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From: Bama
Date: 07-10-2006, 07:43 PM (1 of 20)
Had my 1st one today.  Wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  If it's time for anyone's here, GO DO IT! |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 07-10-2006, 10:27 PM (2 of 20)
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No thanks....just can't do it...the AF calls once-in-awhile to remind me I need one....last time a Major whats HIS name called...and told me I HAD TOO or something BAD was going to happen...I said...(actually asked..) Have you ever been sexually molested by your parents ? he said no...I said then leave me alone. I don't like strange people to touch me, in a manner I don't feel confortable in, I might HIT THEM. He said, Ok...no problem, we won't bother you again...and they haven't... I've done self exams since I was 20...every month. (if I see a gyn and it's a woman and she wants to do an exam...thats Ok...otherwise, no.) Besides which...the AF has never let me see a gyn.(you don't have kids, don't want kids, I guess you don't need ANY exams....so I have to pay for it myself, which is costly these days.) Kath (and her weird tales.... )
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: carman
Date: 07-10-2006, 11:09 PM (3 of 20)
| i had my first one a few months ago as well, and after i asked the tech, why people are so scared? i had zero discomfort and was in and out lickity split |
User: carman
Member since: 04-17-2000 Total posts: 692 
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From: JoanieB
Date: 07-10-2006, 11:29 PM (4 of 20)
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Had mine in March, along with the rest of the GYN exam:bloodwork, pap test, etc. Joanie |
User: JoanieB
Member since: 01-28-2005 Total posts: 68 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 07-11-2006, 12:06 AM (5 of 20)
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Had the works today myself. However, my doctor told me they have now established a new protocol for pap smear/vaginal exams. If you're 60 and had a pap test, etc. then you won't be asked to have it done again for 5 years. Yeah!!! suits me as I had one last year and it was perfectly normal. My mammogram was a tad bit painful but that was due to the fact that I had the breast reduction done almost exactly a year ago. The doc was amazed that my scars are barely visible. His nurse had the same thing done several years ago and her scars are horrendous. She was also amazed that my scars are almost gone. Had to have a bone scan done also as I've been diagnosed with osteopenia (beginnings of osteoporosis) and take Fosamax weekly; blood, urine, the who works. Glad to have all that over and done with for another year and I'm healthy as a "horse", I guess according to the doc. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Debby215
Date: 07-11-2006, 12:06 AM (6 of 20)
I go in the fall for my yearly mammogram, being an almost 8 year breast cancer survivor, pain or not, which is USUALLY not, I go once a year. I know my daughter will turn 30 next year and is already nervous about it. I DO know its time for my yearly gyn exam too, just keep forgetting to schedule it.. 
Debby
So much fabric....... So little time!! |
User: Debby215
Member since: 11-14-2001 Total posts: 611 
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From: Sancin
Date: 07-11-2006, 05:36 AM (7 of 20)
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Kath I certainly can appreciate your reluctance to have a mammo and your comments to the major - I think I would have said a few more things as well - I am afraid I would never do well in the military or even as a military partner. I have had yearly mammos for over 20 years as I am high risk. But I must tell you I have never had a male technician, nor have I felt that I was handled more than absolutely necessary and even then in a very professional manner. I find the women at the screening clinics almost overly solicitous. It does hurt me a little sometimes as I have fibrocystic breasts. Would you have to have the screening done at the airforce and do they only have male techs? I am a little concerned for you just doing self breast exam as I have 6x biopsies and only once had a palpable lump. Last year I told the surgeon that soon there wouldn't be any more breast tissue to take! The technology has certainly changed over the years as has the sensitivity. I was quite surprised to have not only an Xray but also an ultrasound. I actually do not do self breast exam which is shocking as I am a nurse. Initially I was afraid of what I would find and now I am so lumpy and stretched out I couldn't tell if I tried!  But I do encourage others and don't tell them my story! I heard a story that really impressed me. As soon as my cousin's daughter reached puberty her female (must be the reason) pediatrician set up an apt for a full physical examinationfor the girl, told her all she was doing and why and taught her to self breast exam. I was really impressed that that effort was made at such an early age. I can only assume, that she probably talked about birth control and STD's as well. As a pediatrician she probably did not know the risk factors that are in the family. If only regular exams and self care were treated in a matter of fact routine way we may have less 'charged' situations today.
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: plrlegal
Date: 07-11-2006, 11:38 PM (8 of 20)
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My gp doctor (male) does my actual breast exam, but it is very brief and he's very gentle but I've only had a female tech do the mammograms and they have always only been very professional and do as little touching as possible. My mammo this time was little painful only due to the fact that my breast skin and tissues are still very tender from the mammoplasty. I told the tech yesterday that I was still very tender and she said she understood as it takes up to 2 years for breast reduction patients to fully and completely heal from that particular surgery. She was the same tech I had last year and she's really good and very professional but gentle and understanding at the same time, if that makes any sense. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 07-12-2006, 12:10 AM (9 of 20)
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I gotta tell you, I have no idea if the med techs in Mammo are women or not. I know the meds techs in x-ray are men (YOUNG men with nasty comments and giggles about the patients)...last time I had x-rays, I heard them laughing and pointing at me...I really don't care to do that again...I have large breasts , have worn the same size bra since I was 12, so I know how big the are and yes they're real....I've been felt up by women and men, had my chest stared at all my life. I don't feel the need to have people make comments about me anymore...Theres only so much a person can take and I reached my limit yrs ago. It took me 3 yrs, after I met my boyfriend/now husband for me to let his mother hug me. (they're a family of touchers/huggers) I would always step away from all his family, till I got to know them. Now it doesn't bother me anymore. But I don't let strangers touch me....not even Dr's, at first. I realize it's MY problem and I deal...but people are not going to scare me into something I just cannot do.. (abused children don't always make 'normal' adults, no matter how we 'look'. I think most of 'us' have lots of 'quirks'..I know I do...my husband likes to point them out, even though we've been together 32 yrs, he still makes comments...and I tend to say, Ok...whats new about THAT ???  )
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: Dustbunny01
Date: 08-10-2006, 08:28 PM (10 of 20)
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Just wanted to add here Google this " IBC" or go to this web site http://www.komotv.com/ibc/ DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159 
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From: sweetpea1
Date: 08-10-2006, 09:03 PM (11 of 20)
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Hi Ladies, Just wanted to chime in and report that I had my annual mammo last Tuesday. I'm rather large on top and had to have SEVERAL extra views taken to make sure all the tissue was scene on the films. And, because I'm so big, it is a little painful, but the tech was very kind and as considerate about the whole experience as possible. I've had mammos done for the last 5 years and have never really had a bad experience. Unfortunately for me, however, a cluster of unusual looking cells was located in my left breast. So, I had to go back for a magnified film. I'm told that they believe it to be benign, but that I should have a repeat mammo in 6 months. In addition to that, I have had a lump under my right arm for almost a year. (BTW. I found it during a self-breast exam.) I saw my ob/gyn about it not long after it appeared and she sent me to a breast specialist. She palpitated the area and did an ultrasound and pronounced that I had nothing to worry about. However, last week when I went back for the magnified film of the left breast spot, the radiologist sent me for another ultrasound of the underarm lump. He was somewhat concerned and sent the results immediately to my ob/gyn. She called me the next day (last Friday) and told me she would send the results to the breast specialist and that I should call her right away. I spoke with the specialist's office and was told the doctor was on vacation but would be back this coming Tuesday. The doctor's office staff reviewed my results and said that they would give it to doc ASAP upon returning from vacation and that I should expect to see the doc next week. Please pray for me. Its a little scary, and I hope that all the hype is for nothing and that everyone is just covering their back sides. The specialist may look at the results and say there has been no change and not to worry, or she may want to biopsy right away. I think I will be happy for the biopsy just to know that nothing is wrong. But, we shall see. As for Chrys . . ., I am very sorry that your life has been so cheated by some very uncaring and unloving people. Perhaps one day you will heal inside and allow yourself to be taken care of the way you deserve to be taken care of. |
User: sweetpea1
Member since: 10-10-2005 Total posts: 56 |
From: Longblades
Date: 08-17-2006, 08:18 PM (12 of 20)
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I honestly think the worst thing about going for a mamo is the tension in the waiting room. You could cut it with a knife. Sometimes you can feel the absolute terror some of the waiting women are experiencing. I know this is because they are probably dreading that something will be found and not dreading the actual mamo but I find it just adds to the angst. And I know it is not fair but I wish those women who bring their husbands, wouldn't. I find it most unsettling to wait for such a female thing with a strange man sitting near me. sweetpea1, good vibes going your way from me. |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: Magot
Date: 08-18-2006, 02:24 AM (13 of 20)
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Never had one, nobody bothers about them here much unless you have history - they certainly are not staandard NHS treatment for "women of a certain age". I have a smear taken every 5 years ( which is standard). My poor daughter ( 19) went to see the local nurse at the GP's as she felt that her vaginal surface had changed since she started on the pill. Nurse ( a lovely lady) recommended that she go to the local Geneto/urinary clininc at the hospital as they saw more there(!) so off she went to the clap clininc on her own, Poor thing came back having had the most cursory and invasive exam and told to run along as she was normal. Felt quite violated she did - I managed to be with my other daughter when she had her first exam, The laugh is my Hubby went there the week after as he had a bladder infection and he said the clientelle were like the back end of a cast from east enders...They sorted out his problem though ( a reocurring one he has had some years that the GP couldn't seem to fix) and are sending him for a bladder scan in case he has stones or something. I still have yet to attend the clap clinic but don't feel that I am missing out.. I know how you feek Kath. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: Bama
Date: 08-18-2006, 06:50 AM (14 of 20)
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I find it most unsettling to wait for such a female thing with a strange man sitting near me. Me too. I noticed the other women waiting seemed very nervous when the receptionist asked them "Are you here for a mammogram?" and other women's husbands were nearby. Also at the gynecologists office. My mother went with me to have staples removed after surgery and after I waddled in and slowly sat down in a chair, a man asked my mother what kind of surgery I had done because I was walking like his daughter who had just had surgery. Then he kept telling my mother what a wonderful gynecologist this doctor is. And he knows this how???? My mom just smiled and nodded. Strange thing is there were chairs right outside the waiting room since the office is in the hospital. Some men were waiting there. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: Sancin
Date: 08-18-2006, 05:22 PM (15 of 20)
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I don't know how many of the other BCer's here go to the mammogram screening clinics sponsered by provincial gov't. I believe I have never seen anybody in the waiting room in the 15 or so years they have been operating. They seem to space the apts very well. I have had to, several times, go to regular xray dept for followup and no one ever asks what the people in the waiting room are there for. The follow up visits occured when my physician didn't trust the results of the screening clinics, but this was when they were first starting screening. Having said that, being a client and health care worker, I have found the xray departments to have the most unrully and unhappy bunch of rude workers in any health dept in this city. Their booking and waiting is beyond belief. Here they are all owned by the same physicians (don't know if they know the problem). I had an occasion to write a polite and documented letter of complaint to the department head some years ago about a long wait and rude staff. His response was that it didn't happen!!! Jan, interesting about no screening in Britain. I wonder what the stats for early diagnosis are. Here in BC screening has made a great difference in survival rates d/t early detection. I know many people who had lesions picked up at the clinics, but I also know many people who never go for a variety of reasons. FYI - the cervical pap smears were developed at the BC Cancer institute when I was a student nurse. I have heard mixed reviews from users of that clinic - it seems to depend on how anxiety in an anxious situation affects the individuals. My first mammo and biopsy was my worse - I was terrified almost into immobility. My children were very young, my partner absolutely no support as he was scared and went on a business trip. From it all, I learned that one can do nothing about a result while waiting and I have never been as 'out of it' with worry since - about almost everything. This perspective transformation seems to have moved into other areas of my life as well verify my belief that while one can't know it at the time, something good comes out of most things in life.
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: tgif45
Date: 08-20-2006, 11:42 AM (16 of 20)
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i have had 3 taken and all of them really hurt. my tec. kept saying that she needed to go a little more flatter. and of those 3 times i had to do a return for a second round 2 times so i guess you could say that is 5 times. i stopped breathing the last time they did it. i could not get enough of my breather before i passed out. i want to be aware of whats going on with me but i am so large that they say that it is hard to get a clear pic. of whats going on. i do self exams i know thats not enough but i'm to scared to keep going. |
User: tgif45
Member since: 07-31-2006 Total posts: 2 |
From: Magot
Date: 08-20-2006, 02:15 PM (17 of 20)
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I thought cervical cancer these days was fairly conclusively linked to sexual promiscuity -in that it was linked to the incidence of penile warts - hence the no need to have one if you have always been celibate or have not yet become sexually active. There is very little need for me to have one either as I have not swapped sexual partners for some 30 years - nor has Tony. So neither of us are likely to pick up and infection to pass on to the other. Nancy, there was a truck in our local supermarket carpark offering ladies "mammograns while you shop" as it were. Can't say I saw anybody take them up on it - generally they are only offered to people who have history - it may be different in other health authorities but I do not believe there is a preventative screening process in place. Cervical cancer causes almost 1,100 deaths each year in the UK - and we have routine screening for that - maybe the low rate is due to the screening? either that or it is not as common as people think? Each year more than 41,700 women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer. Around 300 men each year are also diagnosed. Breast cancer causes more than 12,400 deaths each year in the UK. Every year in the UK nearly 32,000 cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in the UK. Prostate cancer causes more than 10,000 deaths in the UK each year. Public health doesn't seem to cover the things that it needs to does it? I have never heard of any blokes having routine screening for prostate cancer either and yet it causes 15-25% of all mortalities due to cancer(depending on age) love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: Sancin
Date: 08-20-2006, 05:22 PM (18 of 20)
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Jan, in BC, and perhaps Canada, women's health has had decent (sp?) screening for a number of years. The screening clinics and tests are free but it is up to the individual to make apt or their health care worker to remind them. Men's prostate cancer's have only recently had any media coverage and warnings for check ups. In fact, as a health educator, I think that the whole range of men's health problems has been poorly researched in terms of prevention and screening, other than trauma and heart disease. Bowel cancers also, have only recently been advertised as need to check for. (recent = 10-15 yrs). There are probably lots of controversial reasons for this. Having said this I have noticed more and more media (TV and print) ads, sometimes cute, encouraging men to get screened for both bowel and prostate cancer. I have also noticed more diagnosed cases in my social circles - this may be age related. I wonder if many cases of prostate problems in the past were, in fact, cancerous and not noted until metastesis to the bowel? Many men believe that urinary incontinence is a necessary part of aging and or fear cancer so don't have themselves examined. I am not at home so can't check Canadian stats and my health researcher daughter is having 'tightening'. Hooray!! I also can't check the info on cause of cervical cancer, but think the number of nun's who had it when I was in clinical areas at a Catholic hospital would disagree. One problem that is really serious but not written about a lot is the fact that multiple partners increase a chance of a woman getting sexually transmitted disease, often very minor, that leads to scarring of the fallopian tubes and thus infertility. Women need to remember that their partner may not have been as careful as she was - "the gift that keep giving"  The spiral then continues with the search through answers and the whole new field of reproductive technology. BIG Topic. But isn't good that we don't have to die secret horrible deaths because we can't say the words - in public or private? We have come a long way in many things.
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: Magot
Date: 08-21-2006, 02:35 AM (19 of 20)
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We have more "well Man" clnics sprnging up here - but as you say a lot of it seems to be blood/heart/choleserol related. Having had several uriniery infections and the GP being of no use Tony finally self referred to the local 'clap clinic' - that was an experience! They were quick and effecient and have referred him for a scan in case of any underlying stones which may be causing the problem. As you say - the increase in STD's is still rising - clamydia being very much on the increase and leading to possible infertility problems.Problem with having multiple partners is that you don't count only the ones you have had - but he ones your partner has had as well... Interesting about the nuns - spontaneous cancers turn up anywhere but I was fairly sure that cerival cancer was regaded as an STD related to the human papillomavirus (HPV), - there are 60 varities of this virus and not all cause cervial cancer - some merely ordinary warts - but nearly 100% of deaths due to cervical cancer have this implicated. HPV doesn't show up on a pap smear but it's effects do - but still too few woman have the tests that could prevent the resultant deaths. This is a cheery subject and slightly off topic - I am all for freedom of information and education on the subject! I do agree that mens health issues are vastly underfunded love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: JohnBoy
Date: 08-23-2006, 07:58 AM (20 of 20)
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Oh girls, I HATE to have some input into this now!!!! Jan you are SO right, mens health screening here in the UK is terrible, and its really not the fact that men dont want it, there seems just nothing in place like there is for women and your tests. I would urge all you women out there to nag your men and MAKE them check in the shower down below, its very simple and dosnt hurt but could save there life. Testicular cancer now is appearing more and more in younger men, 16 upwards, and yet so many men suffer with it, sometimes until its too late. The terrible thing is, there is really no need for us men to die, since testicular cancer is the most curable of any cancer. If caught early I beleive they have a massive cure rate - something lile near 100% The problem for us is the embarrassment I guess, men are wimps I think. I KNOW from personal experience... yes your gonna get the story, sorry but i really believe its so important to get the message out there. I was 16 when I noticed a pain in my left hip, deep in the bone. I just ignored it since I used to use the gym etc, so really thought nothing of it. Then I began to get a pain in my left testicle, a dull ache that was virtually always present, however AGAIN I left it just thinking it was nothing. SO as time went by I noticed eventually that I had a growth develop and size change, and I thought oh god its cancer. However I STILL diddnt go to the doctor. Now your probibly thinking why, well I was about 17/18 by this time, and about to finish school, and looking forward to university where i could start my life, get away from home for a bit etc. And something in me diddnt want me to go in case it was cancer - I wanted to be normal and start my life. Stupid I know. Eventually I did go, the pain was really getting me down, and I was sent for the usual testst ultrasound etc, and thank goodness it wasnt cancer, it was a growth thing but they operated and now Im fine. PLEASE ensure you make your men check in the bath or shower its SO important we all need to get over this prudishness when it comes to our health. Oh Jan, they also made me go to the GUM clinic, NOT the most pleasant experience in my life I MUST say!!!!! Still after they test you for EVERTHING - they seemed to give me the one day spectacular, every test for the price of one, you feel SO AMAZING that your completly free from anything nasty. Thats my other soapbox I get onto , here in England our Sexual Health screening centres are so poorly funded they cannot keep up with demand, and yet STI's are getting out of hand here. Back in the 80's we had those public health ads for HIV and AIDS, that scared you into using protection, but we just dont have it anymore, its as if the young of today think the risk is not there, or we have cures for everything, but we dont. I really think our government should have regulat advertisements again, it worked then and I really think it would work now. Sex is just too trivalised in our socuiety, we are bombarded with it 24/7 with noone telling or showing us the CONSIQUENCES of our actions. (sorry if this was a bit long) |
User: JohnBoy
Member since: 07-18-2006 Total posts: 21 
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