Hi,

[Flopflop]

I am glad I found this site as it has put my mind at rest over a number of issues. I am on a list for aortic valve replacement. Can the ladies who have had this surgery tell me if it does help to wear a bra for 24 hours a day for six weeks.

[JJL15]

Hi, I wore a soft bra with no bones the whole way through my recovery after my avr surgery . Really helped me especially being slightly on the bigger bust spectrum. Hope this helps. That was one of my questions for my surgeon when I met with him! It will help also feel more comfy, I remember putting it on the day after my surgery when I was HDU x well the nurse helping me . Good luck

[Flopflop in reply to JJL15]

Thankyou.

[Fredders]

Hi, I got a soft bra to wear but only wore it 24 hours a day for the first couple of weeks. Some hospitals may give you a bra/chest support to wear, I had one after my first AVR but not the second (same hospital), it was like a waistcoat that supported your ribs as well as the sternum. The bras I wear now are M&S ones, unwired with wide straps, they are really comfortable.

Wendy

[MKB38]

I agree, it does help to wear a soft bra, preferably one which either does up at the front, or elasticated, which you can pull up over your hips, as your arm movements will be limited for a couple of weeks whilst the scar and internal tissues heal. I did read one post from a lady who showered in her bra too, as she was rather well endowed and it helped to support her whilst washing hair etc.

I had my AVR in November, and I can honestly say I have recovered really well. Apart from getting a bit tired, if I overdo things, I am back to normal (aged 67). The first 4 to 6 weeks are possibly the worst, but listen to your body. Take the pain killers, don't be a martyr.

Have a positive frame of mind. Take the opportunity to do Cardiac Rehab, if it is offered in your area, which is a great way to regain your confidence and meet others in a similar situation.

Best of luck and don't hesitate to ask questions on this forum, it is great!

[cristinap]

Hello,

I’m 3 weeks post AVR and still wear mine 24h a day as I’m on a bigger cup size and I can feel it pulling on the wound when I don’t wear it. I bought a sports bra from M&S that fits very nicely for a sports bra without wires but in bigger cups it tends to cover the wound so it doesn’t let it breathe.

I found a very good one at Royce, it’s a post-surgery bra and I love it, wound breathes and it fits amazing for bigger cups too. It’s a bit more expensive but completely worth it.

They gave me one from the hospital but it wasn’t offering any support tbh so I don’t wear that anymore.

Hope this helps!

Cristina

[KazSumm]

Hi Flopflop

I’m 11 months post AVR

I was given a posthorax vest to wear, I wore it for 6weeks.

I had soft front fastening bras but I couldn’t stand wearing them, felt so uncomfortable 😣

I’m 38D and I now only wear a bra when I have too. I have found that my boobs are now more firm than before the op.

The posthorax vest ( not all hospitals issue them) was uncomfortable for the first day or so but it became part of me and my sternum healed so quickly and I’ve never had any problems.my scar is practically invisible. I’m sure you will find what’s best for you. Wishing all the best Kaz💓💕❤️

[Flopflop in reply to KazSumm]

Phew,I like the sound of your neat scar. I watched the comedians Paul and Bob last night. Bob showed Paul his heart op scar and it looked long. Apparently my surgeon prefers a minimal scar so I'm hoping that's what I get.!

[Flopflop]

Thank you all for your advice and kind words. I've tried to keep cheerful around family and friends but inside I'm petrified. It's frustrating not having a surgery date as life seems in limbo at the moment. But at least the take it east advice from the doctors is easier in this gorgeous weather.

[Flopflop]

Take it easy.

[Wigg2]

Hi there it’s 12 weeks since my AVR and bypass op and I was given a Velcro brace to wear which I wore at night over my cotton night dress or if I went any where in the car I wore it over my clothes and although it was a bit warm to wear I did find it very supportive as I’m a 36G so it eased the the pressure

I also bought M&S non underwire bras as they were a lot more comfy

It’s so much better now x