What bras work??

Can I get some suggestions for what bras work after a pacemaker is installed? I don't know exactly where the pacemaker even goes. My surgery is 4/3. I am big-busted and older, so I do need support for comfort, appearance and so that I don't damage the site. I doubt strapless bras will work very well on an old lady! What kinds of bras have you found? Do the straps need to be far apart, wide, underwire, no wire? I'm at a loss. The only people I know with pacemakers are men. Also, were how were you able to sleep the first couple of weeks? It seems like it would be uncomfortable. Did you use a recliner?

HELP!

9 Comments

and sleeping

by ohiolaura - 2014-03-21 06:03:06

was more of a challenge,used a pillow under arm on PM side for a week or so,slept in bed fine with it.
Just more aware of it all,and nervous a little bit,but with a pillow to rest and protect some,it was fine.I had no issues there,I think my husband was more worried about bumping into the PM spot and messing something up,but that never happened.

girls stuff

by ohiolaura - 2014-03-21 06:03:36

Well I have found this,first few days home,went commando,or free range,no holding device used while I was at home.
Went back to work a few days later,I used a sports bra,and it worked enough,for a little "control".
Then,maybe 10 days after surgery,I went back to my regular bra's,with no problem.
Underwires shouldn't be an issue,nor should straps,the PM site should be out of the way of strap,so that'll be no issue as far as I know of.
You may want to put a thin soft piece of fabric under the strap on the PM side,just for extra cushion.
Youll want to use a small towel or something for the seat belt in the car when you are in it,as I found the strap will get close if not on the PM site,and its more comfy.
I didn't know anything prior to,and asked these same questions,so join the club!!
Youll be fine,asking questions is all good!
Laura

bra pad

by bluebowtye - 2014-03-21 06:03:44

If you go to the Store at the top left of this page under Clubhouse there is a link for a bra pad that might be helpful, especially after the first week or so. There is also a link for a seatbelt pad if you find your seatbelt causes irritation. So far, I have not had a problem with this.

~Sheila

bra after surgery

by bluebowtye - 2014-03-21 06:03:54

Hi LitLady,
I just had my PM implanted on 2/17. For the first few days I did NOT wear a bra. I just wore a zip-up sweatshirt. I was home alone all day so it was fine for me but that may not be an option for you. I would maybe try some sort of a cotton sports bra that have the straps attached. I found the straps on a regular bra irritated my incision. It depends on where your incision is located. You might ask a sales associate for what she might recommend. Also, as far as sleeping, I found it difficult especially the first few nights because I was in some pain and had to wear a sling on my arm. I slept in bed but had to lay on back which I am not used to doing. I found if I propped some pillows under my left arm that helped. After about 2 weeks I was able to lay on my right side and now can lay on my left without too much discomfort.

Good luck with your surgery! This site has been a tremendous help for me, especially dealing with the mental issues of having to get a PM as I did not know anyone that had one and mine came about suddenly and was totally unexpected.

Take care,
~Sheila

bras

by jenks58 - 2014-03-21 08:03:28

I too have large breast (sadly) but the bras are good fitting properly fit. If you live in a area with a bra specialty store such as Top Drawer, or Intimacy are two here in Houston. Go get at least one good fitting bra. Then hit ebay with your size to get a better price. It turns out I'm a 32H I didn't know there was an H! They have the straps in the right place and do not interfere with the PM.

Comfort

by Bostonstrong - 2014-03-21 08:03:29

Wear your most comfortable bras. I too am -curvaceous - and those curvy assets can pull on your incision without a supportive bra. The discomfort of a bra strap against the incision is very minor compared to the effects of gravity on the incision. Re sleeping, I am most comfortable on my left side so that's how I slept. Rolling over and sitting up were briefly uncomfortable, sleeping was not. Best of luck!

Bra comfort

by Tick-tock - 2014-03-21 11:03:46

I had my pm inserted sept of last year. I found the most comfort in going commando. To be honest, I lived in sweats for the first couple weeks :) I think everyone is different. As ohiolaura states , she wore sports bras, whereas I found them very uncomfortable. I did not have much incisional pain, mine was more lead discomfort. I eventually wore my regular bra and some days I just keep that strap down. I found comfort in "freezing" rubbing alcohol in zip lock baggies and putting that on a washcloth and under my bra strap. Ice will be your breast friend. :) best of luck!!

Wear a bra

by Elleninminn - 2014-03-22 09:03:17

My nurses told me to wear a bra, as it keeps the breast from pulling down on the incision and aids the healing process. If the strap touches the incision site, pull it slightly away and tape it to keep it where you want it. (May not be necessary.) No need to buy a special bra.

I did a bit of both...

by MelodyMarch - 2014-03-23 06:03:00

A lot of it depends on where your incision ends up. A lot of EP's put the incision right below the clavicle which unfortunately is right where the bra strap comes into play.

My EP and I talked about that since I am well endowed, and I also play violin, those two factors convinced him that I needed a different incision site. My incision site floats right along the fabric edge of my bra, and my EP is very happy with the results and so am I. He says I healed one of the fastest of all his well-endowed ladies, and is considering more of my site in the future.

Now as for bras, I bought myself some soft cotton bras with no underwires, those helped especially at night keep the girls from flapping around until I healed up a bit. After the first week or so I was back in my normal bras.

Hope that helps!

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