9 replies to this topic

[crash.ca]

Does anyone know of another way to have your breasts checked besides a mammogram? It was almost impossible to do for me and the technician had no patience for my difficulties with the procedure.

[Soryfam]

They can do sonograms, but I don't know if they would be willing to do one before or instead of a regular mammogram. I've only had them when they suspected something else.

I've has several mammograms since being injured. It's always been a little uncomfortable, but the technicians have been very kind. I would ask for a different technician or go to a different testing facility. It shouldn't be yet another problem you have to deal with.

Sandy

[Izziwhizzi]

They are tough to do but not impossible, I've had several, and my carer has to position my body position in my chair (forward or to one side etc) as the operater positions my chest. There are table ones as well as sitting up ones. They can use ultra sounds if they find something suspect, but I think the mammograms are the best way.

But please, please, please, just because the technician is being awkward - not you - DO NOT MISS OUT on having this very important health check.

I xx

[Jeanette]

 Izziwhizzi, on 19 February 2011 - 04:20 PM, said:

They are tough to do but not impossible, I've had several, and my carer has to position my body position in my chair (forward or to one side etc) as the operater positions my chest. There are table ones as well as sitting up ones. They can use ultra sounds if they find something suspect, but I think the mammograms are the best way.

But please, please, please, just because the technician is being awkward - not you - DO NOT MISS OUT on having this very important health check.

I xx

I spent all afternoon trying to get referral to outside facility who can do mammogram on my I am nearly 1 yr post injury and 7 months post surgery to remove severe co press ion from my spinal cord. In HMO facility told me they could not do it I need to go to hospital.
Even patient support finally got doctor to agree to outside referral. Then I got a call from dr office my doctor assistant asked if I could stand for 20 minute I said no
Can you raise your arms above your head I said no can you bring someone with you to hold your arms above your head. I replied I could but I'm not supposed to raise my arms above my head because of my SCI injury and the surgery.
I was put on hold then she came back on. Your doctor wants you to wait until you are better to get your mammogram.
I was ticked off! To say the least I called patient services back and she is forwarding this case of no help to the site manager.
This is the same doctor who told me five days after accident I have nerve involvement in upper and lower back but did no xray or refer me to specialist. Last Thursday he told me the same thing I have nerve involvement in lower back.
Same doctor who is more concerned about what the lawyer says about my injury than getting me the right help

So as of right with my mother's cancer returned, I finally get up the nerve for this test and the doctor tells me... Wait until you are better.
Stupid doctor
Question did any of you have to go to a specialized facility that can handle wheelchair. Will a hospital be equipped to help me?
Should I bring someone with me to help
Any suggestions would be helpful
Jeanette

[goose]

i have mine done at a hospital. i called around and explained i'm in a w/c and can't stand up. i found a hospital that offered one where you stay seated and the machine comes to you. the tech helped me put my arm where it needed to go. i also wore a button up the front shirt so i didn't have to put on that gown. i had to go an hour away but well worth it.

be sure and explain your situation. i think this is fairly common now.

good luck. don't give up.

[barbara9999]

i had a mammogram last week, was called in for a biopsy and on Friday my dr called to tell me I had early stage breast cancer so do try to have it done. I am 67 and hadn't bothered to have this done for years because I was overseas. This has come as quite a surprise and scheduled to see more drs in a couple of days. I have the sci para on the right side, broke my arm 2 months ago on the right side and lo and behold the bc is on the right side.

[mellowgator]

dear barbara,

i just lost a very close friend to breast cancer and i'm so glad you have caught yours before it's too late. my thought and prayers are with you during this scary time.

i'm able to get mamograms and the tech can move the machine down to accomadate my chair. it's not that easy to achieve but it's doable. the broken arm will cause you some issues i'm sure but i would think that they can accomadate you.

good luck and stay strong,


mellowgator

[goose]

dear barbara

i had early stage breast cancer at age 37. it was removed. 5yrs. later after being declared cancer free , i found a tiny spot again. my thoughts at the time were 'isn't sci enough to deal with''.however, we aren't spared from the ''normal'' problems . going thru it twice was a bit of a nightmare but i survived.

please pm me if you have any personal questions.

[barbara9999]

thanks everybody. I saw the drs this morn and will be scheduled for surgery on 18th and then radiation and hoping for the best and yes, very glad it was found early.

[goose]

barbara

PM me below radiation maybe i can give you a few pointers.