i was thinking duct tape... lol!!!!

I know for those need to wear something times there is a tape on bra...we get them at a Canadian drug store chain shoppers drug mart. They are used for strapless dresses to hold u up but if that is not the issue they have....pasties....again...they are back just round skin tone colour spots just big enough to cover your bits (as my mother used to say).

non cosmetic breast reduction should you want it in Canada is free....covered for medical reasons get your doc to say you need it for your tos and you will be covered by health canada no charge ....it is not a cosmetic procedure.

thats all for now gals....and any guy who cares to read!!!

love and hugs,
Victoria

I was told to try:
1. A sports bra
Same thing here for olecyn
Cannot put over my head or pull up, too tight
Also too tight on my trapezius muscles

2. Then I was told to try a corsett
Just do NOT have the strength or ability to fasten all the fasteners

3. Dr. Agnew suggested a contour vest
Ordered it and it works but still too tight on my trapezius muscles.

Been wearing the built in cami tops since my surgery in 2002
However, they really hurts my shoulder and upper trapezius
So, I just pull the straps off at times of pain

Can I come to Canada and get a reduction?

http://www.royalrobbins.com/product_...Cat_ID=15&sp=N

I just found two of these on the clearance rack at REI...paid about $10 each for them. SUPER soft fabric, thick- thick enough for modesty and supprt without being super tight. SO, I don't need a bra, and SOOOOOO comfy. I have been living in them since my surgery. thay are a little tricky to get into, but not nearly as hard as a sports bra becasue they are so soft.

I haven't been able to find them on the REI site for the $10...but even $30 is less than many bras.

I'm wondering if it would be worth checking into dance wear - something like a bodysuit or leotard might give SOME support while at least spreading the weight out more, maybe not so killer on the traps, as long as you went with a bit of a sleeve as opposed to a strap?

Or even a solid color swim bra?

I did a lot of searching and ended up buying some bras that really don't work too well before figuring out what does work for me - which is something without straps, my traps just don't handle 'em well. But even the ribs don't like them for long, so they can't be too tight around. And 2-3 hours is about my max, or I get a nasty attack of costochondritis - rib PAIN, sweating, clammy, nausea, dizziness, hard to get a deep breath, want to tear that thing off right in public - but so far have always managed to get to the car or a ladie's room. REALLY not fun!!

What I did finally is go to the department store with the largest lingerie department and try on a gazillion brands, models (on sale) and experimented with sizes til I found what felt least constrictive while still doing the job.

I like the front-fasten bras as well. I have 3-4 tanks with built-in bras, but they get just as constrictive to the ribs after a whileand have to come off, but I can loosen the straps just a bit so they don't dig into the traps and yet not so much they are sliding off, which is nice.

I too have heaps of trouble with bras and cant wait to get it off as soon as I walk thru the door. On bad days I simply pull the straps down and sit them on my shoulder. All you A cup girls, luck you.....Im a D so strapless wont do the job. Im a sports bra girl too.

Ozzy

I really would like to know---how long after a TOS surgery is it difficult for women to wear a bra? If some of you post surgery could respond I would like to know what the issues are. I want to plan ahead as the good ideas for alternatives suggested so far aren't so realistic for someone of my size.

thanks!

Hi Fern,

I wore tank tops from costco that had a support built in...not a large cup so was ok for me...was a B at the time and it was comfortable enough and I'd wear a sleeveless sweatshirt (had my sx in summer) and wore a light short sleeve blouse over them so they were like an undershirt. Didn't wear a bra for about a month after was still too sore but I wasn't going out so I had no need...the only place I would go is the doctor or pharmacy.

hope that helps.

love and hugs,
Victoria

I have a couple sports bras that are not overhead. I could not do overhead either. One closes in the front with a zipper and the other closes in the back like a normal bra.

i had just started to be able to tolerate a bra once in a while from my May 21 surgery (so three months-ish) but still not regularly.

I suspect it will be a while now....I tried to put on my bathing suit for the beach monday and could only stand it for about 10 seconds...ended up wearing the top I linked to earlier and a pair of shorts