Lymphedema -- Left chest wall/shoulder - Need bra

KPolasek

I am currently in MLD therapy but need a good compression bra.  My PT thinks that I need something with a cup since I am large breasted.  Anyone have this problem and if so, where did you find the right bra?

 Blessings,

Kay

sccruiser

I have a jacket that I wear that is compression grade--it is used by plastic surgeons in South America. The company name is Annette. They have sleeveless compression bras also. They are comfortable and not too expensive. I think my pieces are about $100-125 each. The jacket has hooks and zips up the front, comes in beige, black & white(I think), it has defined cups so you could put in a jovi pad for your compression on your breast if you need it. The sleeves are 3/4 length. When I order again, I think I might try the sleeveless garment as it is lower on the chest center so I can wear with more of my clothes. I also had to get gauntlets w/longer wrist area, as with just the jacket I get some swelling in my hands.

Some people like/dislike the Belisse compression bra. I just got one of those. If you plan to get one, and would like your insurance to pay for it, tell the insurance company it is a "thoracic compression garment." I wear that with a Annette cumberbund because I also have abdominal LE.

When you say shoulder, do you mean the top of the shoulder or the back more near your scapula? Most of my bras don't have any compression area in the chest wall or shoulder. The Belisse has the most.

I've been doing water aerobics and the compression works well to keep my swelling down even further. I just started walking with Nordic walking poles. After one outing, the swelling in my shoulder was gone the next morning. Am going out tomorrow and will see if that will continue

Good luck on your bra searching! 

Binney4

Hi, Kay!

Check out the garment pages at www.StepUp-SpeakOut.org for a wide range of possibilities, including the Annette and Bellisse that bygrace mentions. I just tried the WearEase and absolutely love it!

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Lymphedema_garments.htm

Scroll down and check out the camisoles, compression bras, binders, sports bras, and shapewear. Hope that helps!
Binney