Breasts flat and sagging after mammogram

A few months ago, I had my annual mammogram. I'm 56 now, but since I was 39, I have had several mammograms, ultrasounds, 1 excisional biopsy, and 1 core needle biopsy. Both biopsies were negative.

I never had a problem with pain or even significant discomfort during a mammogram until 3 years ago. During that mammogram, the tech inadvertently clamped down too hard on my breast for just a second or two, and I literally belllowed in pain, followed by some crying for which the tech hugged me and apologized.

The following year, I explained to the tech what had happened the previous year, so she said she was going to be very careful and go slowly and I should let her know if I was too uncomfortable. That mammogram, like all the others except for the painful one, went off without a hitch.

In September of this year, it seemed like the tech was pulling an inordinate amount in order to position my breasts on the plate. Why would this tech have to do that if no other tech over the years had done it? The mammogram was very painful. Right after the mammo, I had the ultrasound, which was ALSO PAINFUL?!?!? Who ever heard of a painful ultrasound? When I got back to the dressing room, I was shocked to see my breasts were dropped, flattened, and slipping off to the sides. The breast tissue itself also felt different. I thought I must be imagining things until I put my bra back on, and it did not fit me properly as it did before I had the mammogram.

When I got back home, I got undressed and looked at my breasts again in the mirror and just could not believe it. My lovely-shaped breasts were gone. I was actually disfigured by the mammogram. The pain was actually secondary at this point because I felt maimed. None of my bras fit me properly now, the straps dig into my shoulders, and I HATE not having a bra on. Three months later, the pain has subsided, but my misshapen breasts remain. I'm very upset about this.

I did call the imaging center and talked with the supervisor. She checked my records and told me that there was only the very slightest (negligible) extra pressure used on this most recent mammogram. At the time, I did not think of it, but I actually think it was the pulling that caused this result.

I never want to have a mammogram again. If I can talk my gynecologist into continuing to prescribe my compounded estrogen/progesterone cream without an annual mammogram, I NEVER WILL have another one.

Has anyone had a similar experience? I never even knew something like this could happen, and I'm having a hard time with it.

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Breasts flat and sagging after mammogram - OP

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