Mammograms :( - New Brunswick,NJ

I'd start with my OBGYN. If she said it was a clog (which can be really hard), then ask about an ultrasound vs mammogram. And take steps to get it unclogged in the meantime. Kellymom.com has tips.

Hi B.,
Any of them a Family doctor or your OB/GYN can send you to have a mammogram. I would go with the ob/gyn to speed the process, but he/she won't order necessarily a mammogram.According to your symptoms, doctors may order other kinds of tests (ultrasounds, etc). The physician may also send you to take a biopsy to check about a milk duct clogged. It doesn't hurt at all. Now, I don't understand why your ob/gyn didn't give you instructions to alleviate your discomfort. I had the same problem (long time ago) when I stopped breastfeeding my baby, and the ob/gyn ,to make sure, had me to get a biopsy which reconfirmed a clogged milk duct. She told me to place warm (the warmest I could stand) towels on my breast, on the site I had discomfort every 15 minutes for 2 days . Eventually the clog dissolves; however, if this is too hard they may do some outpatient procedure and help you with it. TALK TO YOUR OB/GYN again and ask it her/him about it. If you do not feel comfortable with the response, find another ob/gyn.
Good luck!

I had a hysterectomy after my son was born about 17 years ago. I can't remember the last time I went to an OB for anything.

My primary care physician orders my mammograms, etc.

When I was about 30, I got a lump in my armpit and went to the doctor. He didn't feel it was anything serious, but because my maternal grandmother had passed away, he ordered the test. It came back completely normal.
At around the same time, I had gotten an absess in one of my teeth. They drained the tooth in preparation for a root canal and placed me on antibiotics. The lump went away. My doctor said the infection had settled in the glands of my armpit.

Weird lumps and bumps could be caused by just about anything.
To calm your concerns, talk to your regular doctor.

Best wishes.

How long has it been since you stopped breast feeding? The lab would not perform a mammogram for me until I had stopped BF for at least 6 months. Just an FYI. My doctor didn't know that was the policy and it was just a screening for me so no real urgency. I encourage you to talk with your regular doctor and the radiology place. Are you taking steps to unclog the duct just in case your OB is right?

What you want is a second opinion. You've talked to your OB, so now talk to your primary doctor.

You can actually walk in to a facility and get a mammogram but it is better if your OB writes out the order.

You are wise to get it checked out. Your doc cannot know that it is a clogged for sure. Ask either of your doctors to recommend you for a mammogram with hopes of insurance covering. If that is not a concern then just ask friends where they go and set an appt. No "prescription" is needed. Most insurance companies have guidelines on how often they are covered. It's different in different states, but I am sure you can call the clinic you choose and they can advise you. Most our local hospitals and many off site radiology centers do Mammograms here in Texas.

It does sound like a clogged duct, they can take quite a long time to go away.

Otherwise get a second opinion, at least ask for an ultrasound to see if there is any need for a mammogram.

Because I am so anxious, I would go see whomever you can get an appt with first. If you are granted the mammo, which you totally should be, also make use you get a sono too. This increases chance of accurate results and in younger people w denser breasts, it is the best way to go. I also do the 3D mammas now. It's true that you usually need to wait the six months for a mammo after breastfeeding bc they may see things that look iffy and then do unnecesary testing, which they do try to avoid. ALSO, i go to radiologists that will sit down with me after the test and give me the results so that I do not have to wait. Again, I have an insane anxiety issue. Good luck! Does the hard spot change thru your cycle? Also my ob told me that usually went something hurts, it is usually not something terrible.

Either one can order a mammogram. Go to the one with whom you're most comfortable.

It's good to have a mammogram regularly. So, do get one, if you haven't had one within the recommended period of time. However, if you're not due for another mammogram and the ob has felt of the hard spot, I'd tend to trust that he knows what a clogged dry milk duct feels like. I'd first try what he recommends to clear up the clog. Perhaps placing a hot wet compress on it 2-3 times per day.

It may be that your insurance won't pay for a mammogram if you've had one within their guideline of time.

Your insurance probably requires you to get an "order" from your OB or your primary doctor, or else insurance may not cover the mammogram. Is your OB not listening to your concerns and not willing to order a mammogram? If so, tell your primary that and be insistent about it -- then get a new OB/gyn! Better to rule out things than to worry and wait. Could be nothing and likely IS a clog but....get one anyway.

My ob/gyn wrote a prescription for one. I have to go in a few years earlier than most due to some family history of breast cancer.

NOT to scare you, but trust your instincts. Hopefully your doctor is right, but you don't want to worry constantly about it.

You could wait a short time to see if it goes away if it is milk (you didn't say how long ago you stopped nursing), but don't wait too long. The worry isn't worth it.

Your gyn or primary dr. can give you the script as well as reccommend a place.