Thanks for everyone's help!

I got my PM last July and I have been doing well, so when it came time for me to get my yearly mammogram I didn't give it a second thought I've had a few and it wasn't too bad so this shouldn't be any different. I really do forget that I have a PM until I'm bathing or changing clothes. Well just as I'm falling asleep I remember that I have a PM and that I have no idea if it's dangerous for me to have it done. I'm supposed to have it done tomorrow morning and now I don't know what to do, I'm panicking and scared, I'm 100% dependent on my PM, what if something goes wrong. I start to cry, I don't have a clue what I'm going to do. I suddenly remember the pacemaker club. I jump online and search for postings related to mammograms and I thank God that I did!! So many women out there have already been through everything that I am feeling, and thank you to everyone of you for sharing your experience with others, it has calmed my fears and given me much needed information. I will ask for a tech who has experience with pacemakers and I will not be afraid to speak up if I feel too uncomfortable.

I know that I will have it done but not tomorrow because it is 3 o'clock in the morning and I'm gonna need a good  nights sleep to have it done, so I'll reschedule and I'll let everyone know how it went. I don't usually post because everything I think to post about has already been said but I realize that it's important to let you all know how much I appreciate you for taking the time to share your experiences and that I should add my 2 cents because there is going to be someone out there that may need to hear it. Thank you everyone and goodnight. 😔

2 Comments

it's fine

by Tracey_E - 2018-05-29 10:56:35

As long as they know it's there, mammograms are no problem. Sometimes it blocks part of the view so they also want an ultrasound, so don't panic if that comes up. Perfectly normal!

I had a diagnostic mammo (much more thorough), ultrasound, and biopsy last year because of a mass right next to my pacer, was still not a problem. The only difference was a breast surgeon did the biopsy rather than the radiologist. 

Mammos

by Grateful Heart - 2018-05-29 11:48:16

Definitely tell them it is there and ask them not to squeeze down so hard with the machine on the device or leads.  Some can't resist.

I've had ultrasounds after the mammos too.  The first time they didn't explain why.  The PM can get in the way and the ultrasound lets them see behind it.

It'll be ok.  Good luck.

Grateful Heart

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