I’m at the age where my doctor recommends, I get a mammogram once a year. I’m ok with it because I’m trying to keep my health on the uptick.
Although I’m ok with getting a mammogram, I’m here to tell you, the overall accessibility of the test for people with physical disabilities like me, stinks. At least it does in my book.
During my most recent appointment, I experienced many emotions including, confusion, sadness and finally straight anger. It takes a lot to push me to negative emotions because I’m a very happy person, but when I get pushed there, I’m there.
I should’ve known my appointment was heading there when the nurse asked me what disability I have, to which I responded, “I have cerebral palsy (cp)”. Then she asked how long I had had it, which really hit a nerve. She was a nurse and all she had to do was look at my medical chart, I’m no rocket scientist but I would think it would tell everything about me, including my disability.
The nurse then proceeded to ask, did I needed assistance with removing my top. I had put on a halter top to make it easy to get off and on. She did help with that then I rolled over to the mammogram testing machine.
For women who know, the mammogram testing machine is something to be less than desired. It’s big and uncomfortable. Throw a scooter into the mix and it becomes even more complicated. The nurse suggested I be put in a chair the one that sort of looked like a big recliner with wheels. I went with her suggestion because I wanted to get the test done and over with.
By this time, another nurse had entered the room, who had a nicer bedside manner.
After being placed close to the machine, the two nurses assisted me to stand. Afterward, the nurse who had asked me all those questions decided she should hold my arm and face in hopes of getting a good image while the other ran back to take the picture.
The cool nurse informed me and the other nurse, she didn’t get a good picture.
At this moment my advocacy skills kicked into high gear. I then told the nurse who was holding me to “let me go” with authority. She knew I wasn’t playing! When I get angry, you can see it. It’s the type of anger that I’m about to turn into the Incredible Hulk stuff.
After I was let go, I adjusted to get my balance and stood on my own while leaning against the machine. Then the nurse tightened the machine, backed up and the picture was taken. The same process went on for my second image and both turned out well.
I left feeling angry yet empowered. Once again, when I feel someone is trying to look over or take over me, I hear my brothers saying, take up for yourself and that’s exactly what I did.
As we honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’m here to say, that mammograms need to be more accessible for people with physical disabilities and other disabilities as well. As a woman with a disability, I’d rather get tested early rather than wait until something is so bad medically that nothing can be done. I feel the same way about other women’s tests. Unfortunately, the other tests are not accessible either.
I don’t want to complain but I do want to advocate. Something needs to be done to make mammograms accessible to people with disabilities. Any suggestions?
You’re 1000% correct, Shari. Also be sure to share your difficulties on that customer service survey they’re sure to send you as a follow up. The first nurse should have confirmed with you how YOU wanted to handle getting yourself into position. These things should never be assumed. You had agency and you definitely used it, you’re awesome as always.
Melissa,
I surly did share my experience and concerns on the follow up survey. I haven’t heard anything back yet but, I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for the comment.
Shari where do you get all the “buzz-words” (like uptick) I read in your blogs? I LIKE IT!!!!!
Matthew,
I’ve picked up many of my “buzz-words” throughout my life. I’m glad you like them.
Shari,
the overall inaccessibility of the machine is one thing, but it is a lack of understanding how different bodies move. You are probably more flexible than I am in that you probably can more easily raise your arm up would help, whereas my arm is more contracted, so it takes a lot more maneuvering to get a good mammogram on me. Mostly, if they would just listen to me how I need to be positioned to get my arm all the way, it will go a lot easier. The fact is, most of them don’t take the time to listen. They just want to get it done in a certain time frame and our bodies don’t always cooperate with that time frame.
The mammogram machine I had was supposed to be accessible because you can get a standard wheelchair underneath it. However, I cannot get my arms up over the machine, and then you know what happens with CP and pain, we immediately seize up, and having one’s boob squashed is painful, so it takes us a little more time to relax our body. Patience in working with a body that works differently is also and accommodation and should be recognized as such.
Renee,
You’re absolutely correct. Everyone’s body is different. Thanks for pointing that out.
Hi Shari!
I am so sorry about your negative experience with the mammogram. The center I go to for mammograms has always impressed me. The technicians know what they are doing to accommodate me. I go through the entire test seated in my power wheelchair. When the machine has to be tilted for the other images, I have more discomfort and one of the technicians helps to support me in the desired position. The one year that I did have to go to a different mammogram center because of my insurance, the exam was a horrible experience and I had to go back to the center for a retake, since the original images were not clear enough to be valid. I do have concerns about my friends who cannot go through the mammogram due to their physical limitations. Advocacy is needed in this area so that all women can receive this test and appropriate treatment if that is indicated.
Mary Ellen,
Thanks for sharing! I’m so happy you found a good center to go for a mammogram that’s accessible. Can you email me the name of it?
Thanks