I have my first mammogram ever today.

[Bbbananas]

I hear it's uncomfortable rather than painful. But they squash your breasts between two plates. Breast screening is a wonderful thing, and good to know that in our area now they have extended the age limit to include those in their late 40's (I am not 50 yet - that used to be the starting age).

Any tips for me ladies? Should I have a gin beforehand?

[DEN53]

I had a breast lump removed about 25 years ago - horrible scar - but it turned out to be benign.

[arwyn]

Den did they do biopsys then because my Mam had one so they knew before they operated.

[DEN53]

No arwyn - they didn't even do a mammogram - just had a examination and they took me straight into hospital.

[arwyn]

OMG that awfull Den,

[DEN53]

I know, arwyn - I was only 30 at the time, it was my first ever operation and I was bricking it. I think back then, they just operated on any kinda lump and whipped it out.

[ganesh]

It is uncomfortable but is fairly quick.I had a recall after my first one and they had to do an even more squished on which was VERY uncomfortable.I think it's time there was a different method,even ultrasound can see a bit.

[woofgang]

yup have had the recall "steamroller" one as well.
To comfort the younger members, as you get older and breast tissue thins, there is less to squash and it becomes less painful in my experience

[Mamyalynne]

I too had a recall after my first one, they found microcalcifications and had to have follow up tests, which showed they had disappeared ? The MC not the breasts LOL so was scary and due for a mammogram next week so hope all well.

[arwyn]

Den that is so sad you should get the job of putting their bits in the Mammogram machine and turning it.

[boxtops]

Hope you come back on soon, salla, and tell us that you got on OK. Not the nicest experience, but it has to be done - I went last week, awaiting the letter now with the result.

[mrs.chappie]

I had my first one last year. I'd got myself quite worked up about it, expecting it to be painful. My sis had told me it would be horrible. I was pleasantly surprised - it wasn't even uncomfortable and seemed to be over in a flash.

On reading this thread, sounds like it varies quite a lot from person to person.