM put in....in case of any problems. It was fine. Radiographers were very gentle & well experienced in doing mammo's in PM patients. The mammogram itself hurt, but I'd never had one before so had no previous experience of being "squashed" in that machine!! Good luck.
Best wishes
Janey

Also100% paced

by cohara - 2012-09-30 09:09:55

I have had three mammograms with my PM with no problems. The center I go to has a digital machine; I'm not too sure I would want to try it with the older ones. They cover my PM with their hands to protect it while lowering the plate and do not try to get as much of the muscle in the picture on my left side. I would think that the training and experience of the technician is the key. I have had a different person every time and all have known how to handle it. If you are worried, have a candid discussion with your doctor about your options.

Hope all goes well,
Carol

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker receives radio frequencies.

Member Quotes

I feel so incredibly thankful that I can continue to live my life.