Camisoles for truncal LE

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marymoir
marymoir Member Posts: 245
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Was Dxed 2 weeks ago w/ LE in armpit & chest.  LE therapist saw me 2 weeks ago & said may need to order me a compression bra.  But I can't see her again for several days and the pain & swelling is really uncomfortable (all my bras, even sports bras, feel like medieval torture devices on that side).  Can anyone recommend a camisole brand that they've been happy with? 

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited December 2010

    Marymoir, Binney and Jane have compiled a list of compression tops for truncal LE

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

    Here are the camisoles

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

    I hope they add some suggestions, they really know what works. I have heard that "Assets" from Target, actually made by Spanx, can be okay, if worn inside out to avoid seams.

    Kira

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited December 2010

    Mary, so sorry you've joined our sorority of swell!Frown

    I hear you on the pain, for sure. A long-sleeved BodyArmor-type sport shirt a size smaller than you'd usually wear, and turned inside out so the seams don't irritate, might be the most comfortable -- day and night both. The other easy-on-the-pain option is an Expand-a-band breast binder (if you order one, get the lined one). It's even sorta pretty!Smile

    Is your LE therapist teaching you Manual Lymph Drainage massage? Insist on it! It can really reduce the swelling and pain, both.

    Keep us posted!

    Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • marymoir
    marymoir Member Posts: 245
    edited December 2010

    Thanks for the recommendations ladies -- I have an Underarmour top that was sort of tight to begin with -- I am going to try that first (although it's long-sleeved, which doesn't jibe too well with the hot flashes :(   Found out they have the Assets line at my local Super Target (further adding to my certainty that they really do carry everything under the sun!) -- gonna try & swing by there tonight!!

     Binney -- yes, my therapist says she is planning on teaching me the Manual Lymph Drainage...unfortunately she didn't have time during the 1st visit, and due to the holidays & her full schedule I had to wait 2 weeks to see her again this Fri. 

    Tangential question -- I've read that it sometimes helps to have the therapist teach a partner to help with the MLD (hubby is up for the idea :)  -- can anyone tell me whether they have a partner help with this, or is it something I'll be able to do all on my own? 

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  • mrsnjband
    mrsnjband Member Posts: 1,409
    edited December 2010

    marymoir,

    My LE therapist taught my DH how to MLD on my back & how to do my arm. 

    My LE therapsit taught us/me how to do MLD in stages.  She said if she taught me how to do it all at once that it would over load the system and make me sick.  NJ

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  • KS1
    KS1 Member Posts: 632
    edited December 2010

    I have worn Barely There's Beyond Bare camisole and Maidenform's Control it camisole. Both are seamless.  Beyond Bare camisoles are a bit cheaper than Control It camisoles ($17 vs. $34), but both are a bargain compared to real compression garments.  Target carries Beyond Bare and I've seen Control it at Kohls.   I went to several department stores, tried on every camisole that was even remotely a candidate.  I was surprised by which felt good/bad, so you probably want to a physical store instead of just shopping online.

    Like you, I find bras very uncomfortable and I wear camis instead.  Beyond Bare and Control it camisoles are "shape wear" that goes down below the hips.   This makes them pretty hot.  I don't need compression in my belly or hips so I cut the camisoles down at the bottom of the rib cage.  The cut edge rolls a bit, but the material doesn't shred.  -- KS1

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited December 2010

    Mary, my DH came along to therapy and learned along with me, and it's been invaluable. Though he rarely needs to help me now, it was such a relief to have him learn what I'm facing first-hand. Besides, he had his own questions and being there he could ask them himself. It just has made all the difference for us. He's really empathetic because he knows for himself what I need and can/can't do, and I don't have to keep reminding him.Smile

    I agree that's it's always surprising which garments feel best, so going to a store where you can try things on is a help. (Control It camis can sometimes be found at CostCo here for around $7, BTW.)

    Happy, uh, shopping!Undecided
    Binney

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  • Suzybelle
    Suzybelle Member Posts: 920
    edited December 2010

    Hi, Mary:

    I'm so sorry you've joined our club... I have LE in my right arm/hand and right side.  The arm can drive me nuts but my truncal LE is what will really make me crazy if I don't do MLD.  It seems that the MLD helps my truncal LE so much...the arm, I have to do the wrapping and all that jazz, but it's strange how I can do MLD and almost immediately see results for the truncal LE.

    Good luck to you.  LE has a steep learning curve, but if I can swing it, anybody can, girl.  Cool  Hang in there and let us know how you are doing or how we can help.

     Suzanne

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  • kcshreve
    kcshreve Member Posts: 1,148
    edited December 2010

    It seems to me that MLD on the trunk has one advantage - gravity. I agree that it seems to respond quicker than the arm MLD for me, too.

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