New Truncal LE--What to Wear to Squeeze It?

sbelizabeth
sbelizabeth Member Posts: 2,889
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Hi, sisters.  I had a single boobieloptomy last April, followed by 37 rads.  I've seen a LE specialist a few times, just to get to know her and get baseline measurements, ideas for prevention, etc.

Now I've developed boggy, swollen areas along and beneath my scar, and have a baggy, flappy pouch of skin under my arm, at the very lateral edge of the scar.

I'm seeing the LE therapist next week, but I'd like to hear from those with experience what trunk compression garments worked for them.  Some of the other threads mentioned Maidenform, Under-Armor, NY&Co., so where should I start?

Thanks for any advice you can offer!

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Comments

  • KS1
    KS1 Member Posts: 632
    edited November 2012

    I recently started wearing a short-sleeve Memoi shaping camisole.  (I describe it in gory detailed in another LE thread.  Search for my name & Memoi.)  I like it better than anything else I have tried thus far.  

    My problem area is side/axilla, and I find that short sleeve garments do a much better job with the axilla than no-sleeve garments (like Maidenform control it).  I'm petite and even XS athletic compression shirts are too big.  KS1

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  • PersonalTrainer
    PersonalTrainer Member Posts: 21
    edited November 2012

    My side and axilla are my issue also - with my arm now involved as well.  I have to wear a sleeve and hand protection, but my trunk is a challenge.  I have the same issues with the athletic compression shirts - even a boy's small was too big to give any compression underneath my arm.  The Wearease camisole is good.  I also found that a Genie bra works really well - plus they're inexpensive and comfortable.  For working out - I can wear the compression bra/tops I've always worn.  When I try to wear any of my old regular bras - I have swelling in my side after only an hour or so. 

    At night - I use the swell spot that covers my breast and axilla area.  Over it - I wear a cotton camisole I buy in the Junior department at Kohls.  You really can find them in most stores now as they're very popular for layering.  The point is that I can buy a $5 camisole - you just have to wash them every couple of nights so that they remain compressive and they'll only last for a few months - but the cheap ones work well.  I buy a size smaller than I would normally wear.  With that and my night sleeve - I can control the swelling.

    You really just need to experiment before you find out exactly what will work for you. 

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