Any ladies out there who have had a first rib excision op?????

A SLIGHTLY AWKWARD TOPIC HERE............ BRA'S.

I'm now post 5 weeks op and I still can't tolerate straps or any pressure around the collarbone or shoulder region.
BRA'S are a no-no!!!!!!!!
I'm having real problems in the underwear department!!!!!!!!! As much as I can't wear one I still feel the need for some support to take pressure of the muscles in the upper chest area.
I'm only now at the stage where I can put on a soft sports type bra but even then I have the shoulder strap hanging off my shoulder- It's supporting NOTHING!!! So it defeats the object of even wearing it really.

For the last 5 weeks I've had no real support at all and its causing discomfort due to the tender muscle tissue above my breast. Obviously with movement there is dragging which in turns causes more irritation to the muscle tissue. And I'm not even that big....... I feel for women who have had this op with heavy breasts, the pull on the scar tissue must be awful???
I find when sitting indoors I'm placing my arm under my boob to prop it up! This tends to make the inside of my collarbone throb and so the cycle of discomfort CONTINUES-----------------!!!!!!!!!!
Next stage ( while sitting indoors) I will be probably be using a cushion to pop underneath to lift it, very sexy......... NOT! - watch out Hubby

Any suggestions of strapless bras that actually work and give a lifting support without crushing them down into your ribcage????
Thanks for any info ladies.
SD38

I don't know this operation so I am making a suggestion which may not be appropriate.

Try one of those lycra support vests as you can get them to go down to the waiste like a sports bra. There is a drawback. They flatten the shape of your chest. But that would look better than a cushion.

It always takes longer than they tell you to get over surgery. After six weeks it just will start to get better. I had a hysterectomy and it took me 10 times longer than the 6 weeks they told me.

So take care, eat well and lay down to watch TV.

xx

We have some older threads about comfortable bras.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...highlight=bras

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...highlight=bras

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...highlight=bras

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...highlight=bras

there's more but this should give some ideas..

Ha ha, prehaps you're right about the cushion not being a good look.
I like your suggestion of laying down to watch TV..... I think I can manage that.

Many thanks Jo*mar.
Amongst the links you put up for me, I came across the Itec bra from La senza. It looks like a contender...... I wonder if they are "UP" to the job?
SD38 xx

I had the samesurgery in feb....i still can't wear a bra

Hi katiebear411
I see you're new to the forum...... WELCOME!!
Out of curiosity, where are your incisions?
I have two about 2 1/2" wide, above and below the collarbone.
Also how do your scars look now? Are they still raised or red?

If you are not managing to wear a bra still after 8 months, how are you coping, do you work still, do you do any exercises, did you experience post surgery anxiety/depression?
This op is no joke! It's more invasive that I realised.
I'm post 7 weeks now and still off work and becoming quite low, but trying hard to remain positive.
Eager to hear how others have dealt with this surgery.
Best wishes SD38