To Bra or not to Bra......

Having an ICD implanted next week and am female. Have not been able to locate postings on tips on what types of bras are most comfortable post-surgery and what works best (if anything) to cushion the site from a bra (strap). Please advise. Thank-you! :)

9 Comments

If you can...

by MelodyMarch - 2013-12-28 09:12:11

I would try to work with your EP/Surgeon on placement so that your incision does not go under the bra strap.

I am a violin/viola player, so the typical pocket incision where it is in the collarbone area was never to be for me anyway, since the rubbing of my instrument would irritate that sort of incision. My incision floats right around the edge of the bra I usually wear ANGRYSPARROW has it right…properly fitted bras are a must, I swear if they ever get rid of the type of bra I usually wear, I will cry.

As for reaching behind the back, my doctor never gave me any restrictions around that, but again every doc is different. I prefer soft bras for recovery anyway.

If you are a large chested gal, like I am, you will want something, it helps the feeling that the pocket is stretching and pulling. THe first day or so when I was in the sling, I just kept my forearm under my breast and supported myself that way, until I was suitably medicated to put one on.

All and all I was back in my normal underwire type bras about 2 weeks after surgery.

not to bra

by Tracey_E - 2013-12-28 11:12:16

Twisting to put a bra on the first few weeks is not a good idea! I wore a button up top to the hospital so I didn't have to pull a shirt over my head, tank top instead of bra. I wore mostly the tanks with the built in shelf bra the first few weeks.

Talk to your surgeon about putting the incision so that it isn't right under your bra strap. They can do it a little lower and put the pm in a little deeper so it's not as noticeable after it heals.

To bra

by Marie12 - 2013-12-28 11:12:40

It really depends on your chest size. If you are a larger cup size, it is almost impossible not to wear a bra. I tried that at first and found the incision felt like it was pulling and it was quite painful. I bought a very soft bra that hooked up front (with about five hooks) and it had soft wide straps. I also found that a bra kept my ICD more stable and it didn't move as much. At the end of the day, both options work, it just really depends on your size (and gravity). I didn't find that the strap bothered my incision at all and it is directly where the bra strap lands.

Bra or no Bra

by IAN MC - 2013-12-28 12:12:05

Ladies Interesting debate. I have weighed up both sides and my vote is definitely " No Bra "

Ian

To Bra or not to Bra

by MoanaLisaM - 2013-12-28 12:12:18

Thank-you so much for the comments!!!! What great information from each of you! I have wide-strapped, front-closure bras that I kept from my aortic valve replacement surgery last year, and it sounds like I will be getting them out. I thought that perhaps putting a piece of felt over the incision (either over the bandage or after it has healed a bit) and then a strip of the small- bubbled bubble wrap under the strap may work for cushioning... At 40D, I discovered last year, I have to wear some type of bra to ease the pulling that you were describing, Marie 12.

Bra or not

by WiredPixie - 2013-12-28 12:12:28

I didn't wear a bra for a few weeks due to not being able to move my arm. My doc really stressed not taking a chance on messing up the leads.

I found men's tank tops most comfortable, being tight around the breasts so they don't move much did the trick for me. Also strapless bras work. I just had to have someone put it on for me.

I'm 7 weeks post op now and a strap still is irritating because the edge of my "Gizmo" is right where a strap goes. It's improving day by day, but it's still uncomfortable. I'm excited to be alive and to have a chance to be active, so I will do what it takes to keep Gizmo happy.

Ask for surgical bra

by WYknitter - 2013-12-31 12:12:14

If you have large breasts that need support, ask for a surgical bra at the hospital before you are taken to the cath room. After your PM is implanted, a nurse can help you put on the bra.

Purchase some front closure bras to wear for the first month - twisting and turning to put on a bra is not a good idea, especially if you have large breasts.

Thank-you Ladies!!!

by MoanaLisaM - 2014-01-13 07:01:56

Two weeks post surgery today! Thank-you so much for your comments!!!! I spoke with the surgeon and he put the device in at an angle (?) so only the tail end of the device is under a strap. Dug out the front-closure bras from last year's valve replacement surgery and wore those for the first week. Much easier to get on and off!!! Moved to my regular underwire bras at the end of last week with a gauze pad over the suture site. Told by the nurse at my incision check on Friday that I no longer needed the gauze. Woo-Hoo!!!! Pretty much back to normal!!! Much easier than the 24-7 for 6 weeks bra on regime that I had to endure with the valve replacement.

Thanks

by chica1051 - 2014-11-20 05:11:28

Had my ICD implanted just over week ago and as I am a larger lady have been wondering how much longer I have to be flopping around bra-less. Loved that I actually found a discussion on this and it has been helpful. Think I will go for a soft front fastening bra initially. Don't mind drooping for a while but can't stand flopping lol.

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