I just had one done a few days ago and the person who was doing it told me if I could relax my arms while holding on to the bar that it would help a great deal, so she reminded me just before she set it up to relax my arm and I did and believe it or not it did not hurt and I was really surprised too. I have had them before and would be in a lot of pain but this time I wasn't in any pain.

It worked this time and I came home without feeling sore afterwards too. So try that, when you have the test and hopefully it will help you too. Tell the person that you are nervous and ask them to remind you to relax your arm before they start the machine. Tell them you have heard that it helps. If they are any good at all they will be glad to remind you.

Hope this helps!!

thirdfrt!!!

Petra, the Chicken :o)

I hate, hate, hate mamograms ... but they're necessary. I just keep telling myself that.

Suzieque

And I had about 10 years worth of annual mammogram screening before finding a message for the first time on the dressing room wall to remove deoderant if wearing any, wipes provided. Ummmm, couldn't someone have told me sooner that underarm deoderant could alter the result of the films? Now I shower, skip the deoderant, take it with me and apply for the day after my films have been taken.

ps. i just read what i wrote and while i think it's what i think , i'm not sure it is the best post for the situation. read it with "a grain of salt" ymmv.

You're welcome. If you haven't already gone in for your mammogram, I would call the place where you are suppose to have it taken and ask them what you should do or not do before you come in. Things like should I wear Perfume, powder, deodorant and what kind of soap should I wash with or does it matter? That way you won't go in blind and then end up having to go back because it didn't take right. If I can remember correctly they told me not to wear perfume or powder and no deodorant. I use to have to use a bacterial soap but this time they told me that I didn't have to use the bacterial soap. Still check with them on all of this before you go in. Everything came out fine on me.

thirdfrt!!!

Seriously, many women (me included) notice that caffeine intake can lead to breast tenderness and/or lumpiness. I cut out all caff a week or so before my mammograms and it definitely helps reduce the discomfort.

FWIW, years ago I showed the "dreaded shadow" on a mammogram. They sent me to a breast specialist who did an extensive manual exam and ultrasound. He didn't find anything suspicious, but told me to cut out all caffeine and come back in 3 months. Sure enough, the shadow was gone.

Susan