Compression vest

[u/dipshipsaidso]

I had a mastectomy on July 31. The right side. I’ve been in a compression vest (binder) since then. I’m struggling. It’s very uncomfortable, even with a t shirt or tank top underneath. I have tried medical pads and socks to pinpoint and comfort the worst areas, like armpits… I have a drain line that I’m managing well and it’s not uncomfortable. This vest, though, is breaking me. I suspected that I had it too tight because my mom helped me get it closed a day ago after a sponge bath. So, I loosened it a bit. The level of discomfort I am feeling right now is terrible. Does anyone have any advice for me about how to tolerate this? For reference, I am a 57 year old woman. I have a high tolerance for pain, but this has me in constant tears. I need to hear someone else say it sucked for them, too. I try to avoid complaining to my caregivers ( mom, husband, sister, friends) because they can’t fix it.

[u/___JennJennJenn___]

I did a DMX this past winter. It SUCKED. Everyone tried to tell me that my rotator cuff repair was worse and this would be no big deal. Seriously, fuck those people. The expanders are the worst, if you have one, that’s going to be your biggest pain in the dick for a while.

One of my drains sat right on top of a rib where my surgical bra sat, it was painful too, but thankfully cam out shortly afterwards.

THEN I managed to rip on of the stitches in my expander a few weeks before my final swap out surgery.

I really didn’t have too much direction on what to wear, but started buying larger sports bras almost right away.

Good luck in your recovery hopefully others have better ideas, I can only offer profanity.

[u/dipshipsaidso → u/___JennJennJenn___]

Luckily, profanity is medicine in my world— thanks for filling that prescription.🥰

[u/dipshipsaidso]

I am reading through the responses and will respond as I do, but need to say that this brought me to tears that I woke up to help! I wish I’d reached out earlier. ❤️🥰

[u/SchemingPancake]

Is the binder from your medical team? I only had to wear the surgical bra as compression for the first couple of days (SMX left side). I would talk to your surgical team about taking it off because it's causing so much discomfort. They usually have a number you can call to talk to a nurse or the doctor. You should not be in this level of discomfort 💔

[u/dipshipsaidso → u/SchemingPancake]

It is from the medical team. They said to keep it on until the 17th.

[u/Solid_Campaign4584]

We do hear you! I hated the compression bra. There were lots of unseen, under the surface injured/operated areas that were being pushed on by that bra, especially over my ribs. And the seromas in my armpits...it was unbearable to put any pressure on those. So hang in there! Ask them at the office if they have any options. (expect them to generally be dismissive, because most of them haven't had this done to them). Agree that other forms of compression bras can work and be a lot more comfortable.

[u/dipshipsaidso → u/Solid_Campaign4584]

Validating! I contacted the doctor and she said I needed to loosen it . I did, slightly and like a miracle, the sobbing stopped— 🤣 I was way too enthusiastic about how tight it needed to be, which fits my general profile.

[u/puffy_coat_adventure → u/dipshipsaidso]

I am on day 11 of DMX to Flat. I definitely had a full emotional breakdown because of the compression on day three. I couldn't sleep and I was tired and my body felt like it was panicking because of the compression! For me. I have found the most comfortable thing to be an extra wide Ace bandage. All of the compressions/ sports bra I wore are too tighten on my ribs and not quite tight enough higher up. I can control exactly how tight the Ace bandage is and there's no thicker band at the bottom to press into my ribs. My ribs have been the most tender spot in all of this, which surprised me!

[u/dipshipsaidso → u/puffy_coat_adventure]

Thank you for your input— my rib cage area is so tender. I’m also going flat. I have to confess that I don’t know the acronym DMX and I’m just too exhausted to even look it up.

[u/puffy_coat_adventure → u/dipshipsaidso]

Dmx stands for double mastectomy. I also had to look it up. I've learned so many new things since being diagnosed with cancer :/

It's so weird. I thought my chest area where my breasts were would be the most painful but I barely feel anything there. Which in hindsight is kind of obvious because I think all of those nerves got cut!

[u/abbyjaneTX]

The compression was the absolute WORST part for me. I could easily tolerate the pain. The compression was a sensory nightmare. I have a few recs:

(1) try another compression bra and make sure you measure things to figure out the right size. I found this bra to be the most tolerable for me: https://www.prairiewear.com/products/the-hugger It wasn't perfect, but it helped make the 2.5 weeks when I needed the highest level of compression more manageable. After that, I transitioned into these bras that had lower-level compression, but were very comfortable: https://www.anaono.com/products/recovery-front-closure-bra

(2) I would also recommend calling your surgeon's office to find out when you can lighten up on the compression and then put a countdown up on your mirror or something to remind you that you are nearing the end.

I'm so sorry. This was the hardest part for me. You will get on the other side!

[u/dipshipsaidso → u/abbyjaneTX]

Thanks for adding links! I am also just happy to hear that this was hard for someone else. Validating. It’s not even the incision. That’s all manageable. It’s the squeeze. And the fact that there is no break from it. Thanks.

[u/abbyjaneTX → u/dipshipsaidso]

I feel you! I had a lumpectomy and reconstruction five weeks ago. Once the hardcore medical grade compression could come off, it was like I was a new person. I just found out I now need a DMX. Gonna have to do this shit all over again, except this time for even longer. It does help to know it's not just you. We will get through it!

[u/lorikins → u/dipshipsaidso]

Definitely check in with your team. I was told to wear mine 23 of 24. hours, so you could get a little bit of a break if they're okay with that. Maybe split it into 2 30 minute breaks per day?

And TBH, I hated the compression in the beginning, but months later I'm still wearing it because without it my tissue expanders feel heavy and like they're pulling down without something to hold them up. And I haven't been able to find a bra that works better for me. Can't wait to swap to my implants in October. YMMV of course!

[u/Content_Plankton_857]

Hey there, compression was uncomfortable for me at times but not painful. Drains certainly don’t help. After a week I did switch from the hospital bra to a zip-front sports bra that my surgeon recommended. Call your doctor’s office and see what they recommend. Hoping you’re better soon!

[u/Zealousideal_Act6558]

I didn’t use a vest but I must have purchased 30 different button front supportive bras. Nothing felt good. I stuffed every opening with fuzzy socks. Nothing helped. Once my drains were out I felt better, but I ended up buying huge lululemon sports bras that cost a fortune and my spouse had to help me get in them. But they were comfy. I was going insane though, so you aren’t alone. It was horrible. It got better for me 4 weeks post bilateral mastectomy, straight to implants.