One for us girls

Hi, I am due my first CRT-D in two weeks. I have had a year of denial and buckets of tears. Then last week, I heard of a 32 year old in our village with terminal cancer and something clicked inside me...... she has no more choices; I do. I have been given a life line. Take it.

So suddenly, I am looking forward to the new me and planning my recovery. 

So tell me ladies, how do I put on my bra without too much movement from my left arm? I’ve been trying to practice but to no avail and can not find any info. I have been told that I must not lift my arm above shoulder level for 4 weeks, but is it ok to reach around to my back to yank my bra around to the front? Get the picture? Looking forward to hearing from you. ❤️

8 Comments

recovery

by Tracey_E - 2017-10-12 09:11:42

Wear a top that buttons to the hospital and for the first few days at least. You won't want to twist enough to get a bra on or pull a top over your head at first. After that, I wore tanks with the built in shelf bra until I was up for a regular bra. Twisting is ok once you feel up to it. 

How about one for us BOYS?

by donr - 2017-10-12 10:20:49

Got a husband?  Roommate?

Ask for help.  My wife had Rotator cuff surgery.  Her solution?  "Don, help me hook my bra, please."  Never has/had to raise the elbow above her waist!

Works the other way around, also.  Had belly surgery & couldn't reach my feet to put o my socks.

Guess that's why a synonym for spouse is "Helpmate."

Go for it!

BTW: Why do women think you have to raise the elbow above the shoulder to wash hair?  Try bending the head forward from the neck - you can easily reach the top of the head while clamping the elbow at the waist.  That is unless you have arms like a Tyrannosaurus Rex. 

Donr

Well Now That You Got That Covered

by Grateful Heart - 2017-10-12 11:20:23

I'm glad you are now accepting you need a device.  That is really the biggest part of the struggle.

We're all here to help you through.  Attitude and a sense of humor is so helpful as you can read here.  1 step forward....2 steps back, but baby steps.  You'll get there. 

We truly are very lucky we have these devices in our lifetime.

Grateful Heart

Good luck

by Cbee - 2017-10-12 23:23:28

I also opted for tanks with built in bra for the first few weeks. I found ones I like at Uniqlo. But warning they run small so buy a size bigger. Good luck!

Simple Method

by Artist - 2017-10-13 00:17:21

Fasten the bra while it is at waist level by putting the clasps/hooks in front of you. Twist the fastened bra around so that the fastener is in back and slip your left hand into the opening of the left strap and to the same thing with your right hand and the right shoulder strap.  Use your right hand to pull the left strap up on your left shoulder and then finish by pulling the right strap up on your right shoulder with your right hand.  Sounds complicated, but it is very simple. There is no need to use your left side at all except for helping to close the fasteners when they are at waist level.

You are wonderful!!! Thank you ❤️

by Mapleshaz - 2017-10-13 03:28:34

What a site! All the answers are here. Thank you so much. Robin1: you ARE the right person to advise. I have learnt about front zip, soft cotton, ice/heat, no sling, yoghurt, cranberry juice (hard to find the juice version here in UK as our cranberry juice-drink is so heavily diluted), water and lemon (sounds yummy!). TraceyE: of course, a buttoned shirt; it never crossed my mind, Doh! And I WILL be buying some tank tops with a fitted bra.  donr: I live alone and would just hate to disturb the neighbour!!!!! I wanted to copy and paste my favorite T-rex pic but don’t know how so can you do me a favour...... google this: “T-rex if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands cartoon”. 😂😂😂 And finally but not least, thank you to Grateful Heart, Cbee, and Artist. Every time I hear from you all, I get a rush of excitement and positiveness and optimism. What stars you all are. ❤️❤️❤️ PS so how do I send you my post op pics? 🤔 🤷‍♀️

Bra

by betelayne - 2017-10-14 16:26:24

In the first 2 months after my procedure I bought at least a dozen bras.I had trouble getting them on,they hurt and made me miserable.I simply didn't wear one until I could get it on easily and it was comfortable.I am retired so it was easy for me to just wear a loose fitting top or a sweatshirt.It's been 6 months now and I wear a bra.Once in a while when I plan to be home all day I don't bother.Instant freedom! 

Bra or No Bra...

by Washingtonienne - 2017-10-15 16:18:16

Best description of how to put on a bra, Artist!  
But really, that's it.  Just clasp it in the front and pull it around and slip it up with your right hand.  I was just fitted with a PM last week Monday and this is what I've done.  The left bra strap bothered me a little so I just didn't use it.  I tucked in in the side instead.  One bra strap was better than none.  
I did try to go braless my first day home but my girls aren't tiny and I felt that the weight pulled a little on my incision. 

Love the t-rex cartoon.  I recommend also google searching "t-rex toilet paper".  :P

You know you're wired when...

Your device makes you win at the slot machines.

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