Hi. I have fibromyalgia and in the past few months I've been having issues with my bra. Although it's not tight, by the middle of the day I feel like it's crushing me and I'm so sore around my chest. There's instant relief when I take it off but I don't feel going braless long-term is really the answer. I don't know that it's caused by fibromyalgia but I'm wondering. I've hought about buying looser bras but then they would be too loose to be effective. I have a small/medium sized bust.
Do other people have this issue? If yes, have you found any solutions?
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JanineNZ
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I've been suffering with that for a few years now, it feels like my ribs are bruised and and causes pain in middle of shoulders .So I use non supported ones at home and wired if I have company over or go to medical appt. Wishing you some relief from discomfort x
Yes I have this and in the end abandoned the traditional back fastening bra for a soft sports bra that you pull on - I even went for a size bigger so not tight around my midriff - not as much support but certainly less pain
Hi. I started having exactly this issue a year or so ago, having never had a problem with bras in the past. As you’ve mentioned, no idea whether it’s anything to do with fibro, but needed a solution all the same.
I’ve been wearing a different style of bra that still gives support but is really comfortable. Not sure about brands in New Zealand as I’m in the UK, but - to give you an idea of the style - if you search online for bras from Molke or Avon then hopefully you’ll be able to find something similar near to you.
I have had the same problem for years with the extra problem of having had open heart surgery 5 years ago. I started wearing non-wired bras years ago. I have spent a small fortune on trying different types. I have recently found a comfortable one in M & S. FLEXIFIT with 360° stretch, style number T33/7034, the label also says crop top. It stays put without being too tight and doesn't cause itching, in fact I barely feel its there. Quite good support too, considering that I am a DD size. Hope this helps.
I have found that one of the more difficult things is support vs comfort too! I’m going to check out your advice too! ❤️ M&S tee shot bras used to be my “go to” before I began to get flare ups.
the pain you are suffering from could be Costcochondritis, Tieztes syndrome, it’s inflammation around the ribs and chest area. I have been told that it also a symptom of Fibromyalgia. Might be worth asking your doctor if it could be this.
Hi Cockerspaniels2. That's an interesting thought. I've googled it and the pain along my sternum could be Costochondritis. Another medical issue that there's no real cure for! I try to avoid taking antinflammatories as I have an autoimmune liver disease as well so I just put up with it.
Have you tried asking your Doctor about taking proton pump inhibitors or similar so that you might be able to take anti-inflammatory medications or possibly taking something more liver friendly like Magnesium? I take extra Magnesium and equally as helpful are Omega oils like flaxseed extracts. I use BioCare vitamins. I know it is tough to protect the liver when taking anything though given the liver is the body’s filtration system! Thankfully it is also amazing at regeneration! Best of luck!
When I had a similar issue a few years back my then brilliant(now retired sadly) GP said it was Costcochrondritis. As I am allergic to NASID medications the only thing on offer was more opioids. However, I found a soak in a warm bath or hot tub if you have access to one gave some relief Cockerspaniels 2 and Janine NZ
Hi I have suffered with costocondritis, Tieztes syndrome for years. Mine was found on an ultrasound done for pain in my breasts. I use morphine tablets for that and other pain. Also keteprophen gel and warm baths with Magnesium salts (better than Epson salts)really help a lot x
I cannot wear wired bras anymore, I buy sports bras, find them fine and they are supportive. When I say sports bras i am not referring to the ones that are supposed to hold them fully in place when running but the more general sports bras
Yes, I've had problems too, and it's part anxiety due to side effects of Domperidone causing my chest to feel tight.I've swopped to a balcony bra, a bigger band with bra extender. Also M&S wild blooms T332711/02338. I've developed rib muscle pain After having this for years. I had Covid which blessed me with this and Chilblains.
Agreed about balcony bras being pretty decent. I still find them painful, but more tolerably painful. I use Rosmè balcony bras…but usually only when dressing to impress…or everything else is in the wash! 😊
Do you have problems with thick seams on clothing and things rubbing on skin too? I do, and am now entering the search for warm winter trousers without a thick under bottom seam, that actually fit and look reasonable.
I mentioned in my post about this. I wear clothes inside out when home or sleeping! I recently found some seamless bras on Amazon that are amazing for me. Nothing will ever be as comfortable as braless, but these are the closest I’ve found to a second best thing. There is a surprising amount of seamless clothing these days. I only came across this because my son is autistic and also sensitive to seams. Seamless is beginning to trend. 👍
I there. I feel your pain!! I've tried everything, and I still end up taking it off. I feel that I'm panicking trying to get it off me, but I am now only wearing a bra when I have to go out. I've just given up. Do what makes you feel comfortable. x
I’m so sorry you’re having such misery from your FM and your bra.
I have FM neck scoliosis connective tissue disease Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and several other conditions that were all being effected by my bra. I also have latex allergy so due to my complex situation I had to stop wearing my expensive support bras. I am much larger than you ( without disclosing this personal info on open forums) I had no choice but to switch to a leisure/comfort bra to stop all the complications and flare ups resulting from my support bras. The downside is no support for larger girls.
There are so many different types of bras available now.
First mayI suggest adding a bra hook extender that can be found in the novelty section of sewing supplies It hooks onto your existing bra loops and gives you from 2 - 4 extra choices to make more room around your chest. Depending on the amount of loops on the extender you buy you can try each setting to see which one helps and stick with it. If it solves your issue you’ll save money by not needing new bras and still have the same support you need. Should it not work you’ll not be out very much money for the extender.
If new bras are needed go to a good lingerie store and ask an older woman employee to help you. She will have more knowledge and experience herself and should be able to guide you to the best choice. You can buy one then search on line for cheaper prices for multiples until you can catch sales at your brick and mortar store.
Here in the states the younger generations usually order online which has closed too many stores making those of us who must see feel and get fabric composition details first hand impossible.
I hope this is helpful sweetie. Best wishes for success.
Hi EJ. Thanks for your reply and helpful suggestions. Getting fitted by an older person is a good idea - I somehow suspect the usual 20 year old fitters at our local store won't really get the issues.
We visited the US last year and were very impressed by the huge range of clothing available in so many stores. So much choice. The joys of living in a big country!
I hope you managed to find a solution - support for the girls that's still comfortable.
If ordering online, I’m sure not things can be returned. I have had tops and my husband has had shoes that did not work out and we just popped them back in the post and got a refund.
I have terrible trouble with bras especially as my bust has got bigger through menopause and weight gain. I’ve always relied on the Sloggi double comfort crop tops. Still wear them around the house but I’m too big for them now. Definitely recommend them. Best of all they are cotton. I can’t stand man made fibres due to overheating. I’m struggling to find a comfortable replacement.
So glad to hear that it's not just me! In the last few years I have found all bras extremely painful to wear. My pain is round my sides. Even painkillers don't stop the pain. I have taken to wearing loose fitting camisoles after trying just about every bra, sports bra, crop top etc. After a few minutes I can't stand the pain so I have a cupboard full of failed attempts to find something that offers some support without the pain...... I have also tried being measured at M&S and a local independent shop with no success. My Mum was also diagnosed with Fibro & I remember her giving up on bras because she couldn't stand the pain. If you find a solution please let me know!
I think there is definitely some great advice in all these posts for you! It took me a good decade plus to find anything even tolerable! In that time my pain has only increased.
Failed attempts can be worthwhile donating to charities, some even take panties. I get your frustration though!
Hi. Thank you all so much for you replies and helpful suggestions. It's so good to know that this isn't just me feeling this and that it is probably a fibromyalgia thing. In the past I've never given a thought to wearing a bra but in the last 6 months it has become a daily pain - literally! As a couple of you said, the pain is all around my sides and my ribs feel like they're badly bruised all the time - the pressure from a bra just makes it so much worse.
I'll go and try a soft bralette style bra and see if that helps. Funny how you always buy the same kinds of bra because that's what you've always bought! Time for a change, obviously.
I don't know anyone with fibromyalgia and it's easy to feel very alone with all the problemss this and other autoimmune dieases cause so thank you so much for your support!
Over here in the UK , M@S do a bra fitting service and very helpful , I do find a lot shops do not always offer this service when selling good quality and sometimes expensive bra s 🙁When Covid struck and I ordered online and tried following a chart online when I went for my fitting after I had completely ordered the wrong size 🙁some very helpful replies and sports bra s do sound very practical and comfy. xx
You can buy the soft material bras that are elasticated with no hooks in and you can where them all day, you can get them in stores like Peacocks, Marks and Spencer’s and Amazon as shown below, hope this helps x
Thank you for your post, it helps to know that my fibromyalgia is the cause of bra problems, I, like many others on this page, am unable to find a bra that I don't want to rip off after wearing it for less than an hour. Now I have a drawer full of failures to show for it. Here's hoping we'll all find a solution soon, 🤞x
I too struggle with bras. I have RA with fibromyalgia and costochondoitis. I can only wear the very soft type and even those bother me immensely all along the underband. They can even trigger the costo if I keep them on when having a flare! The soft bras made by Cotton Traders (UK) are quite good and don’t have the irritatating padding inserts. They are not cotton though but elastane/polyester so don’t be misled by the name. There is not a great deal of support but better than nothing! I now wear sweatshirts and loose tops like blouses or smocks to disguise the fact that I am not very well supported. Patterns and pockets also help with the disguise! l’m always on the look out for other comfortable bras and would love to find something affordable in cotton or bamboo which does the job well without pain. I’ll let you know if I do!
Bamboo is amazing! I even recently found Bamboo pads for incontinence and for those who still menstruate. hereweflo.co I believe…they are also sold on Amazon. Their company was founded by two besties at Uni. Being a company run by women in this case definitely helps! 😊
Yep, this happened to me too. I switched to non-wired bras, which aren’t the best support for my big boobs. Some days even these bras can start to feel constricting. I don’t think it’s worth trying bigger sizes round the back, even when my bra doesn’t feel tight it can sometimes cause pain just from having the material sitting against my skin.
I don’t know if anyone else has trouble some days just getting the damn things fastened. I have tried sports and crop top style bras but can’t stand the mono boob look so I just give up with those.
It is mostly trial and error and everyone varies unfortunately. I initially found a lack of underwire unflattering due to size also, but if you keep looking you will find something at least tolerable I’m sure! Bamboo and seamless, as previously mentioned, are totally worth a try. Best of luck! I’m sure we will all be around to keep giving you advice and support on what to try next if you are struggling.
Hey, I have the same exact thing! If you feel comfortable with it, try wireless bras - tutti rouge go up to a G cup and i fully vouch for them, wireless, offer some support and they are pretty too. If you need a wired bra, I would pop into Bravissimo (the one in London- covent garden has the best service) sometimes all it takes is trying a different style of bra and there are bras with more flexible wires making them much more comfortable. Weirdly enough most nursing bras there have the flexy wires and you don't even notice it's a nursing bra. Hope this helps and you find some sort of relief!
I’ve had the same problem for years, even before begging diagnosed, and it has only gotten worse for me. The best suggestions that I can give is to wear certain tops that allow you to go braless, like those with a cowl neck, and to try bras that do not have an underwire or are for cancer patients who have had a mastectomy as there are special bras made for them too.
I have recently found a bra on Amazon that is much more tolerable for me as it has no underwire, or seams of any kind (seams bother me as well), but I am afraid it is a mater of trial and error.
Bras for extended wear time can also be a little better, though not always very attractive.
But definitely try searching for those with no underwire (or seamless?), cause those will be most comfortable.
Hope this helps! For what it is worth, you’re not alone! ❤️
I went into marks and Spencer’s and got measured I told the lady about the pain I get wearing bras as she brought in a bra for women that have had a mastectomy and it felt great so bought 2.
Hi to you all. Thank you so much for all your thoughts and suggestions! From the number of replies it's clear this is a really common issue - just knowing that I'm not the only one and I'm not going crazy imagining things is some kind of comfort.
I bought a couple of cheap stretchy t-shirt type bras and although they're not great they are less painful and I no longer want to rip them off after an hour. I don't love the more squashed look but it's better than being in pain all day. I'll look for some other options that might be better. My other bras are in the bin already!
I get it. I actually changed from a bra to a bikini halter neck for this reason. I found it made a huge difference. However I think it would only benefit those with small to average sized breasts. The reason being that when you tie the straps around your back you don't have to tie it tight.
Looks like it may be a fibro thing as I have the same, last couple of years I’ve not been able to wear a bra with wires or under support. I wear sports bra and I don’t care if I look stupid because it helps with the pain. Although I do struggle as I am quiet big chested so it’s hard to find ones that are going to support me but not have wire if that makes sense! Good luck xx
Hi, I’ve had the same issue, I have recently tried M&S post surgery bras and they are a game changer, very soft, much more supportive than “normal” non wired bras. I have H cup so it’s been a battle but I’m really pleased with my new discovery
Whatever would we do without the support we have from each other in this group? It's made me feel so much better to be in contact with people who know exactly how I feel, thank you! x
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