Preparation for surgery

[Susie Q]

This is my first posting. I'm scheduled for aortic valve replacement Tues., Nov. 8th, with possible mitral valve replacement. I'm an active 60-yr. old. This is a question for large-breasted women. I'm concerned about not being able to wear a bra or some type of support while walking around in the hospital & afterwards at home during the recouperation period. Have any of you had experience with this? If so, please give any recommendations you might have.

Thank you,
Susie Q

 

[Lynlw]

welcome, here is a link to a thread about this http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13319
also there is a presurgery checklist a few posts before this that is pretty helpful Lyn www.caringbridge.org/nj/justinw

 

[Phyllis]

I took the liberty of putting you on our calendar for November 8th. I hope you will have a successful surgery, uneventful recovery and will stay around to share your experience with us and those in the waiting room.
Best Wishes,
Phyllis

 

[bani]

Hello Susie,

First: While in the hospital, you really won't care about your looks, believe me. Now that I am home (4 weeks post- op), I still don't like to wear a bra, and I am large-breasted, too. What I do is dress in layers (T-shirt, than loose vest or jacket) to "hide" the area a bit.
Please don't be too concerned about this. The most important thing is to be comfortable. Everybody will understand.

 

[Curtsmum]

Welcome and best of luck with your surgery on the 8th, i wish you a speedy recovery

 

[RitaAnn]

Just in case you didn't get to this site I've included it again. It seems to be just the thing for for us "big chested" ladies: http://www.goldainc.com/

Thinking of you and sending good thoughts and prayers your way.
RitaAnn

 

[BAV Pt's daughter]

Bra recommended by doctor.

Bra recommended by doctor.

My mom just had AVR 10/24. She hasn't had any trouble with her bras, but we did buy a couple that were bigger than usual right before her surgery, you'll want them loose. (or buy extenders). She is fairly large in that area, too, which actually helps keep the bras off of the chest/incisions. When around the house, she wears camisoles, but has had no trouble with bras. Just dont wear your delicate ones cause they might get blood on them occasionally until the wound heals. Her doctor RECOMMENDED her to wear them actually, to help keep the weight off of the incision, she says, so she wears them more often than not even around the house now. Good luck!!!