Mammogram at 36? Other updates...
#296770 - 01/16/07 07:55 AM
|
|
|
|
michele
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan
|
|
|
So, I saw my old obgyn this am for my yearly, everything seems to be in working order!   However, he said with my history he wants me to have a mammogram and I am only 36 years old???? Not real thrilled at having to do it but I guess I should. Anyone else have one so young?
I did make an appt to see a neurologist for this Thursday. My rheumy has not called me directly. However, I did fax over a matter of fact letter stating I wanted copies of my x-rays and any other relevant stuff to take with me. The receptionist called me this am and said that the doctor said my x-rays were normal and I didn't need them. WTF????? I told the girl on the phone that the doctor herself told me that I have ostiopenia in both feet, most of the cartilage in my right knee is gone, bone erosion's in all my fingers and toes and abnormalities in my right wrist and hip?????? So, the girl hangs up and calls me back like 10 minutes later and said yes, those things are true but that I was seeing the neurologist for my neck so it didn't matter. Again, WTF????? My neck?????? I have NEVER complained of my neck, i have the usual tension soreness as everyone does but thats it. I told her I have ALWAYS complained of my hands and feet and that she just now told me that the swelling I have had for almost two years is NOT from RA but probably neuropathy so YES they x-rays would be relevant!!!!! 
So, 10 minutes later she calls back and said the x-ray person looked at the x-rays and YES there are bone changes and they would make me copies and it would be $84.00!!!!!! I told them that was insane, I had already paid for the x-rays, we went round and round and finally I just said WHATEVER, make the damn copies and I will pay the fricken money!!!!
I am soooo angry, I just can't calm down. Why the rheumy herself can't bother to call me as I asked a week ago Wednesday is beyond me. How they come up with its my neck I am seeing the neurologist is beyond me. I just don't get it.
Ok, so thats my rant for the day. My obgyn was super sweet and said I have seen the best doctors in regards to the miscarriages and yes he thinks I have some sort of autoimmune issue but has no idea exactly what. He said I could try again if I felt strong enough mentally. However, I would have to go off many of my drugs and wait 60 days for them to get out of my system. He said I would have a 50/50 chance of carrying. I am going to wait to talk to the neurologist Thursday and take some time to think things over.
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I had my first mamo at 35 due to family history... evenything was fine, but will still continue to have them every year now.
HOW RUDE about the x-rays!! I wonder if a Dr would have requested the copies if they would have charged??
What are YOUR thoughts on trying again?? You up to that 50/50?
--------------------
www.facebook.com/shell.marr
www.myspace.com/shellmarr
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
How uncomfortable was the mammogram?
I don't know if I am up to the 50/50 chance. I honestly don't know if I could endure the heartbreak again. Thats why I said I will wait until I talk to the neurologist, find out if I even have ra and think long and hard about it. My heart still hasn't healed but my clicking is ticking. 
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Michele,
I had my first mammogram at 35 due to family history and have one every year since hitting 40. I'm a 38D and yes it was a little uncomfortable, but not painful. When you are having the mammogram, you only have to stay in the certain positions for a few seconds, so it's not uncomfortable for very long. For me just knowing that I'm doing everything I can to keep myself healthy (pap, mammogram, mole checks, colonoscopy, etc) is worth any discomfort I have. (Last week the mom of my son's soccer teammates died of colon cancer. She found out she had it last spring. Makes me really glad I had the colonoscopy in June.)
Good luck with the mammogram!
Robin
--------------------
Robin
IBS-A
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thanks. I will call for the appt. I am small chested and I heard it hurts less. With my other mystery illness, I am worried about standing up for any period of time. I also have tremors and shake a lot so I hope they can get a clear picture!
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hey Michele,
I've had a mam, and I'm only 30. Last year I was having a lot of pain and they ran a mam just to rule everything out. You'll have to hold your breath, and hope the technician's hands aren't cold, but it's not bad, just uncomfortable for a few seconds a couple times.
I cannot believe they are charging your for your x-rays! OMG that receptionist should be SHOT! I'm not sure how the US system works for income tax returns, but anything we have to pay out of pocket for medical here is partially tax deductible. I sure hope it is the same for you! I'd inquire if I were you!
Hope you're anger settled down a little!
--------------------
Cassandra
Live like there's no tomorrow. Love like you've never loved before.
IBS A 20+ years, Chronic Migraines, Chiari Malformation (decompressed June 22, 2010), Brachial Neuritis, and ??? the list just keeps growing, but I'm still shiny side up! 
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Your NECK?!  And you have to pay for copies of your X-rays? I've never heard of that. What's going on at your rheumy's office? I'm angry for you! Maybe you should also request a copy of your records, just for yourself, so you can make sure they're accurately reporting what symptoms you have. The neck thing is unsettling and makes me wonder if they were looking at the wrong file or what?
I haven't had a mammogram, so no advice there. It sounds like at least your obgyn is being helpful and understanding.
Edited by Maria!Maria! (01/16/07 12:05 PM)
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
That was my reaction, Maria! I actually asked the girl if she even LOOKED at my file!!!! As far as paying for the copies, I was told that they were a part of my permanent file and they are not aloud to leave the office, even just to take to another appt for an afternoon! I am sure there would be a outrageous fee for a copy of my regular files!!!
I am hoping the neuro doc says I don't have ra so I can just tell my rheumy where to stick my x-rays!!! If the neuro doc does feel that I have ra, I am going to look for another rheumy!
I still do not understand why the rheumy herself can't take 5 minutes and call me like I asked a week ago!!
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Here, our out of pocket medical expenses has to be over a certain percent of our yearly income in order to deduct it from our taxes!! Will writes off our medical insurance premium as a mbusiness expense but for some reason can't get around the percentage thing for the copays and deductibles! 
I agree, we should take all the crabby and uncaring receptionist and make them walk barefoot and naked in the cold, snow for days and tell them no, they can't possibility have frostbite, it says so right here in your chart!
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I had my first mammagram at 29! I'm actually a year younger then you and I have to have regular ones every 2 years starting this year.. my cousin who is a month older then me is a 3 year survivor of breast cancer.. and I have fibrous breasts so that makes it worse- hard to do a good self exam.. and I have had some cysts before (why I had the original mammogram..
They aren't as bad as they make you expect..
I can't believe the doctor and his office- I'd file a complaint and start looking for a new doc- though start with him, he may not even know what his employees are doing..
Amie
--------------------
Dietetics Student (anticipating RD exam in Aug 2010)
IBS - A
Dairy Allergic
Fructose and MSG intollerant
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Michelle- I've heard it hurts more and it hurts less. I'm also large and it didn't hurt that bad.. but the way it holds you I don't think it matters if you move somewhat.. though one thing you might ask is if they can do it seated... I have a friend in a wheelchair and they do hers sitting down.. the machine is pretty adjustable for different sized women anyway!
--------------------
Dietetics Student (anticipating RD exam in Aug 2010)
IBS - A
Dairy Allergic
Fructose and MSG intollerant
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Simply for my own piece of mind and cause my insurance paid for mammo's at age 35 I had one done. I have fibrocystic disease(lumpy, bumpy, breasts)plus I worked with at the time 2, yes 2!, woman in my office who were diagnosed with breast cancer. One after the other. It was awful. One survived One didn't Anyway, I was a wreck so I asked my gyno if I could have one done and he said it would be fine. In fact a lot of insurance companies are starting to pay at age 35.
I'm 39 now and had one at 35, 36, 38 and probably will have another this year.
They say the bigger breasted you are the less it hurts. Makes no sense but I guess if you are small it's hard to put it on the table thingy. The last one I had really was no problem at all. Uncomfortable for a few seconds but really not all that bad. Just don't go right before your period when your boobs are tender. That I'd imagine would hurt like heck 
--------------------
~~~Lisa~~~
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Hey Michele
#296875 - 01/16/07 03:40 PM
|
|
|
|
Nelly
Reged: 08/06/04
Posts: 4381
Loc: Within stray mortar fire of DC
|
|
|
Geez, people on the phone SUCK. I think they need the in-person Michele treatment. With a baseball bat.
Here's what I've done with my x-rays. I check them out, like signing out a library book. I just never bring them back. Got quite a collection now. 
They melt them down for the silver after 4-5 years. It's quite a business. I found this out after I tried to track down some pneumonia shots of my lungs that definitely showed calcification on my left side. Those bast*rds had already melted them down, no matter that I'd paid for them.
I'd go in all sweet, and ask to check them out to go to doctor so-and-so on Friday. Swear you'll have them back by Monday. Course with the ice maybe you're better off them sending them to you...
Side story: I had to get extra x-rays of my shoulder duplicated when I separated my shoulder in Thailand 6 months ago. I asked the cost: $6 total for 2 x-rays. Gasp. American medicine, don't get me started.
~nelly~
Oh yeah, I've had 3 mams, and I'm 35. Had my first one at 19. Darn small lumpy breasts. Got big ones with no probs now, HOPEFULLY.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Oh btw it hurt like sh*t the 2 times I was a 34B. They actually have to PULL the breast away from your body to smash it between the two cold panes of lgass.
When I was a 36D it didn't hurt. Big, puffy fatty breasts meant more cushion for the smashin' and it didn't hurt any more than being pinched in the ass.
When it's over you will want to cuss out everyone around you for about 3 days, not because of any lingering pain, but because it is such a humiliating affront to our dignity. Mams suck, but cancer sucks harder.
~nelly~
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I've had one starting at 31 (I'm 33 now) due to my mom and aunt surviving breast cancer. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Just a bit unconfortable for a minute but I guess it depends what size you are too? Bigger might be more painful?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Found lumps, some docs poked around, they squished my boobs between a couple of plastic dinner plates, then a biopsy, and all's okay. Benign.
And now, the joke... (because we all need to laugh)
Mammogram Exercises
Many women are afraid of their first mammogram, but there is no need to worry. By taking a few minutes each day for a week preceding the exam and doing the following practice exercises, you will be totally prepared for the test, and best of all, you can do these simple practice exercises right in your home.
EXERCISE 1:
Open your refrigerator door and insert one breast between the door and the main box. Have one of the strongest friends slam the door as hard as possible and lean on the door for good measure. Hold that position for five seconds. Repeat again in case the first time wasn't effective enough.
EXERCISE 2:
Visit your garage at 3 a.m. when the temperature of the cement floor is just perfect. Take off all your clothes and lie comfortable on the floor with one breast wedged under the rear tire of the car. Ask a friend to slowly back the car up until your breast is sufficiently flattened and chilled. Turn over and repeat for the other breast.
EXERCISE 3:
Freeze two metal bookends overnight. Strip to the waist. Invite a stranger into the room. Press the bookends against one of your breasts. Smash the bookends together as hard as you can. Set an appointment with the stranger to meet next year and do it again. You are now properly prepared.
I've posted this before, but it's still funny.
--------------------
***********************
If you're not dead, you've still got time.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Re: LOL!!!
#296932 - 01/17/07 06:55 AM
|
|
|
|
|
michele
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan
|
|
|
With all due gratitude, I think I will skip your exercises!!!
The doc didn't find any lumps or bumps during my regular exam yesterday and even though we have no history of breast cancer, he thinks its a good idea because of all the medical mystery crap I have going ok. I will call after my neuro appt tomorrow to schedule it.
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Yeah, I just don't get it. I started off being super sweet and tried the "I'll just pick them up, go to my appt and return them" thing and got a resounding, absolute NO!
I did not know that they melted them down for the silver, very interesting! In MI, they legally have to keep your medical records for 7 years.
I've got no problem with my itty, bitty titties but because of all my medical mysetry crap, they say I should do it.
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
REally mine was not TOO uncomfortable, but really not painful at all... she just would lift them (one side at a time) and pull them up onto this flat surface before the top paddle comes down to "hold ya in tight".... I'm a 38DD so I'm not sure how it would feel for other sizes.
{{hugs}} on the 50/50...
--------------------
www.facebook.com/shell.marr
www.myspace.com/shellmarr
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Sorry to hear about your mom and aunt. Since I gained weight, I am up to almost a b cup! I have also heard the bigger the more painful so I guess thats another plus for having small boobies!!
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hey, next time you need x-rays...ask if they are available in a digital format. So many places have gone to digital x-ray systems and are no longer using films. (this is my line of work)
--------------------
www.facebook.com/shell.marr
www.myspace.com/shellmarr
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
No pulling or smashing of my boobs aloud!!!!! Can't be anymore degrading than all the fertility crap I went through.
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Re: X-rays
#296938 - 01/17/07 07:05 AM
|
|
|
|
|
michele
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan
|
|
|
You're right! When I started having all the problems with my jaw, all the x-rays they did were on a disc and I just got a copy of that, for FREE and took it to the different specialist!! I will be sure to ask about it next time they want to x-ray something!
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
So right about NOT wanting to go right before a period! Good advice!
I am sorry to hear about your co-workers, that would have prompted me to go as well. I have been through so many tests and procedures, how bad can a little boob smashing be? 
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
LOL...the cool thing about where I went...was the ladies who worked there all KNOW how uncomfortable it can be and then talk to me the whole time about something totally different (small talk) and before ya know it....it is all over!! I don't think I was in there more there 5 minutes
--------------------
www.facebook.com/shell.marr
www.myspace.com/shellmarr
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
My boobs are not big enough to put up on anything!!!
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Well, I guess I can endure about anything for 5 minutes! After all, I went through an upper endoscopy WIDE awake, it can't possibly be any worse than that!
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Good to know. Sitting down would be much easier for me!
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
More awkward feeling for me than uncomfortable. It's amazing the square footage a boob can cover when they flatten it out like that. LOL
--------------------
***********************
If you're not dead, you've still got time.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
You're right!
#297044 - 01/17/07 04:16 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Nelly
Reged: 08/06/04
Posts: 4381
Loc: Within stray mortar fire of DC
|
|
|
Brace yourself and consider it a good day to load up on the vics before you go in. I agree, it can't be more humiliating than the ob/gyn crap you've been through!
Post back when it's all done, and we'll share stories.
~nelly~
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
So true! LOL!
#297045 - 01/17/07 04:17 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Nelly
Reged: 08/06/04
Posts: 4381
Loc: Within stray mortar fire of DC
|
|
|
100% accurate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL hhyy!!
~nelly~
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Re: Hey Michele
#297046 - 01/17/07 04:20 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Nelly
Reged: 08/06/04
Posts: 4381
Loc: Within stray mortar fire of DC
|
|
|
Yeah, then that's what they do after 7 years...
I will routinely throw parties and break out my x-rays to show my friends!!! Well, some are like kiddie porn, so I omit those, but I basically have several full skeletons!!
~nelly~
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Yeah, I am pretty much on a regular schedule for the vic's now. I will call next week to make the appt, got too much going on with the neuro appt today and crap. Just can't deal. In fact, leaving early for my apt to do a bit of retail therapy before I see the doc!
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Re: You're right!
#297130 - 01/18/07 10:13 AM
|
|
|
|
|
Nelly
Reged: 08/06/04
Posts: 4381
Loc: Within stray mortar fire of DC
|
|
|
Ooo, retail sounds fun. I need a new sweater for the winter, I think. We're just starting to get a little of the ice storm that's affecting the South. What are you getting?
~nelly~
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Well, I found two pairs of pants although I need to have them hemmed a bit. The regulars are a bit short and the talls are just a bit too long. They would be fine if I wore higher heeled shoes but well, that ain't gonna happen!
I got a really cute blouse, its like white silk with black polka dots and a sewn in black vest over the top, its very fun on. I got a really cool medium weight sweater, its a bit fitted and it has stripes on it and fake big buttons, just sorta fun and funky. Than, I bought a new jogging suit. I won't be doing any jogging for sure but it looks cute enough to run to the grocery store in or acceptable if someone stops by the house.
I didn't want to by a lot but I had to have some pants that fit. I AM gong to lose some weight but I can't go naked until I can fit into the cloths I already have!!! Nothing wrong with naked, mind you, but me naked right now ain't pretty!
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Re: Mammogram
#297156 - 01/18/07 01:27 PM
|
|
|
|
|
michele
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan
|
|
|
I am just too stressed right now but I promise I will schedule the appt next month and get it done before Spring. Its not that I think its going to hurt or anything like that, I just can't deal with another appt or test or what have you at the moment!
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
