What is the purpose of a girdle after DIEP?

RhondaM
RhondaM Member Posts: 68
edited June 2014 in Breast Reconstruction

I went to the doctor yesterday and had my remaining drains pulled. (Awww, what a relief) I was then fitted for a girdle. I wore it all day and took it off before bed.

Today I actually feel a little bit sore from wearing it yesterday! I don't like wearing something that i cannot get out of. And I don't think I can get into it w/out some help. Meaning a shower EARLY in the morning before my husband heads for work. (I might be able to latch and zip it up then PULL it on, put I don't know if I am supposed to be doing all that tugging and pulling only two weeks out from a DIEP)

They told me to wear it all day, every day, taking it off at bedtime. They said it would help by giving me back support. My back in fine, thank you very much

Is it to help swelling? How will it help in the long run for that?

Please tell me why I need to wear this thing!

Rhonda

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Comments

  • Trishia
    Trishia Member Posts: 572
    edited May 2009

    I had an abdonimal binder, not a girdle, but similar.  I was told it was to help with the swelling, as compression helps your body absorb the excess fluid produced from such a major surgery.  It also gives support to the core muscles.

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  • LorenaB
    LorenaB Member Posts: 937
    edited May 2009

    I was given an abdominal binder, too, which I am still wearing part of the day.  I was supposed to wear it 24/7 for two weeks after the last drain came out (yes, even when I slept). At first I hated it but within a few days, I started to feel more comfortable with it on than off. As soon as I was told I didn't have to wear it, I stopped using it at night, but at 7+ weeks I'm still more comfortable with it on for part of the day.  It keeps the swelling down and sort of holds me in place.  I'm trying to wean myself off it because I don't want my core muscles to become too dependent.

    It's too bad they gave you a girdle that is so hard to take off on your own -- it's good to be able to give yourself a break every once in a while.  I wonder if a surgical supply store would have a velcro abdominal binder that you can get on and off more easily?

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  • ASL
    ASL Member Posts: 202
    edited May 2009

    Just to confuse things, I wasn't given any type of girdle or binder to wear. I've heard some women have liked them and that they are supposed to reduce abdominal swelling short-term but that they don't make much of a diffence long-term. I had my DIEP 6 months ago and haven't really had much swelling since about 4 or 5 months.

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  • MelanieRose
    MelanieRose Member Posts: 20
    edited May 2009

    After my TRAM last year, my plastic surgeon ordered a compression garment for me. Prior to the surgery, his assistant very carefully measured me so that the garment would be the correct size. When it came time to try on the garment in his office, we couldn't stop laughing--it was like a comedy show. I'm almost 6 feet tall, and despite all those careful measurements, there was no way that garment was going to stretch to fit my long torso.

    His assistant suggested buying a couple pair of Spanx. I was concerned that they wouldn't offer enough compression, but the ps said they were fine. I bought the Spanx that extends from your midriff down to the top of your thighs and wore them 'round the clock for about 6 months. They helped a lot to reduce the swelling. I've heard of some other TRAM patients who've had good luck with them as well. 

    Melanie 

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  • swimangel72
    swimangel72 Member Posts: 1,989
    edited May 2009

    I never wore a girdle or binder after my free-tram - until I ended up with the hernia - now I have to wear one all day long. :-(

    Melanie - I'm a HUGE Justin Hayward and Moody Blues fan - have been for 38 years! So nice to read a quote from the blue boys!  Here are some lyrics from "New Horizon" which I find more meaningful to me now I've finished my BC treatments:

    Where is this place that we have found
    Nobody knows where we are bound
    I long to hear, I need to see
    Cos' I've shed tears too many for me.

    On the wind, soaring free,
    Spread your wings, I'm beginning to see
    Out of mind, far from view
    Beyond the reach, of the nightmare come true.

    To hear this song in it's entirety with beautiful images - check it out on YouTube:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF2__-K8qFo

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  • ASL
    ASL Member Posts: 202
    edited May 2009

    Swimangel, I just wrote to you on another thread. I've also been a big Moody Blues fan since the early 70's. thanks for the link.

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  • Patrish
    Patrish Member Posts: 251
    edited May 2009

    my doc never had me wear a binder or any kind of compression garmet after my diep.  I didn't have any swelling and was fine.  I also never wore any kind of bra after the surgery, on his recommendation.  no problems.

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