Need mammographer familar with sexual trauma in Baltimore

August 23, 2013 9:15 AM

I have to get mammograms every 6 months or so. Due to past sexual trauma, I get badly triggered and end up dissociating (not that big of a deal) then freaking out. Have developed some ways of making this all bearable (take the full day off work, take a friend who has specific instructions about what to do when, etc.). My therapist suggested I try to find a mammogram office that is used to dealing with this type of issue and may have other suggestions and be willing to work with me on making it less stressful.

I've found a very, very few places not near Baltimore that offer services for survivors for pelvic exams but only one pop article that wasn't particularly good on mamms.

posted by QIbHom to Health & Fitness (5 answers total)

I'm sorry for what happened to you. I think finding solutions that help you is a great positive, empowering step and glad you are taking them. I asked around and a friend passed this general information on:

http://www.hruth.org/
Also RAINN may have tips. http://www.rainn.org/
http://www.healthcareaccessmaryland.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Free-Cancer-Screenings-in-Baltimore.pdf

Feel free to memail me, as well.
posted by tilde at 9:59 AM on August 23, 2013

Have you considered asking your doctor for a prescription for one Ativan to take right before the procedure? It sounds like you have a great reason for it.
posted by selfmedicating at 10:21 AM on August 23, 2013

Response by poster: Thank you, but there are many reasons why medication cannot be given to me for this. Certainly not ativan or valium in specific.
posted by QIbHom at 10:23 AM on August 23, 2013

I don't know about a mammographer, but I used EMDR to reduce what sounds like it may be a similar body memory, which then reduced my dissociation and helped make these procedures more bearable.
posted by Chaussette and the Pussy Cats at 11:28 AM on August 23, 2013

You might call planned parenthood and ask them this question.
posted by fshgrl at 9:41 PM on August 23, 2013 [1 favorite]