Mammogram anxiety

[smogie]

Hi just received my appointment for a routine mammogram and it has sent me into a total spiral of worry and anxiety the appointment is not for four weeks and then the two week wait I really don’t know how I’m gonna carry on my normal life for six weeks feeling like this I’m really angry with myself for being like this it’s pathetic but feel powerless to stop the worrying ant advice help would be appreciated

[nomorepanic]

Hi

This is just a courtesy reply to let you know that your post was moved from its original place to a sub-forum that is more relevant to your issue.

This is nothing personal - it just enables us to keep posts about the same problems in the relevant forums so other members with any experience with the issues can find them more easily.

Please also read this post:

http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=213239

[Carys]

You need to try and remind yourself that it isn't the mammogram that is actually the risk to you - its NOT having a mammogram that is the risk. Breast cancer is the threat, not the mammogram, breast cancer not diagnosed early and therefore not treated as easily/effectively is the risk. Mammograms are life savers every single day of the year for so many thousands of women.

[pulisa]

Hi just received my appointment for a routine mammogram and it has sent me into a total spiral of worry and anxiety the appointment is not for four weeks and then the two week wait I really don’t know how I’m gonna carry on my normal life for six weeks feeling like this I’m really angry with myself for being like this it’s pathetic but feel powerless to stop the worrying ant advice help would be appreciated

How would you feel cancelling the mammogram and then carrying on with your normal life? Would the "what if's" kick in? Would you regret not challenging yourself and putting up with a limited period of anxiety for a routine health screening which has the potential to be life saving?

What Carys has written is very true and she is an expert in this field.

[Carys]

she is an expert in this field.

Woooooh P, I aint that good, toooo kind LOL just a regular mammogram user LOL

The 'head in the sand' approach is tempting, some people take this route, but I wonder how they feel if they end up having a late diagnosis and know that it could have been so much different if they'd have gone to screening. Of course it isn't fun, its hard for many people having the procedure done and then waiting for the results, very hard if you are scared of hearing 'bad news' - so I'm advocating you turn around what 'bad news' would be. Bad news would be finding out in 5 years that you didn't have screening and I can tell you this, I know people who have been diagnosed who have thanked their lucky stars that they went for that mammogram when they did. I've done the 'run away' about thing in my life many times in the past, a past expert to be honest - its sometimes feels easier to make all the anxiety stop by just not engaging with something. Its the same type of response that results in agorophobia and any number of avoidance behaviours, challenge yourself to not avoid this though

[smogie]

Thanks everyone there’s no way I would not go for the mammogram I know that would be silly and I know the worry and anxiety would still be there I’m just not coping with the constant worrying and worrying about worrying!!! My mind just goes down the worst scenario route it’s kinda dominating my life right now and the appointment is not for another three weeks I know I’m being pathetic but I just can’t seem to stop I’m currently have some c b t but finding it very difficult to put the techniques into practise

[smogie]

Been making myself so I’ll so rang the unit today as couldn’t wait another two weeks like this then another two waiting for results I’ve had it done today so at least only two weeks to worry instead of four hate being like this feel like I’m wasting my life ����

[Carys]

At least you've had it done - and it sounds like they had a free space to fill today anyway

[smogie]

Yeah they were really nice on the phone when I explained how bad I’ve been feeling just wish it wasn’t such a wait for the results

[Carys]

I'm afraid thats the way it is, and will always be that way (unless of course their workload isn't high and then you can sometimes have a result in a few days) so best find ways to distract and rationalise things if possible. Even those who have had cancer and are having yearly mammograms to see if they've had a recurrence have that same agonising wait. Nothing will change anything now - and remember the mammogram isn't the threat.....