For some odd purpose, ever since I used to be a youngster, I related age 40 with having yearly mammograms. Possibly I heard my mother speak about it, or noticed information about it on Oprah, or one thing like that–but it has caught with me ever since. You flip 40 and also you get a mammogram.Â
Effectively, this was my 12 months. I do not know why 40 is the magic quantity, however I knew on my birthday that someday this 12 months I would have a mammogram. I wasn’t nervous about it or anxious about it or something. It simply seems like a ceremony of passage if you go over the hill. (I’ve at all times hated that expression, by the way–“over the hill”–yikes!)
I noticed my gynecologist final week for an annual examination, and he mentioned that it was time to schedule a mammogram. The hospital referred to as and mentioned they’d a gap right now at 2:00, and regardless of being a Saturday, I mentioned positive.
I truly laughed about it with Jerry as a result of I’ve very small boobs (sure, I ought to most likely be mature and use the phrase “breasts”, however I name them boobs). At this weight, I’m an A cup! And that A cup is usually unfastened pores and skin from my weight reduction, hahaha. So Jerry and I joked that the machine would simply hold flattening my boobs till they have been unfold out paper thin–kind of like if you use a press to flatten pizza dough.
My appointment was at 2:00, however they mentioned to get there quarter-hour early. I introduced my Kindle with me to learn whereas I waited, however I did not even get to learn a full web page earlier than I used to be referred to as again. The girl who did the mammogram was tremendous good. She informed me to undress from the waist up and he or she gave me a robe to put on.
It was such an odd feeling placing on the gown–I keep in mind after I was 253 kilos, the hospital robes would not match me. I needed to put on two–one with the opening within the again and one with the opening within the entrance to keep away from exposing myself. As we speak, I used to be swimming within the robe.
I at all times pictured a giant, chilly, white, sterile room with an enormous machine. As a substitute, it was small and intimate and I felt completely comfy. The one different particular person within the room was the girl who’d given me the robe. I informed her I used to be a blogger and requested if she minded if I took a picture–it’s at all times slightly awkward asking those that! However I wish to have footage in case different individuals surprise what it is like as effectively.
We chatted whereas she “organized” my proper boob on the machine (which was truly very comfortable–for some purpose, I pictured it to be extraordinarily uncomfortable and chilly).Â
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| My robe was wider than the machine, hahaha |
Then because it pressed down for the photographs, it simply felt slightly like a blood stress cuff when it tightens round your arm, solely it did not really feel *as* tight because the arm cuff. It wasn’t unhealthy in any respect! She had me flip to the facet for one more picture, after which we repeated the method with my left boob.
And that was it! It was so quick. Sooner than getting x-rays, even. I went again within the altering room and was shocked to see that my chest was crimson above the place it was squished slightly; it did not harm, although.
I obtained dressed, and was again within the foyer by 1:57–three minutes earlier than my precise appointment time! I could not imagine what a quick and simple appointment it was. I informed Jerry I would fairly try this once more than another medical doctors’ appointments (particularly the dentist–I despise going to the dentist!).
I will not have the outcomes for a pair days, however I am not nervous about it. What I *am* nervous about? I additionally must have a colonoscopy this 12 months! Most individuals do not must have them till they’re 50 (some say 45), however after my mother had a colonoscopy, she was informed that she had one thing occurring (I feel polyps?) and that her youngsters ought to begin having the process at age 40.
Every part about it’s scary to me, however particularly the prep. I’ve heard and browse that it is terrible and you must begin just a few days earlier than the precise procedure–eating a low fiber food plan for just a few days (I do not know what I will eat, as a result of as a vegan, I eat a ton of fiber); then nothing however clear liquids for a day earlier than. And the worst part–drinking some terrible liquid that principally makes you poop your brains out till there’s nothing left. After studying concerning the process, I really feel like I will most likely have to arrange camp within the rest room.
I have not scheduled that appointment but, however I’m seeing my major care physician quickly for a wellness go to, so I will doubtless schedule it then. I am undoubtedly not wanting ahead to it! If you happen to’re not too embarrassed, please be at liberty to share your experiences 😉
