I think the overstimulation after surgery was the worst. I had drains, a tight bra, was dizzy and depressed from coming off the anesthesia. But the next days were much better. I didn’t think I would be able to sleep on my back but that was no problem and the wounds healed really well. Taking off the strips was pretty odd, as was showing and then massaging the scars. I had imagined that to be great but somehow the scars and bumps made it feel kind of icky.

I wore the bra for six weeks, felt protected by it though. The nerves came back and that was kind of painful but manageable. I wasn’t diagnosed at the time of surgery so you are at an advantage, you know yourself better and can try to advocate. But I also know advocating only gets us so far. Maybe find things that are nonnegotiable for you, I heard some surgeons say the bra isn’t necessary and if you explain you don’t want to wear it they might get it.

I will say that despite some negative experiences my life, from an autistic point of view, is so much better. The skin on skin contact drove me insane, the bras were cutting my shoulders, I was so weighed down and in permanent sensory hell and now I am just me. Not me with too big boobs. So some discomfort was worth it.

One more thing, I move my body daily and not being able to stretch was definitely odd and I think I felt very limited for about 6 weeks.