Mammogram advice (especially for abuse survivors)

(Originally published 30 May 2015) 

A teammate asked for any advice to prepare her for her first mammogram, and this is what I shared:

I didn't have a mammogram until after I turned 50, and out of the 4 I've had, 2 went well and 2 triggered PTSD episodes. Things I've found that can help:

  • Schedule extra time, so you aren't rushed.
  • If you can control the pressure knob/dial/pedal, it's easier to take your time and be with the discomfort when someone else isn't "doing it to you."
  • Keep breathing!
  • Don't be afraid to halt the procedure if you're getting freaked, or if your tech is causing problems. I wish I had been stronger on this last time.
  • Bring a champion to help you stay present, watch your reactions, and intercede if necessary. My sister is going to do this for me next time, as she did so well with my dental procedures.
  • Warn them ahead of your issues (with the large numbers of abuse survivors, they should be sensitive to all this already!) and request that you be warned before the tech starts "manipulating tissue" or poking or prodding you around, or that you have the opportunity to rearrange your own boob first before they start tugging at you.
Like I said, I had two very good techs, and two trolls about whom I complained very strongly and specifically afterward, but I still suffered at their hands. Hope you find the right people to ease your way.

I personally think it's nuts that they ask all these questions about family history of breast cancer, but completely ignore issues of sexual abuse that affect way too many women, and which I *know* affects breast health and reproductive health. I mean "Duh, medical professionals! Y'all have heard of the body-mind connection, haven't you? Ever wondered why so many women are loathe to put themselves in the hands of strangers, especially if they've hurt before—in and out of those exam rooms? Get a clue already!”


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