Wearing a bra

Hi, I am 38 years old and suffered a cardiac arrest back in Janurary. They had to revive me twice. I was in a coma for 2 weeks and spent a month and a half in the hospital. They inserted a pacemaker/defibrillator on February 7th. Ever since, I have avoided wearing a bra with straps, one with support, because I'm scared by wearing one that it pushes up the breasts, and by doing so, it's pushing up against the pacemaker. I am scared it might move the leads ? Shift the pacemaker out of place ? Has this ever happened to any women here ? I am currently wearing a loose fitting strapless bra. 

5 Comments

wearing a bra

by new to pace.... - 2023-04-13 19:24:16

you might search on this site for your answer as many have posted that very same query.  Up on the top of the page next to  the word " logout" looks like a  magnifer  clik on that and ask your question.

You will not  move the leads nor the pacemaker.  Am sure you might be swollen a little.  

new to pace

the leads

by Tracey_E - 2023-04-13 20:26:24

You are not going to hurt the leads with a bra or most activities. We are to avoid full contact sports. Pretty much anything else goes. A bra is not going to do anything. Once it's comfortable, go for it. I wore tanks with built in bras or front zip sports bras until I healed. 

Bralette

by Persephone - 2023-04-13 21:09:06

Hi Seeking! What an experience you've been through - I hope you are feeling OK overall. I found a "bralette" with widely placed narrow straps to be the most comfortable and it can be worn for sleeping, too.

You’re ok now

by Lavender - 2023-04-13 22:14:09

You sure went through such an awful time. Frightening and unexpected. You are ok now. Your pacemaker and leads have proven their success. You won't harm them wearing a bra. 
 

When I got my pacemaker, I cut the strap off the side of the pacemaker and hand sewed it closer to the armpit area to avoid touching the pacemaker skin. I no longer wear that bra and am fine with regular ones but I do still slide the strap to the side a bit. I'm uber protective of the skin covering the pacemaker.  
 

Your leads are sturdier than you imagine. I know that my pacemaker is also secured by being sewn on one side to anchor it. 
 

You will improve and you will be more at ease in time.  It's still new. (((Hugs)))

Thank you !

by SeekingSupport - 2023-04-14 19:39:24

Thank you newtopace, TraceyE, persephone, Lavender, AngrySparrow, for your help ! I really appreciate you guys taking the time to help me !

You know you're wired when...

Like the Energizer Bunny, you keep going.

Member Quotes

I had a pacemaker when I was 11. I never once thought I wasn't a 'normal kid' nor was I ever treated differently because of it. I could do everything all my friends were doing; I just happened to have a battery attached to my heart to help it work.