Hi there ladies,
I have been unable now for 6 years to have a mammogram as I am in a wheelchair. The reason being I cannot use my legs now and I have little or no core strength. The very patient nurses in the unit tried placing me as close as they could to the machine, but the arms on my wheelchair stopped it from going low enough. The sides of my wheelchair do come off, but I would’ve fallen onto the floor. Does anyone out there know if there are different machines to enable people like myself with limited core strength to get a mammogram done. I know I’m not on here a lot, but you’ve always been very helpful and supportive. Thank you.
Hi @Hoistlady Yes I’m in the same position as you and when I got my appointment when I was first in a wheelchair and couldn’t stand on my own I was sent to a different hospital which had a machine I could use, so the nurses help me from my chair and onto another chair and then the machine is at the right level.
So I’m thinking does this depend on where you live, so I’m in Huddersfield WEst Yorkshire and hubyy takes me to Bradford about a 30/40mins drive away, so not too bad, it might be worth checking out if there’s one close to you, good luck,
Jean x
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Hi Jean, thank you for your very swift reply. It sounds like it could be the location. I live near two big hospitals, one in Newcastle upon Tyne and the other in Gateshead, unfortunately I have been to both with the same problem. It’s worth seeing if other hospitals in the region have a machine similar to what you used in Bradford. Once again, your reply has helped me. I will research other hospitals. Kind regards, Christine.
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Hi @Hoistlady You’re very welcome, really hope you find one that’s suitable 
Take care,
Jean x
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Hi Hoistlady
I’m also in a wheelchair and I found the same as greenhouse when I went for my mammogram. The ladies were excellent and helped me into their wheelchair which allowed the mammogram to ahead exactly as it should.
Good luck I hope you manage to get things sorted out. My mammogram a couple of years ago detected a 55mm cancer I was unable to feel so it’s really important you are able to proceed. Good luck Anita x
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Hi
I am in Gloucestershire and here we are lucky to have one place for mammograms where you stay in your own wheelchair and have it done. The only thing I had to do was to swing my footrests out of the way just momentarily.
Hope you find somewhere that’s easier for you to have it done.
Pam x
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