Mammogram

Mammogram

by Lovesthesun41 - 2021-04-18 15:20:18

I haven't had one since my implant but I did ask that question. I was told to make sure to tell the technician and it will be fine. 

Mammogram

by Dixie Chick 65 - 2021-04-18 16:03:41

I just had my first mammogram ( since my PM)  a few weeks ago and I was also concerned about it. I would be sure they know you have a pacemaker and discuss it with them beforehand. I got along fine and the technician was very careful with the " compressions " on my left side. 
It's been almost a year since my implant but I wanted to wait until most of the tenderness was gone from that area. 

I cancelled my last one which was due at the time of my implant

by Gemita - 2021-04-18 17:37:24

Hello Aberdeen, 

Not very sensible I know, but in 2018 I was due my last mammogram before my 70th birthday.  I asked whether I could have an ultrasound instead but this was not possible, so I declined my screening.  I shall be asking my doctors again whether an ultrasound could be done instead.  If not I will go private since I think it is important to have screening.  Mum and my sister both had breast cancer.

Personally I would not be happy to get a mammogram because I have dense breasts and it is very uncomfortable and although rare, I would be a little concerned about damaging a lead.  I have had an ultrasound before and they tell me in my case it will probably be more reliable.  

I wish you well next month and yes, please make sure that they work carefully around your device.  I am sure it will be safe Aberdeen as long as they know you have a pacemaker

Mammogram

by Flo - 2021-04-18 19:13:36

I have had five mammograms and ultrasounds post pacemaker implant and so far no problems or pain. The first one was four and a half months post PM and one and a half years post breast cancer treatment.  I let them know well in advance that I have a PM.   My PM is on the right side due to lymph node removal on left side. The report did state that positioning was limited on the right side due to the PM.

mammogram done via thermography

by new to pace.... - 2021-04-18 19:20:55

Even before i had the pacemaker would do the thermography.  As they were always finding "something".  Making me go through the biospy only for it to be nothing.  

  See the Gyn/Obn once every 2 years, she does the manual finds nothing.

new to pace

mammos

by Tracey_E - 2021-04-18 20:31:01

Many women have pacers, most mammo techs have seen plenty of them. The first time I went, they started with a very gentle scan to see where my hardware is, then did the scan same as always. I almost always end up with an ultrasound because the pacer partially blocks the view (mine is very low). I go to the same place every time so they have my history. 

I would suggest waiting at least 6 months post implant in order to avoid aggravating fresh scar tissue. 

Mammogram

by Aberdeen - 2021-04-19 09:08:37

Thank you all very much for your helpful advice. I have had my CRT pacemaker for 11 months now.

Mammogram

by Marybird - 2021-04-19 11:47:27

I waited almost a year after my pacemaker placement to have a mammogram, mainly as I didn't want to have it done with the area still sore and tender. I informed the technician about the pacer, and she was very careful to work around it, considerate of the pacemaker's location. She looked at the images when she was finished to check and see if there were any areas that had been missed due to the pacemaker, and found there were not. Fortunately my pacemaker is placed well above any breast tissue so it didn't interfere with anything. There's even a few pictures that include a great shot of the pacemaker. 

Mammogram

by Piti - 2021-04-21 12:22:02

I was concerned first time as well, but the technicians seem very familiar with pacemakers.