Couldn't tolerate the mammogram

Hi everyone,
This is for the ladies out there. I am 4 months post op for my pacemaker. I waited until now to get my yearly mammogram. I usually get it in Jan. or Feb.
I can not tell you how painful it was on the pacemaker side, I couldn't even allow her to squeeze it as much as she needed so my films on the left were not good enough. The normal side was painful too as always. I am 53 and have many years left of mammos, I can't bear the thought of trying again.
I saw the film and you could see the pacemaker at the top. Has anyone else been able to eventually get a mammogram without nearly passing out from the pain? I want to be able to get my screenings like I always have but it felt like I was coming apart inside and I had to stop her. Maybe there is a better technique? The hospital said all their techs are trained to do pacemakers but I wonder if some are better at it than others? I would like some feedback before I go back for another try. Thanks!

3 Comments

yes

by Tracey_E - 2009-04-22 07:04:00

It could be your placement, it could be the tech, it could be you didn't wait long enough. I haven't had a problem, but I waited on the first one for a year. You could ask for an ultrasound instead for now, then try again next year.

Just had one done

by momoftwo - 2009-04-22 10:04:19

I just had a mammogram done on 4/14/09. I've had my PM since 11/24/08.

I was supposed to have one in Oct., but I wasn't feeling well. Then I had the PM placed and decided to wait a while.

I had no problems having a mammogram done. The tech. was very careful about where she placed the plastic shield at. She started once and then changed the position of the shield just a little bit. Like Tracey said above, it depends on where your PM is located. Mine happens to be close to my collarbone.

I don't think it matters, but I have digital mammograms done.

not painful

by dreams - 2009-04-23 09:04:29

Hi i have had two mammograms since i had my pacemaker implanted and to tell you the truth don't notice much difference ..
So much be where yours is situated.

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