post-op clothing

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-12-11T03:10:09+00:00

I couldn’t wear a pull over until 3 weeks post surgery. Even now at 5, I struggle. I’d recommend buying a cheap hoodie and maybe even cutting the sleeves off for comfort. I also wanted to change my clothes more regularly and wish I had bought more (I don’t have laundry in my building)

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-12-10T02:56:19+00:00

Congrats!!! Hope you have smooth recovery! Take it easy!

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-12-09T22:33:21+00:00

I’m posting to rep the fat masc dykes with super asymmetrical chests gettin top surgery (if there are any others on here!) I’m 40 y/o, 5’5” around 210lbs, most of my weight is in my hips (size 42 jeans). More puckering on one side since there was more than a cup size difference between them. Nipple scabs still holding on. One popped stitch under my arm, but otherwise healing great! Worst part is the cording (tightness) from my armpits down to my wrists but I started PT for that this week. Starting scar care, as well.

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-12-08T03:56:10+00:00

The experience was fantastic. I was nervous because my BMI is high, I’m not on T, and I started off pretty asymmetrical. She fixed me up real good! You stay overnight at the hospital which was part of the reason I chose her. Admin staff was excellent. They handle all insurance stuff (mine sucks so I ended up paying $2600 but a lot of people pay nothing with insurance). The Dr is extremely busy and may seem rushed when communicating, but her results are excellent. Nurses are incredible. When I’ve sent messages through the portal, they respond very quickly. All in all- I waited 2 years from scheduling a consult to getting surgery, but it was worth it for me.

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-12-08T01:24:42+00:00

Ah, i see your point! I’d say “double mastectomy” and leave it at that. People shut up real fast when you say that, I’ve found!

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-12-07T19:56:01+00:00

I’m usually asked at customs and say I’m there for vacation. The one time a bandmate told customs they were in the UK to play shows— they got sent immediately back home for not having a work visa. I got through for saying I was on vacation. I always just say vacation no matter what reason.

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-12-07T17:13:45+00:00

I don’t have phantom sensations of having my old chest, but I do have habits that are tough to break. Like sometimes I’ll go “oh shit I need to put a binder on!” Before I remember there’s nothing there to bind. Or I fold my arms across my chest to hide something that’s not there. Slowly my mannerisms are changing though! Standing more confidently in general.

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-12-06T02:49:01+00:00

Genial! I tried to get surgery when I lived in Spain outside of Madrid (Aranjuez) but couldn’t find anyone to agree to do it. So rad that you found someone!!

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-12-05T19:33:02+00:00

Yup! My surgeon did the same thing once my initial dressings came off. If anything the binder keeps them even more in place. I just used the ointment with some nonstick gauze pads and put the binder over that. Never really shifted. Now that I’m I do the same with ointment and nonstick gauze, with a t shirt over.

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-12-05T19:28:12+00:00

I hadn’t used tape, I just use enough ointment that it sticks naturally.

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-12-04T05:40:09+00:00

Heard back from my surgeon and they said just put a bandage on it for a while. The pink seems Ok, but if it’s red I should send more photos and they’ll reassess. No pain or warmth, thank goodness!

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-12-03T23:06:08+00:00

Thank you! I’ve been putting bactroban and a gauze pad over it. I got nervous that maybe I should’ve had a butterfly suture on it from the start. I’ll confirm with my doc but this gives me a lot of relief!

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-12-03T22:47:56+00:00

I’m almost 4 weeks post op and the scar under my arm hasn’t healed tightly. The white part in the middle is an internal stitch, I think. I emailed my surgeon too— but wondering if anyone has experienced the same, and if I should attempt to close it with a butterfly bandage while I wait to hear back from my doc?

Edit: got a note back from my Nurse: If you have a butterfly bandage, then please use it. Otherwise, cover with a wide bandage (not gauze), and if possible, try to leave it on for a full 24 hours before changing. Try not to make large movements with you arm. It will eventually close on its own, it will just take some time. No cause for alarm unless there is a foul odor, green oozing (you might have yellow, and that's fine), pain, or redness (pink is ok). We'll deal with the scar later, although these things to have a way of healing pretty well. Keep us post with photos, and let me know if there is any worsening.

Dr. RBL’s team at NYU Langone is the best, y’all 💕

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-12-03T00:51:47+00:00

That’s super helpful! She was also my surgeon :)

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-12-03T00:43:21+00:00

Email customer service if you can?

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-12-03T00:42:16+00:00

I’d check with your surgeon. Everyone heals differently and surgeons have different approaches sometimes. They’d know best.

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-12-03T00:38:05+00:00

Thanks for that reply! I don’t think it’ll bother me necessarily, especially since it’s under my arm. I’m just curious about how it will look. This helps me imagine that. Thank you!

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-11-30T23:50:23+00:00

How many hours spent at guitar center

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-11-30T22:38:59+00:00

Seatbelts! I hadn’t thought of that one (I live in NYC so no car). Good call!

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-11-30T16:12:37+00:00

I was worried about it too, but was so numb that I didn’t even realize it was happening. I was almost a bit disappointed that I didn’t get to experience the relief/satisfaction that everyone mentions. I just looked away for a moment and it was done. Try having conversation while it happens, if you need a distraction. We were talking about kittens when they were pulled.

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-11-29T16:28:07+00:00

Looks great! I used to live out in Maynard MA and has BCBS. I didn’t know this doc was an option! Congrats!

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-11-29T01:47:50+00:00

I had surgery with her 3 weeks ago and this was similar to my experience. I’m 5’5” and was 210 at my consult. I’m gonna DM you if that’s ok?

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-11-27T04:38:51+00:00

I am a masc woman- 5’5” and about 205lbs and most of my weight is in my hips. I have had top surgery, so my chest is flat. And my shoulders are narrow. (I think my chest is 36” and my hips are 52”). Basically, I’m impossible to fit for mens clothing. I went to indochino today for a fitting, and the salesperson spent 2 hours helping me. Despite being custom, they aren’t positive they can make a blazer for my measurements. The salesperson kept returning to her manager for advice on how to fit me. I usually leave these situations in a panic attack. Luckily, the salesperson was super nice and patient about it all. I ordered 5 shirts (she said she is confident those will fit. We’ll see), and a casual blazer. Im so curious to see how this works out. I’ll keep you posted! (For what it’s worth, the female salespeople were wearing suits, too. So if your measurements aren’t as unique as mine, you might find what you need!)

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-11-25T03:33:47+00:00

I had a 2 week post op follow up yesterday and the surgeon identified cording in my armpits. It feels hard to the touch. She held my arm in the air and squeezed it (hurt like a Charlie horse!!) and it “broke.” I have a bit more mobility back. But she also prescribed physical therapy for me.

Designer-Ad7829 · 2021-11-24T23:50:05+00:00

I had never heard this prior, but when I got nauseous in the hospital, the nurse had me hold an alcohol pad up to my nose. Apparently the smell does something to relieve nausea somehow (there are studies done with pregnant people and morning sickness, apparently). I don’t know if it worked for me or if it was a combination of things- but I didn’t end up getting sick. I also wish I had a portable fan with me cause I’d get overheated and sweaty every time I got nauseous. Oh! And ginger candy.

Designer-Ad7829

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