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Having turned 41 this year, an item pending on my ‘to do’ list for some time was to arrange for a mammogram. My opportunity finally arrived when my editor asked me to cover a story on breast care at KHUH.
The procedure was simple. Firstly make an appointment at the KHUH general surgery for any Thursday, when the breast clinic is open from 8am to 1pm. The service is available to every resident of Bahrain. Appointments can be organised by calling 17444444 or by visiting the hospital directly.
At the consultation, the doctor discusses any problems and carries out a breast examination before referring you to the radiology unit, which is on the floor above.
The mammogram is like taking an X-ray of each of your breasts in a machine that looks very high-tech and posh. The only difference is that a woman has to stand rather uncomfortably while one of her most sensitive body parts is laid flat on a plastic surface and given a very hard squeeze!
This is not exactly the easiest of experiences but it is only for a few moments until the technician, who is also a woman, is assured of the quality of the image.
There are four images taken at different angles, two of which need a very awkward posture, so that the doctors can get a complete view of the inside.
The KHUH facilities are truly world class. The room is separate, and although the door is closed and no one can enter while a mammogram is in operation, two curtains further safeguard your privacy.
Patients will be asked to undress waist up, remove all jewellery and even wipe off any deodorant or perfume around the chest. They are provided with a fresh purple gown and asked to wear it front open. Also, while standing to get the mammogram done, you only take off one arm of the gown at a time. So, at no point does a patient have to stand with her chest completely exposed.
The entire procedure takes no more than 10-15 minutes. There is a slight discomfort but, what the heck – it is a life saving procedure that I am happy to undergo every year.
A private Out Patients Clinic has also been recently opened between 4pm and 8pm, appointments for which can be taken by calling 17444777.
– Anasuya Kesavan
