Forum Discussion

mum2jj's avatar
mum2jj
Member
12 years ago

Question re wearing abdominal binder/girdle

Hi girls, For those who have had a Tram flap reconstruction and were advised to wear a abdominal binder/ girdle for 6 weeks post op, how did you feel when it came off? It is 6 weeks since my op tomorrow. So tonight I ditched the ugly girdle as I was told. Guess what...I miss it. The nurse at the plastic surgeons said it would feel weird without it...and to maybe get some control brief undies which I did. I feel awful without the girdle, like I have no support and I can feel every bit of muscle and mesh aching!!! I have on the support pants I bought, but they feel like nothing after the tight elastic abdo binder. I know I can't wear it forever, and really hated it, just wasn't expecting this discomfort. Would love to hear from anyone in regards to this. Thanks Paula.

7 Replies

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    12 years ago
    Will be interested in what your surgeon says. I am walking. Still have lingering groin pain which is giving me some trouble. Yes I agree having a "set" of boobs again is brilliant. Paula
  • KerryK's avatar
    KerryK
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi, i had my reconstruction on 30/10/13. I have been wearing the control briefs but find from time to time I need the support of the binder. My surgeon told me that most ladies feel comfort from having the support. I go to my surgeon later this month to find out when i can start excerising, other than walking. I am sure I will also have the nipple discussion at this time as well. I love my cleavage.I didn't really realise how much until I had the reconstruction.

    Kerry

     

     

     

     

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    12 years ago
    I ditched mine at 6 weeks but wearing support underwear. Interesting how every surgeon is different. Did they advise for how long? Paula.
  • Viv_C's avatar
    Viv_C
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Paula, My pain has gone - not sure when but probably been OK since about week 8. I am not really conscious of the mesh. I am finding the exercises pull a bit but that is the only time I am conscious of any discomfort, and I make sure I stop if anything hurts. The physio said to take things gently at first so as not to tear the healing tissue, and I am being uncharacteristically obedient in all health matters. Viv xxx
  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    12 years ago
    Thanks so much for your reply. I tried a different pair of support pants today and yes they feel a bit better. It is just such a weird feeling for me after the wonderful support from the binder for six weeks. I am adjusting to feeling all the muscles moving and am very aware of the mesh which I haven't been before now. I have started some abdo exercises and have made a Physio appointment tomorrow to discuss this and also my ongoing groin pain. My PS suggested this. How is your groin pain going? Paula :)
  • Viv_C's avatar
    Viv_C
    Member
    12 years ago

    I never got very clear instructions about how long to wear my binder and hated it, so I traded it in pretty much as soon as I came home for control undies  I am still wearing them, week 10 post op, and have got used to wearing 'enormous pants', though what with the tummy tuck and the control briefs, all my trousers are falling off and even my belts are now too big to use. I find the undies give me enough support, but as everyone always says, we are all different! It might be worth finding some undies with greater support - they seem to come in degrees of control. I have also been doing some abdominal exercises I got when I insisted on a referral to the hospital physiotherapist, and feel like they are helping build my strength.

    Viv   xxx