I had a mommagram last December and have nothing but pain ever since. I have gone to to I don't know how many doctors and some told me it was in my head. I have went to pain mgmt. but may have help some. I finally which to a different primary doctor and he is trying his best to help me. He said it was a nerve that is mad and it will not calm down, so he is sending me to another pain mgmt. group and doing an MRI to make sure it is not a disc in my back. But all this pain I am having is terrible. Hope someone out there has had the same problems so I can get help. Also, if an lawyer happens to see this do I have a case to go to court with. Someone please help me. :'(
I have been having mammograms every year for 7 years and most recently every six months as breast cancer runs in my family. So I can safely say that I have had at least 10 mammograms. It was always painful at the time of the test and a little afterwards, but I would wake up the next morning completely fine. Never in my life have I experienced the excruciating pain that I experienced at my mammography the other day. It's the third day and I am still in pain and will be calling the imaging place to complain about this technician. There is no need to squeeze as hard as she did. I usually handle pain pretty well, but this was beyond anything I've ever experienced. After reading some of these posts, I'm horrified to see that sometimes the pain lasts years. My heart goes out to you all, I certainly hope that is not the case with me. They want me to return in six months, but I doubt I will. I am most certainly going to ask my doctor if there is another way. I can't even imagine doing this again, especially if the pain is still there in 6 months.
I feel terrible for you honey! Chronic Pain and Pain Management is basically a new field! HOW can doctors - whom are supposed to stop us being in pain, or FIX the problem, NOW have to come clean and say "I think I hurt you, and I don't know what to do about it!"? - If it wasn't for the risk of lawsuits I think more and more doctors and nurses/technicians etc, WOULD come forward and say "You know what I think I pressed too hard on her, and caused her some damage, I'm sorry, and how can we help her? I think this would go a LONG way in helping us heal and deal with all that has happened to us!
With the 100's of thousands of nerves in our body, sending constant electrical impulses to our brains, how can ANY doctor state that one of those nerves has not been damaged? It is ridiculous to say that, and when they turn and say "it's in your head!" Is another way of saying "since I'm a doctor and have no answers its has to be you that has the problem! This is NOT good enough!
There is NOT one doctor or specialist etc. etc. that I have met that is close to God as they might think! And when I have found those doctors who are human and know it, THEY are the best ones to deal with!
When it comes to nerve damage, lawsuits are tricky! If you can prove that you have a pinched nerve - from a compacted disc etc, thats one thing. BUT what technology is out there to show pain? When I went to a pain management course, they actually stated that it was called "ghost pain" we "think" it is hurting when there is not proof that it has been hurt! I was Enraged!!! JUSt because science can't prove - YET - that we are in pain, does NOT mean that we aren't! And I think it is very condescending to say otherwise!
What I do know about healing, IS knowing that you ARE in pain! Does that make sense? It is empowering yourself enough to know that it IS there, you ARE experiencing it, and no matter what people say it IS happening to you! Now you have to deal with it, until someone comes along to prove it! Because there is a LOT of empowerment when you have been proved right! I remember when I dislocated my shoulder, they said that the xray had shown everything had gone back in. YET I couldn't move my arm and was in agony! They said I shouldn't be, then voila several months of agony went by, finally got an MRI and low and behold there was a tear in my rotator cuff! I felt vindicated! And relieved that I wasn't some sort of whack job with a woe is me complex! NOT one of the doctors apologized, the most I got was "Well! You didnt fit the profile for a torn cuff!" o.O
I doubt honey that the MRI will show anything within your breast tissue! It shows bones, and organs, but not nerve damage especially in such a dense area as your breast! The only way is finding alternative therapies, such as accupuncture! Have you tried that or lymphage draining techniques!? These REALLY help with pain! Also ask your doctor for medication that releives nerve damge - such as is experienced in diabetics. These consist of Antidepressants - Norpramin, and Anticonvulsants - Lyrica, also Cymbalta has been shown to reduce nerve pain, and the FDA has just approved Duloxetine and pregabalin for neuro pain! Also Treatments that are applied to the skin include capsaicin cream and lidocaine patches (Lidoderm, Lidopain). Studies of alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant, and evening primrose oil have shown that they can help relieve symptoms and may improve nerve function.
IF you can go for more natural choices the better! SOME drugs can actually exasperate nerve pain. I wish you a painfree future and for someone to come into your life, take you seriously and get you well! God Bless
With the 100's of thousands of nerves in our body, sending constant electrical impulses to our brains, how can ANY doctor state that one of those nerves has not been damaged? It is ridiculous to say that, and when they turn and say "it's in your head!" Is another way of saying "since I'm a doctor and have no answers its has to be you that has the problem! This is NOT good enough!
There is NOT one doctor or specialist etc. etc. that I have met that is close to God as they might think! And when I have found those doctors who are human and know it, THEY are the best ones to deal with!
When it comes to nerve damage, lawsuits are tricky! If you can prove that you have a pinched nerve - from a compacted disc etc, thats one thing. BUT what technology is out there to show pain? When I went to a pain management course, they actually stated that it was called "ghost pain" we "think" it is hurting when there is not proof that it has been hurt! I was Enraged!!! JUSt because science can't prove - YET - that we are in pain, does NOT mean that we aren't! And I think it is very condescending to say otherwise!
What I do know about healing, IS knowing that you ARE in pain! Does that make sense? It is empowering yourself enough to know that it IS there, you ARE experiencing it, and no matter what people say it IS happening to you! Now you have to deal with it, until someone comes along to prove it! Because there is a LOT of empowerment when you have been proved right! I remember when I dislocated my shoulder, they said that the xray had shown everything had gone back in. YET I couldn't move my arm and was in agony! They said I shouldn't be, then voila several months of agony went by, finally got an MRI and low and behold there was a tear in my rotator cuff! I felt vindicated! And relieved that I wasn't some sort of whack job with a woe is me complex! NOT one of the doctors apologized, the most I got was "Well! You didnt fit the profile for a torn cuff!" o.O
I doubt honey that the MRI will show anything within your breast tissue! It shows bones, and organs, but not nerve damage especially in such a dense area as your breast! The only way is finding alternative therapies, such as accupuncture! Have you tried that or lymphage draining techniques!? These REALLY help with pain! Also ask your doctor for medication that releives nerve damge - such as is experienced in diabetics. These consist of Antidepressants - Norpramin, and Anticonvulsants - Lyrica, also Cymbalta has been shown to reduce nerve pain, and the FDA has just approved Duloxetine and pregabalin for neuro pain! Also Treatments that are applied to the skin include capsaicin cream and lidocaine patches (Lidoderm, Lidopain). Studies of alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant, and evening primrose oil have shown that they can help relieve symptoms and may improve nerve function.
IF you can go for more natural choices the better! SOME drugs can actually exasperate nerve pain. I wish you a painfree future and for someone to come into your life, take you seriously and get you well! God Bless
My mammogram was almost 2 months ago. It really didn't hurt as much as usual during the exam. However, since the mammogram, I am too sore to wear a bra and too large to be comfortable without it. I tried on 10 new bras, trying to find one that would not hurt. None helped. Currently, I am wearing my bra using only the left strap. This is getting pretty uncomfortable too. The pain is strange. Sometimes it just hurts. Sometimes it burns. And sometimes it feels like electric shocks. My Dr gave me an anti-biotic which seemed to help for a while. I am amazed to read all of the responses with this kind of pain. And apparently nothing is being published about it! :'(
My left breast was disfigured and 'literally' deflated from a mammogram in July of 2004. I tried getting help but nobody would listen! The technician compressed too hard and too long. SHe had my breast positioned for too long of a time. My breasts no longer match. Prior to this mammogram, I had beautiful breasts that matched and were healthy. I still have pain in the left breast and it's much lower and less full than the other. My clothes and bras do not fit properly and I have to always wear a sturdy sports bra or else I have pain.
I searched for a doctor to help me. All I heard was "A Mammogram cannot possibly cause damage' and nobody has ever heard of this problem or any problem being caused by mammograms! Now I see from the complaints here in this forum, I am not the first or the last to have problems from a mammogram! Why do these health care providers defend the almighty 'Mammogram"? Mammograms need to be stopped! The mental anguish and pain I've been through is horrific. I even had a hard time finding a breast surgeon who would see me who would then only tell me nothing is wrong!
I voiced my complaint to the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Accreditation. They were not able to take any action against the facility doing my mammogram. They advised me to take legal action but since I had no 'before' pictures of my breast I did not have a case. Can some one please help me find a reconstructive surgeon who might be able to help? I hate having to go thru life with 'unmatched' breasts caused for no good reason 'The Mammogram'! I will never get another one!
I searched for a doctor to help me. All I heard was "A Mammogram cannot possibly cause damage' and nobody has ever heard of this problem or any problem being caused by mammograms! Now I see from the complaints here in this forum, I am not the first or the last to have problems from a mammogram! Why do these health care providers defend the almighty 'Mammogram"? Mammograms need to be stopped! The mental anguish and pain I've been through is horrific. I even had a hard time finding a breast surgeon who would see me who would then only tell me nothing is wrong!
I voiced my complaint to the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Accreditation. They were not able to take any action against the facility doing my mammogram. They advised me to take legal action but since I had no 'before' pictures of my breast I did not have a case. Can some one please help me find a reconstructive surgeon who might be able to help? I hate having to go thru life with 'unmatched' breasts caused for no good reason 'The Mammogram'! I will never get another one!
Hi Jsagy! I TOTALLY understand you being hesitant to get another mammogram but IF Mammography is offered in your area ask for that instead! Actually i just found out that I can't have a mammogram due to the radiation risk! So I have to go for a mammography, some specialist state that this isn't as precise, but I am giving it a try! They take pictures of your breasts with heat sensors! So NO pain!
As far as your breast being mishapen, have you had an ultrasound of the breast to see what has happened to the tissue? Is your doctor behind you or left you behind? I can't remember the name of the special ultrasound that shows structures, it was used on my spine! Ask your doctor to have either a MRI of the tissue or an ultrasound! If you can prove damage this is the only way you can get this sorted!
As far as your breast being mishapen, have you had an ultrasound of the breast to see what has happened to the tissue? Is your doctor behind you or left you behind? I can't remember the name of the special ultrasound that shows structures, it was used on my spine! Ask your doctor to have either a MRI of the tissue or an ultrasound! If you can prove damage this is the only way you can get this sorted!
What is the difference in Mammography and a mammogram? I thought they were the same thing? I will have to look into this.
I had an MRI after this horrible mammogram in July of '04. The MRI did not show anything wrong. I did not however have a 'base' MRI for them to compare. I don't know that a breast MRI can detect breast tissue damage.
I had an MRI after this horrible mammogram in July of '04. The MRI did not show anything wrong. I did not however have a 'base' MRI for them to compare. I don't know that a breast MRI can detect breast tissue damage.
THERMOGRAMS!!!!!! I'm SO sorry It's called Thermograms! I had Mammograms in the brain!!!! Sorry about that guys!!! Yes Mammography is the same thing as a mammogram!!!! :$ Thermograms are heat sensors that technicians use to see the difference in temperature of the breast
http://www.breastthermography.com/mammography_thermography.htm
Thankyou Jsagy!
When you are dealing with fibrous damage - such as what you are experiencing it is hard to prove! Like you just stated, since you don't have a base image, it will be hard to prove that there was damage done! I think a breast ultrasound would be the best chance - I THINK it could show movement or displacement in the breast tissue! It's tricky honey! Each test that you have shows different things! An MRI does cross sections of your anatomy, I think an ultrasound would be your best bet - as it uses sound waves to do this and can show the denisty of the area
http://www.differencebetween.net/object/difference-between-ultrasound-and-mri/
Do you have support of your family doctor for all this?
http://www.breastthermography.com/mammography_thermography.htm
Thankyou Jsagy!
When you are dealing with fibrous damage - such as what you are experiencing it is hard to prove! Like you just stated, since you don't have a base image, it will be hard to prove that there was damage done! I think a breast ultrasound would be the best chance - I THINK it could show movement or displacement in the breast tissue! It's tricky honey! Each test that you have shows different things! An MRI does cross sections of your anatomy, I think an ultrasound would be your best bet - as it uses sound waves to do this and can show the denisty of the area
http://www.differencebetween.net/object/difference-between-ultrasound-and-mri/
Do you have support of your family doctor for all this?
I had a followup mammogram in June 2009. After all the worry they told me they had switched from film to digital and wanted a baseline for what they had seen with the newer technology, and that everything was fine;only calcification.
The followup was not your normal uncomfortable mammogram where they smash the whole breast with a big plate. They use an instrument the size of a chunky high heel, which increased the pressure to excruciating pain. I have a 36G breast, and she smashed that small section to nothing. I was beyond pain to the point of near fainting when she did it. My breast was terribly sore for a month. I've said it felt like a huge man in flamenco shoes stood on them. The pain has never gone away and now I have a lump and can't sleep on that side at all due to the pain.. I am due for a followup mammogram (Jan 2010) and I can't even imagine smashing my already tender breast. What are the options besides this? How do I get rid of the pain?
The followup was not your normal uncomfortable mammogram where they smash the whole breast with a big plate. They use an instrument the size of a chunky high heel, which increased the pressure to excruciating pain. I have a 36G breast, and she smashed that small section to nothing. I was beyond pain to the point of near fainting when she did it. My breast was terribly sore for a month. I've said it felt like a huge man in flamenco shoes stood on them. The pain has never gone away and now I have a lump and can't sleep on that side at all due to the pain.. I am due for a followup mammogram (Jan 2010) and I can't even imagine smashing my already tender breast. What are the options besides this? How do I get rid of the pain?
I am glad I found this site. At least I know that I am not allone. I've had a mammogram 2 days ago, Jan. 2010. That same day, my right breast hurt and burned. When I took my bra off that night, I discovered a wide red stripe going the length of the underside of my breast, but high enough on the part that had been pulled up on the tray. It felt and looked like a very bad sunburn. I put antibiotic cream and vitamin E oil on it several times and woke up from the pain at 4 a.m. Needless to say, I was horrified and concerned that I might have been eposed to too much radiation. I went back to Medwise where I had the mammogram done and requested to speak to a physician, who could not explain how it might have happened, but he assured me that it could not be radiation. He was trying to tell me that the machine had been checked many times over the past months, when in fact the technician had stated that the machine was a new one and in operation only two days. I requested for him to tell me what I could expect if, in fact, I had been exposed to too much radation. I did not want to go there, assuring me that it was not possible. I did not get a satisfactory answer but asked to see another doctor who had seen effects of radiation before.
The owner of the center, who is a physician, was brought in. Before he even looked at the evidence on my breast, he assured me that there was no way I could have been overexposed to radiation. I kept saying that it burned like a very bad sunburn. When he examined me, he stated that I was suffering from an impact from the machine. I had also stated that I had a small blister and that it had opened and had bled. He changed his opinion from impact to infection. I argued that I had been well before the mammogram, no infection, and he replied that I had received an infection???? from the tray of the machine. We had gone round and round about my insistence of feeling burnt, after which he had tried to shuffle me out of the office. Only after having stated that "If something would happen to your own male organ, you would set heaven and hell into motion to find out what had caused it." Only after that statement was he ready to listen.....................well, two days have gone by and now my breast are sore, hurting, itching terribly, and the red sun-burn like stripe is still there. I just like to mention that I took a picture of my breast in case of......whatever....but I hope that my breasts will turn back to normal. However, my fear is that there has been damage done that is not visible from the outside.
The owner of the center, who is a physician, was brought in. Before he even looked at the evidence on my breast, he assured me that there was no way I could have been overexposed to radiation. I kept saying that it burned like a very bad sunburn. When he examined me, he stated that I was suffering from an impact from the machine. I had also stated that I had a small blister and that it had opened and had bled. He changed his opinion from impact to infection. I argued that I had been well before the mammogram, no infection, and he replied that I had received an infection???? from the tray of the machine. We had gone round and round about my insistence of feeling burnt, after which he had tried to shuffle me out of the office. Only after having stated that "If something would happen to your own male organ, you would set heaven and hell into motion to find out what had caused it." Only after that statement was he ready to listen.....................well, two days have gone by and now my breast are sore, hurting, itching terribly, and the red sun-burn like stripe is still there. I just like to mention that I took a picture of my breast in case of......whatever....but I hope that my breasts will turn back to normal. However, my fear is that there has been damage done that is not visible from the outside.
I recently had a mammogram because I found a large lump in my breast during a self examination. It wasn't that bad. It hurt alittle but nothing to talk about. The tech was friendly and in a very good mood. They did sort of place me in the machine instead of help me but again I didn't feel violated. It was more like they were trying to do a good job kind of thing. Very positive!
Now I hurt! The entire breast and under my arm is sore. I can't use my arm because of the pain, I can't sleep, and the pain is making me nauseous so I'm not eating well. Count me as one of those who will never have another one. There must be a better way and I will use it.
Now I hurt! The entire breast and under my arm is sore. I can't use my arm because of the pain, I can't sleep, and the pain is making me nauseous so I'm not eating well. Count me as one of those who will never have another one. There must be a better way and I will use it.
After sitting here reading all of these post I am not so sure about anything anymore. I am 39yrs old and had my first Mammogram at age 28 another one after my hystorectomy and I was called back to get a third one which was a spot compression and it was fine, was suppose to have another a yr later at age 36 and didnt go back. All of those were uncomfortable but never caused me real "PAIN".. In last several months I have been having problems with my Left Breast, burning, aching, shooting pain, nipple sensations and hardening.. So on Monday I call and schedule an appt with my Doctor for Thursday and that evening I go into the Imaging Center and get a Mammogram because I am already sure that is what he will want me to do, so I am ahead of the game.. My problems before the mammogram had come to the point of waking me from my sleep.. I went Monday evening and got the Mammogram, the right breast didnt hurt at all, sure it was a little uncomfortable but no real pain, the it was time to do the left side.. It hurt so bad, the least little presure on it made my eyes water.. I tried not to complain and just suck it because I know this has to be done and it clearly was not the lady doing or that she was somehow adding more presure or anything like that.. it was my sore breast that has some issues.. After the mammogram, I go home to experience really bad pain and then I was physically sick to my stomach and throwing up. Never have had anything like that happen after the other 3 I have had. I go to see my Doctor in the morning and I am curious to know what exactly is going on and why is was throwing up after the mammomgram. I have search the web for information in this and havent been able to find anything. Anyone who has ever had a Mammogram knows that they are not pleasent and should know there is going to be some discomfort during and after.. You know what it like to accidentally get hit with an elbow and how bad that hurts.. why would anyone think that getting your breast smashed in a machine wouldn't have some discomfort? I think we all need to careful about the information we put out here because it could actually cost someone a life.
I agree TOTALLY! People avoid uncomfortable or embarrassing situations! Such as a Mammogram, a prostate, colon, rectal exam etc.! SOME of the test are uncomfortable! And SOME people experience pain - BUT I think there are SO many factors WHY!!! The technician, the time of the month, the equpment, the brain etc.! Someone told me and I will shar it with you "IF you stick your head in the sand, someone WILL come by and kick you in the bum!!!!" And you don't want that "Someone" to be Mother Nature!!!! So get your facts and be prepared!
Also to guest the reason why you threw up WAS from the pain! Just like when you ahve a migraine! Your body is SO stressed with the pain that it HAS to release it! Also the thought of the pain and the hesitation and reinactment!
So no matter WHAT you read or talk to you HAVE to remember that it is VERY rare that people in general will tell you how GREAT a test was! But a heck of a lot more likely to complain about how BAD something was! The squeaky wheel gets the oil!! I hope that women who read this post, ALSO state about if they had a good one - with no problems! there is ALWAYS pros and cons! BUT when dealing with YOUR health you HAVE to take both chances!
Also to guest the reason why you threw up WAS from the pain! Just like when you ahve a migraine! Your body is SO stressed with the pain that it HAS to release it! Also the thought of the pain and the hesitation and reinactment!
So no matter WHAT you read or talk to you HAVE to remember that it is VERY rare that people in general will tell you how GREAT a test was! But a heck of a lot more likely to complain about how BAD something was! The squeaky wheel gets the oil!! I hope that women who read this post, ALSO state about if they had a good one - with no problems! there is ALWAYS pros and cons! BUT when dealing with YOUR health you HAVE to take both chances!
At issue is not whether or not breast cancer should be screened but the method of screening. Preferred would be one that "does no harm" (Isn't that part of the Hippocratic oath?)
Thermography is also called infared mammography. It does not involve exposing the breast to radiation. It is used for early detection. It has FDA approval. It's been said that it's cheaper.
When a suspicious lump is found, often an invasive biopsy is done. Is there another way?
Yes, it is combination of Ultrasound and something called Elastography, which identifies whether a lump is benign or malignant instantly by measuring the density of the tumor. (The picture produced from elastograpy is called an elastogram). It works on the basis that malignant tumors are denser than benign tumors. The ultrasound technician pushes slightly on the breast with the ultrasound emitter to compress the breast tissue. The pictures emitted show the density of the tumor compared to the surrounding tissue. It is completely non-invasive and has been said to cost $100-$200 and results are instant instead of waiting an excruciatingly anxious two weeks or so for results from a biopsy.
Thermography is also called infared mammography. It does not involve exposing the breast to radiation. It is used for early detection. It has FDA approval. It's been said that it's cheaper.
When a suspicious lump is found, often an invasive biopsy is done. Is there another way?
Yes, it is combination of Ultrasound and something called Elastography, which identifies whether a lump is benign or malignant instantly by measuring the density of the tumor. (The picture produced from elastograpy is called an elastogram). It works on the basis that malignant tumors are denser than benign tumors. The ultrasound technician pushes slightly on the breast with the ultrasound emitter to compress the breast tissue. The pictures emitted show the density of the tumor compared to the surrounding tissue. It is completely non-invasive and has been said to cost $100-$200 and results are instant instead of waiting an excruciatingly anxious two weeks or so for results from a biopsy.
I am not just in pain after my first mammogram 3 days ago, I am scared. I have implants and I am convinced as the pain is increasing daily that I've been damaged. I am worried that my left implant could be leaking and could cause me major health issues. I am in a remote area away from the hospital where I had the mammogram and I'm not sure who to go to for help - my own family doctor already gave me misinformation about implants and mammograms and I don't really want to go back to get help from the ones who've caused my problem. I see through the internet that pain after mammograms is not that uncommon. Maybe I should just wait a week and see if the pain subsides... Jill