Mammograms & pacemakers

Mammograms & Pacemakers

by Nuka - 2007-10-12 02:10:10

Actually I had a very unpleasant experience the last time I had a mammogram. My PM has dropped into the upper breast tissue. I pointed this out to the nurse and asked her to be careful. She said it was no problem she would just make sure it was under the pressure plate with the rest of my breast. She insisted that it wouldn't pull on the leads. I was not having any of it so I had only one breast done. I have another mammogram coming up in a month so it will be interesting to see how this one goes.

I would be very interested in hearing about the experiences of other ladies on this subject.

I am very sorry that your mother is struggling with this dreaded battle Loria. I wish you and her well.
Joan

I'm concerned

by Suze - 2007-10-12 06:10:52

I have a mammogram scheduled for next Friday. I also was assured there would be no problem with the pacemaker getting in the way, etc. Now I'm a little concerned about fracturing a lead or something. I agree with what was said regarding feeling confident in the technician's ability to understand the need to be extra careful.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Suze

Hi

by Gellia2 - 2007-10-12 08:10:53

I, too, had a bad experience with a mammogram. I'm sure that even with a pacemaker they are very safe, but they are only as safe as the technician performing them. In my case they fractured my wire. Shortly after it snapped completely and required surgery to repair. Happily I was lucky enough that the break only required a special connector and not a complete replacement of both wires and pacemaker to the other side.
I'm sure the technician was a careful as she could be, but nonetheless it was a bad experience for me.
I'm also very sorry to hear of your Mom's struggle and will say a prayer for her well being.
Best to you.
Gellia

Me too!

by Mil6113 - 2007-10-12 11:10:04

Hi Loria - As with the previous comments, I have also recently had to have a mammogram and although not too uncomfortable, I was very weary because of the pacemaker. Although I was assured that it wouldn't be damaged, I still found myself moving out of position when I saw the plate coming towards me!! I think this is a normal reaction as we are not used to anything pressing hard on the pacemaker site. Anyway, after 3 attempts (& a very patient technician!), we finally managed ok and luckily everything was ok. I do think it wise though to always question what they are going to do and remind them constantly of the pacemaker.

Wishing you and your mother well.

Diane

PM & Mammo's

by janetinak - 2007-10-13 09:10:07

To all you gals out there & esp. Suze, I have had a PM 7 years this month & never have had much problem with the "boob-a-gram". I certainly tell the tech every time, use the same facility & show the tech where it is. I have mine in (L) shoulder & so far not a problem.

I have a good friend with cancer of the breast & this is one of those necessary discomforts we need to do to keep on ticking & avoid this terrible disease.

My thoughts & prayers go out to Loria & her Mom.

Janet

Having my first Mammo after PM placement and VERY nervous.

by virginiawygal - 2023-06-11 15:17:02

Hello,

I am brand new to the group. Was online searching for reassurance and found the group! Thank you! I have my first mammogram after my PM placement (Nov 2022) coming up this next week and I am very nervous. I've spoken with the clinic twice by phone asking them what precautions they take, or what protocol they follow for a PM patient. Their answers didn't put me at ease. "No special protocol." So I am trying to find as much info to share with the tech...assuming she is receptive.

Looking for reassurance that it"s OK for me to walk away if I don't like what I hear when I get there! The TOP of my PM sits a little over 4" below my collar bone!!! The x-Ray shows the leads circling around and laying slightly on top of the PM as it runs up toward my shoulder. The prospect of a fractured lead scares the crap out of me..on top of the still very sensitive incision site.

Any words of wisdom! Then anxiety is at an all time high! LOL!