I am due to have a tricuspid valve replacement with open heart surgery in the next few weeks.
I have been getting some conflicting info regarding wearing a bra or not after the procedure and what type if necessary is best. I was wondering if any of the ladies on hear might be able to advise me, ant tips would be greatly appreciated.
Many Thanks
Jenny
Personally I found stretch sports bras the most comfortable and I have only just started wearing my normal underwired bras ....I am 8 months post op. You really do need to be comfortable and don't need anything that will cause pressure on your chest and ribs, or that will irritate your scar. Good luck with your op x
Thanks so much for your reply and good wishes.
hi Jenny. I had my triscupid valve fixed along with my mitral valve replaced in January last year. It was my second open heart surgery. You will feel some discomfort after your op but will be given plenty of painkillers, so don’t worry. I’ve got quite large boobs and needed to wear a bra post op to stop the incision from being pulled. I bought several front fastening bras from M&S (post surgery bras) and a few sleep bras from M&S. The front fastening bras are not pretty but they do offer support and allow easy access to your surgical incision. I wore them day and night for about 3 months, I then switched to the sleep bras which are like sports bras but less restrictive. If you buy post op bras they should take the VAT off as it’s for medical use. I’ve heard that some hospitals supply decent post op bras so check with yours. Good luck with your op. X
Hi Anon, wow you are a champion going through it twice. Thank you for the info and your good wishes. I’m in Australia so I will have to do some research, I only found out yesterday that it will be happening so soon so a lot to do. Many thanks.
hi. On the Australian M&S website they are called Flexifit™ Post Surgery Full Cup Bra. You might be able to buy something similar but if you look at the picture it’ll give you an idea. I’m sure that everything will go well with your surgery so please try not to worry. If I can do it, anyone can. X
hi Anon I’m not very endowed in that department but thought I should have something on hand. I’m still trying to get my head around it, as my surgeon said, they were doing tests to see if I could have the tricuspid clip but it’s not suitable for me, I wasn’t keen on that idea anyway, so I’m glad it was taken out of my hands. I have chronic AF a pacemaker and had AV node ablation plus pulmonary hypertension but I right heart Cath last week showed ok for the surgery. Just have to get the dental check and he said better sooner than later so probably 15th May.
Thanks for your kind words
Jenny
Hello 
It is a bit of a tricky one I always feel this question as what suited one does not always suite another and I did waste so much money on bras etc even though when I was in the Hospital they gave all the ladies a free front fastening bra which was nice of them
But in the end and I am not small but wearing none at all I felt the most comfortable with
Maybe try not to spend to much but get a front fastening one and a stretchy sports one see how you feel in them both after surgery and you can then always buy more if needed
Good luck and I hope you will come back and let us know how your surgery goes and how you are doing x
Hi Thank you, yes not having a lot I thought I might not need one but I like to be prepared, don’t want the kids running around looking for bras at the last minute. I will definitely give an update if and when I’m able😩
Hello
I was the same when I had my triple Bypass I think I was a bit to much prepared
Maybe get one and see how you go from there
Look forward to hearing how it goes remember you are in the best hands they are experts at what they do x
thank you yes I’ll get a couple just in case, yes I’m sure it will be fine, he’s done over 2000 so it’s probably a walk in the park for him. Just the thought of it I guess, like someone said, if I die I won’t know and if I don’t get it done I’ll die anway so just have to go with it. 😊
Hi
The weight of the girls pulling on my sternum meant that a bra was essential..
They put me in a brace thing... Looked like a bulletproof vest, but there was no support. That was to hold my sternum in place.
I bought a couple of front fastening post surgery bras from Asda online... About £14 for 2.
I only wore them for about a month, then switched to an M and S post surgery bra as they dis actual cup sizes. The cheaper ones were fine for hospital and immediately after though.
The ugliest underwear I've ever owned 😂
Joanne
Hi. Thanks so much for your reply. I tracked some down here in Australia at Target, sounds like the ones you got online, I’ll order some.🤗
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