A question for the ladies

[Molliedollie12]

Hi it's 10 weeks+ since I had my heart attack but I can't wear my bra for more than a couple of hours before it gets really uncomfortable and I need to undo it. I wear normal back fastening ones without underwires. Does anyone else have this problem please?

[Dollydaydream108]

I had the same problem but it does get easier hun.

[Molliedollie12 in reply to Dollydaydream108]

Thank you for your reply xx

[Hidden]

I haven't had a heart attack, but I do have an ICD /pacemaker and found all my usual bras very uncomfortable, but I found some in Matalan that are very soft and comfortable. Back fastening with straps that adjust at the back and a comfortable band. The larger sizes have broader straps. They come in packs of 3, listed as Non padded comfort bras, they come in a good range of sizes. Although very light, they do give some support. I bought from my local shop, but they do them online as well.

[Molliedollie12 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the information I will get my Daughter to get some for me to try xx

[Isobel1]

Could you buy a couple of stretchy crop / sports tops ? I found them far more comfortable in the weeks after surgery

[Molliedollie12 in reply to Isobel1]

Thank you for you reply I will keep those in mind xx

[Hidden]

Best to wear the comfort ones for now ,

[Molliedollie12 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply xx

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

When I get angina my bra always feels too tight.

I wear a soft, stretchy, sports bra which helps.

[Callista in reply to Milkfairy]

I have an ICD fitted and had to throw away all my bras. I can tolerate a very stretchy one in the morning but by afternoon it is like an iron band round my ribs and I have to remove it. Luckily I am only a 34B so I can go without if needed. If you mention your ribs expanding to doctors no one realises how difficult it makes things and ignores the problem.

[Molliedollie12 in reply to Callista]

Thank you for your reply x

[Molliedollie12 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you for your reply x

[boudicca58]

I have had similar problems and have had to switch from wired to non-wired. But the other thing I would like to mention is anxiety. I suspect that at least some of my bra problem has to do with me being very anxious about the whole heart health issue.

What helped me a lot was starting to go to a massage therapist. I went originally because I was looking for 'lymphatic drainage' to help with circulation/odema but I knew I was very stressed due to covid + heart condition worry.

Luckily I found just the right woman, she was very gentle with me at first but she has really helped me get things under control. At the end of the session it is noticeable how much better my breathing is!

Obviously if you have had more invasive surgery, you won't be ready for this yet. I guess I just wanted to recommend it to anyone who might be struggling. I'd never had a massage before this and it has helped me a lot.

[Molliedollie12 in reply to boudicca58]

Thank you for your input. I used to have a massage every week but the lady that was brilliant retired and I have had one or two massages since but no one hits the spot like Sian x

[Golfgirl3]

Yes, I did. I tried different types of bra but had to abandon them after a few hours. It took a while but eventually the discomfort passed

[Molliedollie12 in reply to Golfgirl3]

Thank you for that at least I can look forward to maybe able to wear a bra for a good few hours xx

[MirandaBS]

Yes, I couldn’t wear normal back fastening underwired bras for quite some time after my MIs. I wore soft bralettes in a bigger size to usual. (Like a soft sports crop top). They were far comfier. Good luck and all best wishes for your recovery.

[Molliedollie12 in reply to MirandaBS]

Thanks Miranda I'll give them a go xx

[AuntyEdna]

Yep same issue for me - it feels like a vice around my ribs - so bra comes off mid afternoon ( when I'm at home ) - my problem is finding where I threw it it in the morning ! I must get some soft ones although going braless at home is so comfortable ! take care

[Molliedollie12 in reply to AuntyEdna]

Sounds like me.....I'm afraid I'll get so used to going without a bra I'll never get back to wearing one xx

[VelvetSky]

Good to see all the comments, I thought it was only me😸

[GrannyE]

I have a problem too with my bras. Come a certain time in the evening I cannot bear to wear one any more. Trying non-underwire ones but even they are not brilliant. Problem is I am 32D (used to be DD) and need a bra for golf etc