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.

You know you're wired when...

You get your device tuned-up for hot dates.

Member Quotes

I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for pacemakers. I've had mine for 35+ years. I was fainting all of the time and had flat-lined also. I feel very blessed to live in this time of technology.