Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: SaraC2773 on July 29, 2024, 06:57:54 AM
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Hi all,
Just wanted some advice on mammorgrams.
I have severe health anxiety, to the point where I have to take medication daily and even that doesn't fully control it.
I've just been called for my first mammogram and I can barely function, the appointment isn't for another few weeks and already I've diagnosed myself with cancer that is beyond treatment. :(
I've read on this form about same day mammograms/scans and wondered if anyone knew anything about this? Basically, my anxiety is so bad, I think I will have to try and pay privately as I honestly don't think I could cope with the waiting period for results.
Any advice greatfully received.
Thank you
Sara
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I am the same as you and struggle with routine screening but have always done it up until now with smear tests. Turned 50 this month and expecting my invite soon. Have spoken to both GP and psychiatrist who are supportive of me going somewhere where I get it done and results on same day. There are places you can go privately where they do the mammogram and you see the consultant with results same day and, if needed, they then also do an ultrasound and biopsy (I think biopsy too) if needed on same day. Then the only wait is for the results if a biopsy was needed. My GP thinks this approach would help manage my anxiety and his only query was what the conversion rate from mammo to biopsy was, ie whether they sent more people down that route than clinically necessary, to make more money. I don't know the answer to that yet, but I still think paying for as many stages as possible to be done on same day will be better for me, as it is the waiting I can't cope with.
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Anticipatory anxiety is the pits >:( :-\. It is why I can't book a holiday yet this year ............. :(
SaraC2773 - R U able to let us know which medication you take to ease symptoms? I've tried several over the years, all with success.
It can nip a bit. The lady will ask you to remove clothing from the waist upwards. The breasts will be photographed individually by putting on onto a plate which means leaning forwards slightly; holding onto the frame. Then the plate will be lowered from above, a quick click in the background and first film taken. Same with the other breast.
It is important to have this screening. Sometimes if the film isn't clear or when breasts are dense, we may be called back for a 2nd scan. This does NOT mean cancer!
My lump was felt on palpation and never seen on film. It was removed, I had a course of radiation treatment and regular follow ups. Still here!
What do U fear the most?
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Hi both,
Thank you for the replies. I am going to speak to my GP, I've put in an econsult to get their views/opinions on going privately.
CKLD I take Venlafaxine, over the years I've tried pretty much everything prozac, citalopram, clomipramine, mirtazapine, ven seems to pretty much manage my anixety the best - until of course something like this crops up!
In terms of what I fear the most is a late diagnosis, which goes against the whole purpose of mammograms as I know it's to try and catch things early.
Penguin, glad it's not just me it's the build up to the test and then the waiting that absolutely cripples me! I would still be anxious going for the test(s) but knowing I could at least get them done in the same day would I think help me to feel I have some level of control over things, rather than just waiting for the postman/phone to ring.
CKLD glad to hear that your treatment was successful and hope you are still keeping well?
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Good idea to speak to the GP. If they recommend somewhere, would you mind letting me know on here please or sending me a DM? Likewise I will do the same.
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Will do Penguin.
I got a reply to my e-consult which said to contact the mental health hub, they'd completely ignored my question about private options or whether there was any other medication I could take to get me through this period.
Anyway, called them in tears as it was so obvious no one had read the form properly and it was a classic fob off. The receptionist was lovely, apologised for that part being missed and I have an apt on Friday to see the GP. I will let you know how it goes and if I get any recommendations for private options.
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Take a list of your worries with you. Also ask whether an ultra sound would be 'better' than a mammogram.
Yep, tnx. All OK now. Why would a mammogram show a 'late diagnosis'? There's no logic to anxiety is there :(. What would be a problem with that scenario, once I was in the system - albeit privately through insurance - I felt supported.
It's obvious that e-mails are often not read thoroughly.
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Take a list of your worries with you. Also ask whether an ultra sound would be 'better' than a mammogram.
Yep, tnx. All OK now. Why would a mammogram show a 'late diagnosis'? There's no logic to anxiety is there :(. What would be a problem with that scenario, once I was in the system - albeit privately through insurance - I felt supported.
It's obvious that e-mails are often not read thoroughly.
Totally true about being no logic to anxiety. Whe I was explaining how I felt to the psychiatrist, he pointed out that these letters are automatically generated and that my risk wouldn't have suddenly increased just because the letter had been issued. Sort of helped 🤷♂️
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I am exactly the same Sara. I have had 2 routine mammograms and get myself so worked up! Last time (in March) my appointment was not for 3 weeks. However, when I contacted the unit they were able to offer me an appointment in 4 days time at another nearby unit. Before paying to go private I’d suggest you call them to ask if there are any appointments available sooner.
Waiting for the results is awful but from what I hear they do tend to come back quickly if you are recalled which is more common on first mammogram as there is nothing to compare the results too.
I would not recommend going private as in my experience they are always keen to do more tests as then they get more money ! I’ve experienced this a couple of times !
quote author=SaraC2773 link=topic=70262.msg953692#msg953692 date=1722236274]
Hi all,
Just wanted some advice on mammorgrams.
I have severe health anxiety, to the point where I have to take medication daily and even that doesn't fully control it.
I've just been called for my first mammogram and I can barely function, the appointment isn't for another few weeks and already I've diagnosed myself with cancer that is beyond treatment. :(
I've read on this form about same day mammograms/scans and wondered if anyone knew anything about this? Basically, my anxiety is so bad, I think I will have to try and pay privately as I honestly don't think I could cope with the waiting period for results.
Any advice greatfully received.
Thank you
Sara
[/quote]
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'automatically generated' >:(.
What's the worst that could happen?
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Oh and have a group :hug: because anxiety is the PITS >:(
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Screening for any treatable disease is generally a good idea, HOWEVER it is optional and there is an argument that in some instances it can do more harm than good.
There's a professor who talks about this, I think his name is Baum, he is Kate Muirs father and an eminent breast surgeon.
I would say that if the idea of attending screening has someone unable to function and taking anxiety medication, it begs the question whether the intended benefits outweigh the harm in that situation.
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I was reading an article about home cervical screening tests :o ........ who would ...... the author was explaining that had she not gone for a routine screening by a Medic a potentially fatal condition would not have been found.
My worry during 4 weeks of week day radiation appts was whether the anxiety would stop me attending :-\. Fortunately I was OK!
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Screening for any treatable disease is generally a good idea, HOWEVER it is optional and there is an argument that in some instances it can do more harm than good.
There's a professor who talks about this, I think his name is Baum, he is Kate Muirs father and an eminent breast surgeon.
I would say that if the idea of attending screening has someone unable to function and taking anxiety medication, it begs the question whether the intended benefits outweigh the harm in that situation.
Totally agree with all of that!
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I was reading an article about home cervical screening tests :o ........ who would ...... the author was explaining that had she not gone for a routine screening by a Medic a potentially fatal condition would not have been found.
My worry during 4 weeks of week day radiation appts was whether the anxiety would stop me attending :-\. Fortunately I was OK!
I read about the home screening option too. I think they are considering it as a way of increasing uptake.
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C the Nurse Practitioner in good time to get appropriate anti-anxiety meds., I've also found 'bachs' rescue remedy mouth spray helpful.
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Ah thank you all,
It is reassuring to know it's not just me that worries about this.
In terms of private, the one I've been looking at is with Spire and the 2 consultants are based at the local hospital so NHS as well. So I would hope that they wouldn't just use it as an option for further tests but I do take the point.
Home cervical screening I just couldn't, I'm sure I'd end up doing myself a nasty injury.
Thanks for the advice I will take a list of questions to the GP and keep you all posted.
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U shouldn't have to pay for this, you will still need to wait for an appt..
I find that I go to these appts better alone, some would like another person with them. Also ringing the Dept B4 you go to explain how anxious you are all 4warn the Staff. U R not alone!
No way would I even consider doing my own smear tests :o. That's cost cutting a step too far for me !
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It was Spire who I used and feel I was given unnecessary tests and scans .
CLKD the home smear test involves an internal swab to check for the HPV virus. If this is positive you then have the full cervical smear. I believe they only now look for cell changes if you are positive for HPV.
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Spire didn't have a good background a few years ago probably due to doing un-necessary tests.
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I don't relish mammograms just from a discomfort point of view, I'm not well endowed. But I've always gone. I've been recalled twice. The recalls come fairly quickly. The last time was last year. The thing is with the breast screening programme, I'm sure they're double checked by a senior radiologist and definitely if in doubt by a consultant radiologist. So if you're paying privately make sure the films are being double checked.
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Probably paying privately the Consultant would do the screening? Certainly one did my ultra sound.
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Probably paying privately the Consultant would do the screening? Certainly one did my ultra sound.
Yes but it's the double checking I find reassuring. After my recent experience I want everything double checking. Of all the delay and shambles in the NHS, I've found breast care services in my area the most efficient and competent.
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Hi all,
Just a quick update.
So I saw my GP today ( a new one) and she was lovely, she agreed with my theory about paying privately to get the results in a day but she also wants to increase my medication slightly as she said I'm on the starting dose so a small increase might help to relieve some of the anxiety.
We had a good conversation and she was really open about the fact she suffers from anxiety and has to take medication to relieve it, she also said she frequently has melt downs and her way of coping is to get in the sea when she's struggling. Honestly, it was so nice to have a doctor being open about her struggles. I said my husband can't cope with my negative thinking and doesn't get my level of anxiety but she said unless you have experienced it, then it's very difficult to understand how intrusive and impacting anxiety is.
Anyway, she also did a very thorough breast examine and checked all my lymph nodes under arms and up into neck, she said everything felt perfectly normal, no assymetryn and breast tissue felt very soft, but she ended by saying mammorgram is better than my fingers and aims to catch things early so she would strongly advise to get it done.
I shared my biggest fear about it having spread and being untreatable but she said it would be highly likely I'd be presenting with signifant symptoms by that point.
So I am going to give my tablets a couple of weeks to hopefully kick in then book with spire - as I have contacted them and they run three clinics every week and there's hardly any wait time.
I'll let you know any updates but just wanted to post as it was so nice to have a caring GP and also one who wasn't afraid to share her own experiences with anxiety.
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Well done! No one can 'feel' anxiety ........ unless it's been experienced. I liken it to knowing what it feels like to have a head cold, but am unable to reproduce those actual feelings. I know that there's a dry, tickly throat; snuffles; ears popping etc. .......
Now don't go sharing your GP practice will you ;D 'cos your GP will be overwhelmed :clapping: and do let us know how you get on!
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Thanks CLKD :)
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That's great Sara. I have a GP who shares some stuff about women's health too. It does help. I've had a lot of involvement with breast care services, I am anxious every time I have to go, sometimes it's been to the point Ive made myself ill. Glad everything is ok.