Anyone Scared of a Mammogram?

Hi,

I've had my pacemaker since April and have not gone for a mammogram yet. The fear of someone ripping out one of my leads keeps haunting me. I need some reassurance from you ladies that have already had a mammo after your pacemaker implant.

Appreciate it!

4 Comments

no problem

by Tracey_E - 2015-10-06 08:10:16

Just make sure they know about the pacer first. If they seem at all hesitant or unsure, ask for another technician. When I had my first one, they did a gentle scan first to see where my leads are, then did the full scan. You're borderline for how long to wait, however. It's best to hold off until there is no residual soreness, usually 6 months to a year. You won't hurt the leads, but you don't want to end up sore.

mammogram

by judyblue - 2015-10-07 01:10:33

I had my first one about 5 months after implant. Tech was great, but it felt uncomfortable. This time (a year later) it was smooth. But definitely tell tech 1st thing.
judyblue

just fine

by rjsully - 2015-10-08 01:10:51

I had mine today!!! I have to admit I was nervous about it, too. Of course you need to let them know ahead of time, if they don't already (which my tech did because she did a chart review). Other than the usual uncomfortable squeezing, no problems. My pacer is higher up , about an inch uncer my collar bone, but she was sure to see that it wasn't in the way when doing the screen. No worries...have your mammogram. It's breast cancer awareness month!

Ultrasound

by Diannne123 - 2015-10-09 01:10:25

I asked the question to a Radiographer about will a mammogram hurt now i have had a CRT-D fitted as i was concerned.

She said that they could do a Ultrasound instead of a Mammogram and that an Ultrasound in someone younger than 45 has a better success rate. Over 45 and the rate is the same.

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I just want to share about the quality of life after my pacemaker, and hopefully increase awareness that lifestyles do not have to be drastically modified just because we are pacemaker recipients.