bra for lymphedema in the breast and trunk

Hello - I have been to Ennis, Ireland.  Lovely place.  But so sorry you have to have Lymphedema.  I have Truncal and Breast Lymphedema as well.  The most comfortable bra I have found is one by Marena Group called Marena Surgical Bra - it comes with either 1" or 2" bottom band.  I bought mine on amazon.com  so not sure if they ship to Ireland.  Oh, just saw you need cotton - this one is more nylon-y.   Darn!   Good luck on your search. 

I also sleep in a camisole that has some compression, but most all of these have synthetic fabrics.

My best to you!

I need compression on my breast, armitpit area, torso and upper arm. I looked at the recommended sites but didn't see anything that looked right.  I apparently would need to purchase a torso thing with a long sleeve.  I wanted a fancy lymphadiva sleeve but that can't happen, I guess.

Purple, I hadn't though about getting two separate things -- sleeve and cami.  I don't see how that would keep compression in my arm pit.  Or is that not done?  Right now, the armpit and upper arm are swollen and my breast is swollen.  The PT woman says my trunk and side are also swollen but I don't notice that a lot.

Carolyn

If you check out the gloves and  sleeves thread and a do a  search there under my name, I believe i have posted a pic of at least one of the compression garments I wear.  In my case- yes, it goes all the way up the axilla.  It does provide the compression I need.  I will say, I actually love my garments and PREFER them to  bra!  If I dont have one on, I feel like I've left my purse someplace , if you know what I mean !

Having said that, we are all different, but I recently bought a $9 clearance one (Called Barely There ) at Macys.  Some ppl. go with 'spanx' which is not cheap.

My suggestion is to get hoppin on the shoppin  :>) 

Start on the internet with  google search ( slimming shapewear camisoles)  and also visit the SUSO site as they have a page of Wear Ease garments that look great.http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Compression_camisoles_lymphedema.htm

Then,... I would look for a good $ale, even at Walmart, TRY THINGS ON and then experiment AND show your LEist of course.  You'll find out in no time if  " cami OTC compression type garments' work for you.  Look for wide 'straps'- no slinky strappy type things, trust me on this- more like  bathing suit cami top if you will - those kind of armholes; not skinny straps.

Have fun !

CarolynVM - I thought mine would just go away too.  Darn that Easter Bunny thinking!

Carolyn, I haven't gone back the last few pages of this thread to see if you've mentioned compression shirts as something you've tried, but if not-- a lot of us wear athletic compression shirts with short sleeves.  The most common brand is UnderArmour, and we find that the women's sizes don't work well, because the sleeve is a cap sleeve that tends to cut into the armpit instead of compress it.  But a men's UA shirt, being sure to get 'compression fit,' often helps. Some women need to wear it inside out so the seams don't irritate, and it's a real challenge to hide the shirt under most wardrobe items, but you can usually find them for $30 or less, so it's an inexpensive option if you want to try it. I have one on now, and it most definitely compresses my axilla and everywhere nearby. It's not medical grade compression, but I think all that means is that's its not gradient compression, like our sleeves that give the most compression at the wrist and then gradually less upwards to the top. But gradient compression is almost impossible to achieve on the trunk anyway.  Also, the compression shirts do a great job of holding things like swell spots in place. I stick something called a 'chocolate bar' up over my shoulder blade on one side, and I don't have a cami of any shape that would hold that thing in place.

When do you migrate back to Michigan?  I hope you can stay in sunny Florida for a while yet. I'm a bit southwest of you, and we have snow flurries today!

Carol

linali, UnderArmour is a $2 billion company: they're absolutely huge and market well outside the US, and so I'll just bet you'll find their merchandise in sporting goods shops in Ireland. Other brands, too!  Let us know what you find.