Mammogram: Okay, Ow!

[goodnightopus]

I've had a mammogram each year since age 40.  Not fun, but no big thing at all--it's just a routine thing.  This time though--Monday of this week, to be exact--was the mammogram from hell.  I've *never* had a mammo tech compress my breast to quite that extent, and "ow, owie, ouch, stop!" left her utterly unmoved, although she did note that I might take an ibuprophen next time around since I'm "apparently so sensitive."  

Well!  First, of course my breast are sensitive.   After all, they are breasts, which means that when they aren't being used either to produce nourishment for a baby or to provide amusement for sadomasochistic techs, they are all about  recreation, and sensitivity actually makes that part a whole lot more fun.  Second, I'm not, I don't think, overly sensitive.  Never before has a screening mammogram left me feeling, two days later, as though my whole chest has been on the wrong end of a steamroller.

What's the deal?  Has anyone ever had this experience before?  I feel like I've been damaged, somehow, and violated, too.  Plus, I'm not sure how to make this pain stop, or how long I'm going to have to wait for it to subside.  I'm surprised not to see bruises, really, and can't help wondering if I'm ever going to feel right again.

Any input or reassurances (even just an "I've been there, girl!") would be really appreciated!

Thanks,

Opus

[goodnightopus]

Okay, this is the first time *ever* that I've gotten back results (all clear, yeah!) so quickly, but i STILL HURT.

This is the sort of thing that could make a woman forgo the screening in the future.  

No kidding.  It's that bad.

Opus

[goodnightopus]

Thanks, April!  Yeah, I do wonder about some of these techs.  This time, I had to have extra pictures on each side because they saw something off--and they stood right outside the door of the room I was in, discussing "problems" with the first set of pictures.  Freak me out why dontcha?

I'm already postmenopausal, so where I'm at in the cycle is no longer a consideration, thank goodness.  I'm thinking that I will not go to that particular center next year, though.  Instead, I'll head to the hospital, where I hope I will find a more skillful tech.

I'll check out the joke, thanks!

Opus

[April2]

Oh, I'm so sorry! I feel for you. I honestly think men must have made those torture chambers!
One thing to consider, where in your cycle where you when you had your appointment? They say it's best to get it done a week after your period. Your breasts won't be so tender then.
It probably is a good idea to take a pain killer before getting your next one. I've had two so far and haven't had much more than mild discomfort. I did remember to take something beforehand because I remembered someone telling me to do that.
You may have also had someone who might have been a little too rough or overzealous too.
Sometimes I wonder about these techs! The last one I had she was sitting there telling me that most women are going to get breast cancer! I couldn't believe it! I should have reported her. It was ridiculous.
By the way, I posted a joke about Mammograms on the Women's Social Forum. I thought of you when I posted it! Go check it out and get a good laugh!
I hope your next one is better! God bless you sister! :)