Bras post surgery

[Patra79]

I'm currently waiting for a date for repair of my atrial septal defect. Its going to be done with traditional surgery.

Are you able to wear bras after? if so is there a particular kind I should get?

[Midgeymoo17]

Hi I am waiting for Open Heart Surgery for congenital heart defects too I was told sports bras and given the information below:

uhb.nhs.uk/Downloads/pdf/Pi...

[Patra79 in reply to Midgeymoo17]

That's great. Thank you.

[Madgranny2 in reply to Patra79]

Hi

I am waiting for an Aotta valve and artery replacement. I am 69 and I was advised to get the stretch pull on as you don't have to pull it over your head it can be put on from your feet up. Also cotton front fastening bras and that a soft scarf can be used to keep the fastenings away from chest if required . Hope all goes well for you ladies

[Heather1957]

I have just had a bypass so not sure if my advice will help but here goes. Pre op I bought 3 sports bras as I thought they would be easier to wear WRONG!! They are so tight they take a lot of effort to put on.

I went back to wearing my day to day underwire bras which were easy to wear and as advised I wore all the time.

So my advice is save your money and wear your usual.

[Midgeymoo17 in reply to Heather1957]

I know what you mean in the respect that my running bras were like this but my low impact sports bras were much looser and easier to fit. So maybe if thinking of buying try first?

[Heather1957 in reply to Midgeymoo17]

All I can say I bought some in advance trying to be organised and didn't need them I suppose we are all different. I know some patients can't wear underwire bras as they can irritate - I am still healing but mine are causing no problems at all.

[Patra79]

That's brill. Thank you

[Heather1957]

Patra if you are a larger lady you are more than welcome to my sports bras - they are a size 22. Bigger than I am but I thought they would be easier to wear. They will make their way to the charity shop otherwise. Unworn and free.

[Patra79 in reply to Heather1957]

Thanks for the offer but I'd need a alternative size.

[Heather1957 in reply to Patra79]

No worries I'll put them out for the Heart foundation to collect when I have another sort out. I am afraid sitting at home planning a cruise = spending far to much money and accumulating more clothes.

[Patra79 in reply to Heather1957]

Sound like a great plan!

[Emily_BHF]

Hi Patra,

You will be advised to wear a bra after surgery for support, but not an underwired one as this may press on your wound and make it sore. Immediately after surgery you can wear this for a few hours a day to begin with, so that by the time you can go home you can comfortably wear it all day.

It’s likely that you will be told to wear this day and night for around six weeks after the operation. The ideal bra should be cotton, non-underwired, front-fastening and one size larger than you normally wear to allow for swelling.

I would recommend buying at least two bras of this type ahead of your surgery to allow for washing and wearing as it should be changed every day. Alternatively you may find a post-surgical bra that suits you online.

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask your specialist and contact our helpline,

Take care,

Emily

[Madgranny2 in reply to Emily_BHF]

I'm pleased as I have bought two cotton non wired front fastening bras

[Patra79 in reply to Emily_BHF]

Thank you

[Heather1957 in reply to Emily_BHF]

Just to say having bought 'special bras' I have worn my usual underwire bra without any problem and pain free. We are all different so I would suggest trial and error. 5 weeks on Friday and starting to feel human!