For the Ladies.......... re: Mammograms

[Jkm7]

I'm 4 1/2 months post op and have to reschedule my mammogram. I had one scheduled in advance of knowing I required a second OHS and seeing as it was to be 8 days after my surgery, that was a No Go!

Any reason I need to wait longer than 5 months post op to go and have it done? I still have some chest discomfort from the sternum but four years after my first OHS I was still sore so it isn't likely I'll ever be pain free.

I'd feel silly calling my cardio with this question if it's obviously not an issue. Anyone able to help with an answer?

Thanks.

 

[Mary]

Is there any chance you can call the office that sets up the mammogram appointment and ask their thoughts?
I think it will be more painful, so I would wait, but then I'm not you!
Please let us know what you find out.

 

[Judy]

My OHS was January 3 and I had my mammogram May 12. I have to admit that I was a little nervous since I was and still am tight and sore in the sternum and know much the machine tightens down. I am happy to report that other than the technician having a good look at my "zipper" and asking about it I had no problems or extra discomfort at all.

Hope this helps.

Judy

 

[hall]

I had mine 9 months after. I guess you have to make the decision on how you feel. That thing can really cause some pressure. Hope it goes well.

Deb

 

[Jkm7]

Thanks.

Is there any chance that at five months out, the compression could possibly disturb internal healing that might still be on going?

 

[hall]

I really don't know. Probably, the best thing to do is call the cardio, better yet, call the surgeon.

Deb

 

[Jkm7]

I have a call into my PCP's office. Why take a 'stupid' chance.
If they refer me to cardio's office, I'll call him.

 

[geebee]

Unless you really feel it can't wait, I would wait for another 2 or 3 months. That thing can really pull on the area and, although it is unlikely to cause damage, I think it would cause pain and who needs unnecessary pain?

 

[marie]

I will be 6 months post op on the 22nd and I asked my cardio last week and he said I could get one.
Earline

 

[DebbyA]

I had AVR Jan 30 and pericardial window Apr 18, and my cardiologist (a woman) didn't even want me to have an ECHO until Nov because of the discomfort!

It will be interesting to see what your drs advise.

 

[PairoDocs]

I'm 4 1/2 months post op and have to reschedule my mammogram. I had one scheduled in advance of knowing I required a second OHS and seeing as it was to be 8 days after my surgery, that was a No Go!

Any reason I need to wait longer than 5 months post op to go and have it done? I still have some chest discomfort from the sternum but four years after my first OHS I was still sore so it isn't likely I'll ever be pain free.

I'd feel silly calling my cardio with this question if it's obviously not an issue. Anyone able to help with an answer?

Thanks.

Just a thought. If this is nothing more than a screening mammogram, I would wait until you are more comfortable. If this is a diagnostic mammogram, consider doing it soon. If you have encountered a new lump, for instance, it needs to be done asap. If this is a 6-month followup for abnormalities, breast cancer, or post-biopsy, ditto. In other words, you need to assess your risk. It just wouldn't do to survive OHS only to need another kind of chest surgery for breast cancer. There are also some new types of pads being used to make the mammogram a better experience, and if it hurts, tell the tech!

High and Dry in Idaho,
-Laura

 

[Jkm7]

Thanks, everyone.

It's just a routine, annual test.

My PCP's office called me and said to go ahead and schedule it. I know it will be sore but it probably will still be sore even I wait another 2-3 months so may as well get it over with.

If I find it intolerable, I surely will speak up. I just wanted to be sure it couldn't damage my healing in some way.


DebbyA..... My wonderful cardio is like yours. I saw him two weeks after I was home from the hospital and while he wanted an echo he said he wanted me to wait three months so it wouldn't be as sore for me. His kindness is endless. I would have had a far harder time getting through this without his help. If I called his office to ask about the mammogram, I have a hunch he suggest I wait a while.

Thanks everyone.

 

[TammyM]

I don't think there is any way I could have had it at 4 1/2 months! Yowza! You are one brave woman. Good luck!

 

[Jkm7]

Maybe I need to rethink this.

 

[Cynaburst]

I had my surgery in August and had a mammogram about 6 months later. No problem.