Mammogram and ICD question ladies

[Julie E]

Hello ladies,

Well had my yearly check up last week and as I am 41 my GYN wants me to have a yearly mammogram. Well let me tell you my first baseline one a few years ago (actually it was 1 year post implant) was not pleasant. The down squeeze was Ok because the tech was under the ICD, but the side squeeze about killed me. Actually I about passed out. The room was spinning and they put me on a table and took me down the hall to check vitals etc and had me lay there for 1/2 hour. Needless to say I'm a bit apprehensive to go again. Do any of you get the mammogram on your left side with your ICD and does it go OK? I thought if I found a tech experienced with ICD/pacemakers that would be helpful. My GYN said I'm the only young patient of hers that has the device and told me to discuss it with my EP. She said possibly I could get the mammo on the right and a ultrasound on the left side? Any helpful experiences would be appreciated.

Julie

[shirleymahoney]

Re: Mammogram and ICD question ladies

Julie i have never thought about having an ICD and having mammograms. i would think that would be painful, hopefully someone will answer that question for us, i also would like to know
Take care
Shirley

[Cynaburst]

Re: Mammogram and ICD question ladies

You should post and/or search the archives at these two websites:

www.zaplife.org

and

www.implantable.com

I have an ICD, and am 38. I got my first baseline right before I got my ICD, so I don't have an answer for you, but I have read on the above sites that other women have mammograms. They just have to be careful with the ICD side. Go somewhere that does alot, and they should have experience with pacers and ICDs.

[faith smith]

Re: Mammogram and ICD question ladies

I've had five mammograms and 1 ultrasound since getting my ICD. They don't press quite as hard on the ICD side. Really no problems or pain, but I am very directive with the technician each time.

Faith

[sueb]

Re: Mammogram and ICD question ladies

I've had mammograms since my ICD. The tech was very careful and it hurt, but not any more than it did before. It may help that I am older and my breasts are less dense now. Best wishes. Sue

[Midge Rollins]

Re: Mammogram and ICD question ladies

I have had my ICD and separate pacemaker for 8 years. Having a mammogram every year since. The first one was the worse.( 2weeks post ICD implant). It may be a little more uncomfortable than without but should not cause you the kind of pain you had. Warn them up front. They can take extra views and not use as much compression. My biggest fear is what is hiding in the tissue behind the devices. I guess we just have to trust that all is okay.