surgical prep - question for the ladies

[smmbrady]

My mother is preparing for AVR and we have read that use of a surgical bra after surgery can help with comfort and healing. Does anyone have any recommendations as to where to get such a thing and any advice as to what might be helpful? Perhaps we will learn about this at a presurgical meeting with the nursing staff, but I wonder if it might take time to get one and we might not have time (she just got a second opinion from a cardiologist, who recommended that she proceed with surgery asap). Sorry if this may seem to be a trivial question, but anything that will help, even a little, is something I want to pursue.

Thanks for any input that you may have, and all best wishes to you.
SMB

 

[Phyllis]

SMB- here's a thread that should answer your question: http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18361&highlight=surgical+bra

 

[smmbrady]

Thank you, Phyllis! That's just what we need.
My mother will likely have her surgery done by Dr. Aranki, who is at BWH. He was recommended to us by a cardiac surgeon at Stanford I know personally, who did work in Dr. Cohn's lab several years ago. Thanks again.

 

[Phyllis]

Glad I could help. I think you will find the whole Brigham experience to be excellent for both your mother and her family. They are the best! Please let us know when she has her date and keep us informed on her results. You might want to read through the threads on pre surgery regarding getting ready for the hospital and preparing for homecoming.

 

[ruth]

If your mother is small enough, she would do well in a undershirt, the kind kids call "beaters" these days. I had many from Jockey that I wore with delight post surgery.

My favorite item in the hospital was a microfiber bathrobe that was incredibly soft and light. It was my blanket when I was cold, my robe when I went walking, I could ball it up into a pillow, it was the best comfort item I had with me.

I wish your mom & you the best,
Ruth

 

[catwoman]

SMB:

I wore camisole bras for about 5-6 weeks, and occasionally after that. They were very comfortable.

If I had to go through surgery again, I'd try to find a couple of sleep bras with velcro in the front. If I couldn't find any with velcro, I'd get my creative sister, Cathy, to replace the hooks with velcro.

 

[CathyK.]

I am with Rachel, I did not have a special bra either. I also went braless at home and wore my normal one when I was out of the house. I did fine. I think it may depend on breast size. I am not large on top so that could have been why I did not have problems wearing nothing. Good luck and keep in touch.

 

[Cynaburst]

I am not the sort to go bra-less normally, and I am fairly large chested, but after my surgery, I did not want anything touching my scar. Luckily it was the summer, so I wore camisole tops with a button shirt over the camisole for at least a month. I also bought some non-underwire comfortable bras for when I did eventually wear a bra, as I couldn't wear the underwire for about 3 months. I found it most comfortable when the scar was open to the air.

 

[smmbrady]

Wow! Thank you all so much for your input! I will be reading these threads and telling my mother all about what I learn. I am hoping to convince her to get internet access, but we'll see. Right now, just getting ready for surgery is enough of a change for her. She was advised by one cardiologist to go for a follow up echo. in June, but went for a second opinion and was advised to get the surgery done within the next few weeks. She was told that no good would come from waiting, but more harm could be done (and some of the numbers in her prior echo. made me very worried). This makes me scared, and as much as it will be difficult, I want her to get the surgery done as soon as possible.

Thank you all so much!

 

[hensylee]

nurses on the floor told me to get exercise bras from WalMart. I found sleep bras the best and still use them after 7 yrs. Very comfy.

Bonnie wears camisoles.

 

[debster913]

I found those long white tank tops from Old Navy were great after my surgery. I could layer them under another shirt (my surgery was in the summer) to go to the Coumadin Clinic or to see my cardio. After about three weeks, I felt a pulling sensation under my breast (my incision is there) and started wearing the Victoria's Secret IPEX wireless bra. My usual wireless Playtex bras were, and are, still too itchy and uncomfortable. I swear by those IPEX bras; they're awesome!