Ladies - wearing a bra after OHS

[Angel]

For you ladies, could you tell me your experience with wearing a bra after your OHS. My surgery is the 25th of June.

 

[Luana]

I was given one at the hospital, a soft stretchy number with a front velcro closure, looked like something out of an old Montegomery Ward catalog. Very comfy. If you're having a sternotomy, from what I hear it's a good idea to wear something like that in the hospital. You might want to ask when you go in for your pre-op stuff if they'll give you one or if you should bring one from home. I wore it probably at least a month after as I didn't want to deal with underwires and I didn't have a sternotomy. I think comfort and some support is what's best.

 

[malibu82]

today my doctor informed me that i should have been wearing one as soon as i could (which i did) because it helps the healing so your chest doesnt pull on the incision!

 

[Marguerite53]

If your hospital recommends one, or offers one (some do, I guess) by all means give those a try. I purchased a vest type thing that velcro-ed up the front. Then I wore some of my husband's sleeveless ribbed undershirts underneath. So soft, those undershirts! Many of us are very sensitive for months around the sternum area. Also, the camisole tops with the lining (bra shelf) are excellent, though pulling them over your head may be a bit tricky for awhile (you may be stiff and achey).

Just also want to chime in that I am moving in a few weeks, downsizing dramatically and all the sorting and packing that goes with it. If I miss wishing you well before your surgery, please know that I will have you in my thoughts!! I know that you will keep the strength you need to get through this. You will be amazed at how much easier it is than you were (we all were) thinking!!

Godspeed!

Marguerite

 

[drivetopless]

I was told that wearing the sports type bra to keep the girls in check, especiall if you are larger, will help make the scar smaller (minimize pulling).

 

[Penny]

My surgeon told me to get a front closing bra.. I thought of a stretchy type sports bra but the gazoonka's are kinda big and I don't want them floppin around lol

 

[malibu82]

go to victorias secret and get a wireless bra!! that's what i did. not the most attractive thing but it worked great the first few weeks. also, i didnt find the need for a front closing bra. you probably won't either! it's really not hard to get it on. you just do it like you normally would and it's okay!

 

[LisaD]

Sports bra with a zip front worked best for me. Get on a little larger than what you normally wear, you do not want to fight with getting it on or have areas that are too tight. Definitely NO WIRES.

 

[Angel]

Thanks ladies for all the helpful info! I really appreciate it!

 

[sweetbanker]

When i woke up I had a lovely lace bra on . It closed in the front and back with adjustable straps. I am large breasted and the staff suggested that I wear a bra 24/7 for a while. When they gave me my first sponge bath in ICU and undid the bra , I couldn't wait to get it back on. It really holds you together.
When I came home I wore one of my bigger bras and then stopped wearing for about 2 weeks , chest tube wasn't healing and the bra rubbed right on that spot even with bandages on. Back in the bra after 2 weeks and felt more stable , Doc said if I want I don't need to keep wearing at night .

You have to see how you feel you may not want to wear a bra .Check with hospital or surgeon to see if they supply one or go online and see whats out there I know they have front closers with zipppers and velcro.

Be well