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Severe Pain during mammogram

Posted , 7 users are following.

andrea93419
andrea93419

Hi All,

I went for a routine 3 yearly mammogram yesterday and because I always have inflammation nodules between my ribs on the side, when the side angle photo was taken I was in excruciating pain! Has this happened to anyone? The radiography was aware I have PMR and pointed out because of my ongoing soreness under my arm that the side angle photo would hurt, but I certainly didn’t realise how much!! I’m still in a little pain this morning and wondering should I see my GP about it??

Thank you Andrea. X

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • EileenH
    EileenH andrea93419

    Posted

    I don't think I ever had a mammogram in the UK that DIDN'T hurt! To be honest I had never associated it with the PMR - and certainly here in Italy none of my mammograms have ever been so painful. That I have put down to better equipment - we do have the latest models which don't require so much squeezing to get a clear image.

    But having my BP taken was excruciating and that is a common complaint by PMR-ers. I doubt your GP can do a lot - I assume the inflammation nodules you speak of have been checked out at some point? My rib pain is due to myofascial pain syndrome causing spasm in back muscles.

    • Silver49
      Silver49 EileenH

      Posted

      That's interesting, Eileen. Mammograms have been fine but BP checks have been painful and I put it down to it being a bit raised because of Pred. It was never painful before PMR. I learn something new every day. 

       

  • mary19068
    mary19068 andrea93419

    Posted

    Hi andrea93419

    I experienced very bad pain at all angles of a mammogram...i had very bad experiences with painful mammograms before being diagnosed with PMR. If you are worried about the ongoing pain see your doctor to put your mind at rest...

  • andrea93419
    andrea93419

    Posted

    Thanks Eileen and Mary,

    yes I've had the nodules checked out before, about a year ago, they seem to come and go, sometimes more painful than others! I did phone the breast care centre this morning to inform them of my bad experience, they were very understanding and apparently the side photo procedure is always worse than the up and down photo.

    they did say if I suffer from inflammation of the intercostal muscles it could make the procedure more painful.

    thank you Andrea.

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