Mammogram

I just came from my mammogram test. It seems like everytime I go there is a problem. Anyway, the tech seem surprise at how to deal with someone with a pacemaker. She ask, "can I put pressure on the pacemaker" ? I said no way....I did not see her point when my chest is alot further down. My location of the pacemaker is upper left chest. So, what gives ???? If anyone could give me advice or opinions on having a mammogram with a pacemaker. Thank you the great pacemaker club !

3 Comments

Mammogram

by mtibben - 2009-07-08 04:07:17

I can totally relate to your experience with getting your mammogram. I had mine done this last Feb 2009. And the tech was also puzzled with how to handle it. She just insisted that she can push down on a pacemaker and the patient should just put up with it. She just did not listen, so I told her to forget that side. I related my experience to my Dr and she said then I should have an MRI, well she was clueless too about pacers, can't have an MRI. There needs to be better options for us ladies with pacemakers. Hope I get a different tech next year. There is a history of breast cancer in my family, so I need them. Good luck to you on your next try.

Ask for someone with experience

by joni - 2009-07-08 04:07:56

I had my first mammogram this year after a pm implant last September. When I made my appointment, I asked for someone who had experience with women who had pacemakers. The tech assigned to me did a fine job but told me that sometimes it could be difficult for her, depending on the pacemaker's location. Luckily, mine did not present a problem.

Yesterday

by Blueaustralia - 2009-07-08 06:07:32

I had my checkup mammogram yesterday. The third time since my pm implant.

This time the lady was absolutely hopeless. At one point she had pushed my pm so it had turned 90degrees and was going to clamp down when I told her to get it off. I did not want the leads damaged. She asked me if it had happened before.

Talk about total ignorance. I resorted to putting my hand on my pm and telling her where it was. After some difficulty we finally got the scan done.

I am going to Write to Breastcreen and tell them as I don't think I should have to go through such an ordeal.
She didn't seem particularly sympathetic and said she had never had anyone with a pm before.

Cheers Billie

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