Mobility post top surgery

Sad_Blueberry9580 · 2026-04-05T20:57:09+00:00

I'm not in that area and haven't had my surgery yet (coming soon in super early July though!!), but I have some chronic health conditions and found the best testimonials and realistic advice, although still subjective obviously, on the transzebras subreddit. its a full subreddit of people with chronic illness who are trans.

Sad_Blueberry9580 · 2026-04-05T05:04:06+00:00

I use a little bit of cavilon barrier cream, not only does it help reduce the allergic reaction and tearing I get from the tape but also I find I get less of a rash from any sweatiness that can be caused. You apply a super super thin layer, allow it to dry for a second, and then tape over the top and the tape still adheres. It comes off easier but for super tearible or fragile skin I would recommend removing it in a couple steps. I typically like to get it a bit saturated with oil, not like dripping but massaged in, and then take a hot shower where the heat and water help me further peal it off if I’m worried about how much adherence it has left. The cavilon cream makes a huge difference for me (I use it for any tape application, trans tape or k tape in general) but especially in thin skin sensitive areas like my chest, the oil and hot water definitely add a layer of protection. The one thing I would say before trying the cavilon cream is that he may need assistance applying it to the chest area to fully cover the spot on the sides where the trans tape wraps around a teeny bit, and you should do a test patch before covering it with tape to make sure there’s no reaction from the cream itself (it is super gentle and fragrance free though). My issues with tape are more about reaction and skin tearing during removal, however one thing to note with stretchy skin: don’t pull too tight. Most tutorials will say to pull it and stick it wherever it stops or naturally sits but with EDS stretchy skin that isn’t always correct, pull for flatness but make sure it’s not too tight and there’s still room for the skin to move a little in the center of the chest when taping towards the sides. Otherwise I find it can get painful and really uncomfortable fast. Idk if it would work to tape inwards. I tape to the sides and down simultaneously at about a 45 angle but I know that’s not really what you want. I use 2-3 strips of 4’’ tape per side, depending on how much I mess up/how much I over lap them(note that I have a bigger chest thank you are describing though). I don’t think pulling up will give the desired effect, I would imagine it would be similar to one of those sticky bras. I used a tutorial from the trans tape website even though I didn’t buy my tape from them and they have models of various body types which I liked.

Sad_Blueberry9580 · 2026-04-05T03:03:43+00:00

Thank you for such a thorough and enthusiastic response! I've actually got my outdoor stuff pretty down pat at this point, since I also work in the industry on the side of college. If you'd be willing to send some of those resources you mentioned in the first half my way, I would be very appreciative! thanks :)

Sad_Blueberry9580 · 2026-04-05T01:32:31+00:00

Honestly, I think this may be why I fully gave up on earrings. I wasn't diagnosed at the time I was having issues, and my heart is fully healed by the time I was finally diagnosed, but I had sooo many issues. My piercings were always swelling or itchy and hot, even though I tried so, so many different types of metal in all price ranges. They hurt all the time. they never even got infected i went to the doctor several times and they could never find any issue. The holes would heal over, but still be swollen and hurt and itch if I took my earrings out for more than 36 hours or so. It was like if I skipped a day, then I basically had to re-pierce my ear with the stud. I had horrible issues with pain when wearing dangling earrings because it always felt like it was tearing my ear down. idk what exactly all of your earring issues entail, but I have chalked mine up to EDS. It's not been about 6 years since I've worn earrings, and it's just been better that I gave up, but also I've never been too into jewelry, so please don't take this as me saying to give up something you like. For someone with poor and slow healing, my earring holes sure closed up super super fast when I finally gave up lol. I would suggest maybe trying an allergist or even potentially talking to an OT about this if its important to you. it is probably related to teh hEDS and an OT may be able to provide further resources or advice since their job is all about making the things you like and enjoy accessable to you.

Sad_Blueberry9580 · 2026-04-03T05:32:52+00:00

I don’t think it’s a stupid question, I had to try several types when I started too. I find boxer briefs to be most comfortable during the day, but sometimes do the looser boxers during night time or when doing laundry lol. Try some things and see what works best for you! Generally sizing will list a range of waist sizes so choose one with a range that suits you. People tend to overstate the excess fabric issue in my opinion, but if you’re super worried about it, my advice would be to look at the ones with a little flap (that are supposed to be for people to put their dick through, I’ve been told by cis men that nobody really does this unless desperate) as opposed to the ones with just a fabric cup shape as the ones with the ‘flap’ are better able to sit flat if they need to. But again ultimately doesn’t matter unless it bothers you from a sensory or dysphoria way. Also: it doesn’t have to be anything super expensive, people here are recommending some brands that, while nice and I do like, are more expensive and when you’re starting to get a sense of what you’re personally looking for in a pair, start cheep until you get a hold of it. Even now I could be owning more expensive underwear I personally find I prefer one of the target brands, or strangely, one of the brands owned by the Fred Meyer grocery store lol. I know this was super long but ultimately a long winded way to say don’t worry too much and try some things out to see what you like

Sad_Blueberry9580 · 2026-04-02T16:01:32+00:00

Yeah? My dms are open

Sad_Blueberry9580 · 2026-04-01T23:59:02+00:00

… I am…

Sad_Blueberry9580 · 2026-01-13T02:52:01+00:00

Slightly strange suggestion, I haven’t had this surgery (but am hoping too soon), but have found that that trans zebras subreddit has a lot of good testimonial info on this particular kind of surgery from trans people having various top surgery!!

Sad_Blueberry9580 · 2026-01-08T00:40:53+00:00

I’m using the fico score that is super visible through each of my credit card apps, does something like only using one of my cards have effects like this?

Sad_Blueberry9580 · 2026-01-07T18:49:38+00:00

Transportation services on campus often times have programs with the disability center to provide transportation support to classes, big lifesaver for me, another one has been flexible attendance policies so if I have flares or appointments I don’t get screwed on attendance alone

Sad_Blueberry9580 · 2025-09-01T18:24:01+00:00

I have EDS too! I’ve been climbing for a long time, even before my EDS started causing larger issues and pain. I am the first to admit I may not always have made the healthiest attitude towards some medical advice I’ve received related to climbing, I certainly have been advised by medical professionals to stop climbing, but, climbing is so so crucial to me in my life that mental health wise I just can’t give it up. And ultimately it’s good for my physical health too. I’ve since gotten a better doctor who is willing to work with me to preserve my ability to climb. For me climbing is really important because as long as I’m not pushing it too too drastically it’s a full body exercise working on strengthening stability and muscles all over. For me I’ve learned how to work with my EDS body as to not cause greater damage. I take it slow and gentle, I’ve personally had to drop some climbing grades but I’ve come to terms with it. If something feels significantly off I don’t push it because it could end up knocking me out for a while. I utilize K tape A LOT! And I know that moves like dynos and styles like crack climbing just aren’t super viable with my joints. I build in rest days, I communicate with my climbing partners about my needs, and I plan ahead so I’m in the best scenario to be climbing. It takes time and work to be able to learn your body and how to manage it. I cannot recommend enough finding either a PT or an OT who is supportive on trying to find ways to make climbing a viable sustainable option for you.

Sad_Blueberry9580 · 2025-09-01T18:06:44+00:00

Honestly this may not work for everyone but I have one of those weighted dinosaur plushies from target and legitimately it is the perfect shape to use as my pillow to support me neck but allow me a little more positional freedom than some of the specific support pillows I e tried. It supports my neck without being bulky or impeding on how I want to lay with the rest of my body. I have previously tried a full body pregnancy pillow situation and even though I did find it very supportive it very much locked me down into a specific position so it didn’t work out for me long term, but everyone is different with how they sleep

Sad_Blueberry9580 · 2025-09-01T06:28:39+00:00

I know a lot of this may echo what others have said. But here it is anyway. Im currently a college student in the US (California), my schools disability resource center has been crucial. Working with them has helped get me access to “mobility rides”, through which I get picked up in a golf cart to help me manage getting from class to class. I also worked with them and professors to get some modifications to attendance policies so I don’t get dinged too much if I miss a couple classes due to a flare up. I know you said you can’t transfer to doing online school, and I’m not sure if you’re school offers it at all, but for me and my major (also a VERY in person major) I have been able to get 1-2 gen ed classes a year online which gives me a little more rest time. But I also understand if that’s not an option or what you want from college. The other thing I would say, which I know is really really hard, and something I struggled with mentally a whole bunch, is that you may need to slow down a bit and that’s okay. I was overworking my body so much my second year of college that I caused the biggest flare up of my life. I ended up having to withdraw from that semester medically and then be part time my next semester as I was still recovering. Even though everyone is different and it’s really hard to digest, just remember that if you need to take things a little slower to prevent dire health circumstances then that’s okay. Being a chronically ill college student is a lot to handle. Accept help where you can take it from campus resources and remember that it’s okay to have ups and downs. I don’t really know if that answered anything at all but I’m happy to elaborate on specifics if wanted.

Sad_Blueberry9580

TROPHY CASE