Women with pacemakers! How do you man... - Atrial Fibrillati...

Atrial Fibrillation Support

32,402 members38,737 posts

Women with pacemakers! How do you manage to wear a bra?

Ang3lc4ts profile image
7 Replies

I had to have my pacemaker implanted twice, once in the morning, then a lead moved so back in the afternoon, hence really bad bruising. The position of the pacemaker is where my bra strap will be when I pluck up courage to wear one (I had the implant 9 days ago). I see you can get pads for the straps and wonder which will be comfortable. Any advice will be helpful (bet some men will have their two pennies worth on this one! ha ha).

Di

Written by
Ang3lc4ts profile image
Ang3lc4ts
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
7 Replies
BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

Perish the though Di, . Mum knows best is the person to answer that question.

Bob

Get a strapless bra maybe? I didn't wear a bra for a few days when I got my first shoulder pacemaker due to the pain of the scar, but I actually think that made the pain worse as the weight of the breast dragged down on the wound. For the last two pacemaker replacements, I've worn my normal bras but just put the strap as far to the outside of the shoulder as possible so it doesn't rub. I also wear good, supportive sports bras so it doesn't really matter if that one strap falls down off the shoulder. I find with those waterproof dressings now, the strap doesn't seem to rub but even if it does, I'm already in significant pain so it doesn't make much of a difference and it's much better for me to have the support of the bra. Good wishes for rapid healing!

Hi I had open heart surgery in dec and post up and most of time I wear the soft crop top bras can get most places softest ones I found were sainsbury good luck

Ang3lc4ts profile image
Ang3lc4ts

Thank you for that. I had stitches the first time, then they decided to super glue the second time as I was bleeding so much from the stitches. I have got soft bras and will try them; will also probably invest in a strapless one. My pacemaker is really close to my shoulder joint as there was nowhere else the EP could put it due to no flesh on my chest! I am feeling better by the day and gaining more confidence, sounds wimpish I know but I was frightened when the lead moved.

Never mind, all will be well. Hope you are both well and Angel blessings.

Di

mumknowsbest profile image
mumknowsbestVolunteer

Hi

If I remember rightly I wore marks and Spencer's tops which incorporated a bra for a few weeks, then went back to normal bras. I did used to tuck a tissue under the strap at first, now 5 years down the line don't have any problems and wear anything. I think it took 6 weeks or so to feel comfortable in my normal bras.

Hope that helps

Eileen

Ang3lc4ts profile image
Ang3lc4ts

Good afternoon Eileen, thank you that does help. The nurse gave me the impression that I could wear a bra straight away so I was thinking 'what's wrong with me'. I am so badly bruised all around my under arm, left breast etc. it really is uncomfortable even wearing Tshirts!

Stay well and heart calm

Di

I,ve no problems with mine Graham

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Do you have a pacemaker?

I'd be very grateful if you would post any experience of having a pace-maker because of...
rosyG profile image

Permanent AF how do you manage?

Hi everyone , I had AF for about six years I was diagnosed after I was fond to have a leaky heart...
Fattypatty profile image

New to Forum please could you help with some answers

Diagnosed with AF in December after trip to A&E with heartbeat of 180, I did have two episodes...
gemsmum profile image

How to go through airport security with a pacemaker/ICD?

Hello dear afib forum friends! I am about to fly to Brazil in a few days and I never know the best...

AV node ablation

I have been fitted with a bi- ventricular pacemaker and now about to see my EP to have an AV node...
Teignfisher profile image

Moderation team

See all
Kelley-Admin profile image
Kelley-AdminAdministrator
jess-admin profile image
jess-adminAdministrator
Emily-Admin profile image
Emily-AdminAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.