finding a compression vest

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cabingirl
cabingirl Member Posts: 19
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Hi, all

My LE therapist wants me to get a compression vest with sleeves. I had a bilateral mastectomy and chose not to do reconstruction or get fitted with the special bras. I'm ok with my "boyish" look.

My question: Will I be able to find a vest that isn't made for boobs?

Kay

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited January 2011

    Kay, I hope Binney comes along--here's a link to truncal LE and there are links to compression vests.

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

    I met with the medi rep a few weeks ago, and they just came out with a line of compression garments for the chest and arms. I don't know any one who has tried them.

    I'll ask Binney to comment.

    Kira

  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited January 2011

    Kay, that's a really good question, and unfortunately it doesn't have an easy answer. You have both arms and your shoulder affected by LE, right? If so, the only compression with vest that I know of that would cover both arms and chest/shoulders with gradient compression would be a custom garment. If you go that route I'd recommend Gottfried, as their garments are sensible and reasonably comfortable -- though Juzo and Jobst both would do custom garments as well. My own experience with Juzo, Jobst, and Bio-Concepts custom short-sleeved vests is that it's hard to breathe in them, and they tend to force my shoulders forward, but maybe that's just me.

    Sassybax has a top with sleeves that would work without breasts, but you'd really have to check out the amount of compression it adds to the top of your arm, so that could be really tricky and would need your therapist's help to be sure it's a good match: http://sassybax.com/armed-and-dangerous.php

    But if you mean a short-sleeved compression garment for your chest/shoulders that's separate, and then you'd wear separate long compression sleeves, then you might want to look at sports shirts like UnderArmour. No problem with "boob allowance" there, and the compression is tolerable. You could at least go try a few on and see if you think they'd work for you. (They're currently having a post-Holiday on-line sale on the short-sleeve Ts, so you might want to try one on somewhere and then order it on-line).

    If none of that works for you, ask again and we'll brain-storm some more. Others will hopefully be along with their experiences too. I find that even every-day clothes for us "breast-free" women can be a challenge to find. (I typed the word "challenge" but will admit it's more like frustration, disappointment, tears-in-the-fitting-room. Frown Sigh!)

    Let us know what you discover!
    Binney

  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited January 2011

    Here's link to the new mediven 550 thorax garments--of course they show a man in a sleeveless garment, but the brochure shows shirt vs bustier (crop tops) or even full tops--like a leotard with short sleeves.

    The bustier has "breast" forms in it, the sleeves do not.

    http://www.medi.de/en/patient/products/lip-lymphoedema/compression-stockings/medivenr-550-thorax.html

    Actually, you can order the bustier without cups, and there are variants, like an axillary pad.

    Again, just saw the brochure, not the product

    Kira

  • fromabroad
    fromabroad Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2011

    hello all-I think i am the first one with  medi bustier custom made with short sleeves.the bustier is comression 2.I have LE in my breast,back.armpit and now at my arm too.I have the bustier from april and it helps me a lot thou i hate it :).its very ugly and in august is almost unbearable to wear it without aircondition.but it helps the pain.I am new here and thank you all for the advices here.

  • SleeveNinja
    SleeveNinja Member Posts: 178
    edited January 2011

    Cabingirl and fromabroad-

    I'm curious - why do your therapists recommend vests with short sleeves? Is it because that's the only way to get compression right at and around the axilla?  

    I have LE in my arm, axilla, chest & back around my axilla.  I haven't yet found anything that provides compression exactly where I need it for my axilla/trunk.  Sleeveless garments seem always to be too low cut, but I'd be concerned about compression to my upper arm. 

  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited January 2011

    SleeveNInja--I was looking at the medi catalogue, and I figured they order the short sleeves to cover the axilla and it's the right length to meet up with a sleeve--if needed.

    I would imagine the sleeve could be fitter to provide minimal compression--but that's why a fitter should talk to the medi rep--there were a fair number of custom adjustments that you could make to the garment.

    Kira

  • SleeveNinja
    SleeveNinja Member Posts: 178
    edited January 2011

    Thanks Kira -

    There are a few manufacterers of non-custom compression vest with sleeves. I called one to ask if the whole garment would unravel if I cut the sleeves off (they said it wouldn't).  I might try that before I go the fitter/custom Medi route.    And of course, I will share any good finds!

  • cabingirl
    cabingirl Member Posts: 19
    edited January 2011

    Sleeveninja,
    actually my therapist keeps looking at vests with 3/4 sleeves. to me it would make more sense to go long-sleeved.
    so, with the short sleeves, you could still wear the separate sleeves, say for flying?

    like everything else, this has all left me so confused. i think i need a sharp attitude adjustment.
    but i'm not convinced my therapist knows much at all about compression garments. (or maybe my being boobless is throwing her???)

    i guess what i'm worried about now: should i hold off until i can go to a store to be measured/fitted? is it at all advisable to order Sm/Med/Large??? i live on a freakin' island. No fancy stores here!

    Below are a couple of links. Whaddu think?

    http://marenagroup.com/garmentstore/product/tabid/199/p-76-female-vest-with-long-sleeves.aspx

    http://www.makemeheal.com/mmh/productFullReviewList.do?id=10024

    please don't give up on me yet!

    hugs,
    kay

  • SleeveNinja
    SleeveNinja Member Posts: 178
    edited January 2011

    Kay -

    Marena is the company I called about cutting off the sleeves.  I just got their sleeveless vest (FVNSZ).  Sure enough, too low cut around the axilla for me.  

    Where do you need compression?  Why exactly does your therapist want you to have a vest w sleeves?.

  • cabingirl
    cabingirl Member Posts: 19
    edited January 2011

    hi,

    the therapist says the LE is mainly in my upper back, with a little being in my upper arms. i guess that's why she keeps looking at vests with sleeves. but i'm leery about whether we can just order a Large and call it good.

    kay

  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited January 2011

    Ouch! These things are so stupid pricey to experiment around with! Kay, if you just order it, be sure they have a good return policy. Have your therapist check the fit to be sure it's not too much compression in the arm, then return it if it doesn't suit you. I have swelling on the upper back part of my shoulder, and the WearEase Slimmer works well for that area. When needed for flares, I add a longish "chocolate bar" clear around from in front of the axilla to the back, and it stays in place well under the Slimmer.

    Such a safari to find the best possible solution! Onward!Tongue out
    Binney

  • SleeveNinja
    SleeveNinja Member Posts: 178
    edited January 2011

    The Marena bra has pretty good coverage for upper back - and a 14 day return policy.  The  Slimmer camisole by Wear Ease (very nice company,  allows returns) that Binney mentions above also has good back coverage.  Take a look at the truncal LE section on the Step Up Speak Out .org site  -- and look at the compression/ shapewear section.  You have to try different things to see how you respond.  Everyone is different. 

  • cabingirl
    cabingirl Member Posts: 19
    edited January 2011
    thanks, ladies.

    yesterday, we decided on a vest from Marena. will let you know how it works out. i will keep checking out these other options, just in case.
    thanks for all your support and encouragement.

    kay

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