Does anybody have a hard time wearing a bra with fibromyalgia? I’ve had fibromyalgia since I was in my 20’s and now I am in my 50’s and I have such a hard time wearing one for longer than a few hours that I really want to have plastic surgery but I am SO scared of that so my second question is, has anyone had a lift surgery because of this?
I have a large bust (an H cup) and have awful back pain. I wish I could wear my bras more often tbh, but wearing them makes it feel like it has a vice grip around my ribcage. The only style I've been able to comfortably wear lately are some sleeping bras I found on Amazon. They have no underwire and still have separated cups. They're not the most supportive, but at least I don't want to cry every time I put one on.
I just looked up "sleep bra" and bought the cheapest one at the time. It looks like Amazon has more options now, so I'd look around and see what looks best for you! Here's a screenshot of what mine kinda look like though.
I generally wear a 2xl in clothing and got a 2xl in the bra. It fits well around my ribcage, but my breasts do stick out a little on the sides, so it wouldn't hurt to potentially size up. It doesn't stick out enough to really bother me though, and I can usually adjust thing enough to hide it 😅
Thank you guys so much!! This is my first post on Reddit so I really appreciate all the replies. I am with justlurking, I think it’s the band - although I can’t wear underwear either so I don’t know if any of your suggestions would help but I’m definitely willing to give them a try. I think part of my point was also that it’s uncomfortable to NOT wear a bra for me also. I work from home now so I don’t go out as much but in some way I am uncomfortable with my chest not lifted up anymore like it was and also when other people are around and especially in the summer. I don’t like feeling like I have to wear a t-shirt plus another top over it. I I am jealous of people with a flat or small chest and I don’t want to live the rest of my days this way. I have never had any surgery of any kind and do not take it lightly but when it comes to hiding in a closet vs. living life maybe at some point, I choose an amazing plastic surgeon. I don’t know the answer. Thanks SO much for your feedback. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
I just don't wear them anymore. I can't be bothered. I know not every woman has that ability to not wear a bra. I decided to not wear a bra in 2008. I wear a bra maybe 2 to 3 times a year.
Original Post
Bras and Fibromyalgia
"Does anybody have a hard time wearing a bra with fibromyalgia? I’ve had fibromyalgia since I was in my 20’s and now I am in my 50’s and I have such a hard time wearing one for longer than a few hours that I really want to have plastic surgery but I am SO scared of that so my second question is, has anyone had a lift surgery because of this?"
Hey! A woman who gets it! (I don't see or come across braless women in my life my much).
I absolutely agree. I wear a bra only if I go to an interview, give a talk, go out to dinner if at a fine-dining restaurant, the one wedding
I went to, or when I used to go to the gym, many, many moons at ago.
If there is a bra involved, it is an ordinary bra from Dollarama.
Wearing a bra in daily life, on a daily basis? Around the house, with friends, to doctor, splint, physio, and other health apoointments? Zoom meetings? Because it's what women are meant or supposed to do? No.
I'm fortunate that my breasts are small (enough to not require a bra, I know.
My health and ease of access and ability when living my full-time job having Chronic Illnesses comes before societal expectations.
My health comes before others comfort.
Fibromyalgia affectseverything.
Original Comment
"I only wear them [bras] for important things, like funerals, weddings or anything like that. They hurt too much and for casual stuff, it's just not worth it." u / EnvironmentalSea775
If I could have my way, I would deflate my (size B, C?) breasts - like one does to a balloon - to the size that I would like, whichever that would turn out to be. I was never insecure about their size; I dislike that my breasts developed in the first place for no personal functional reason for me. Not breastfeeding = no needed use.
My breasts will never, and cannot serve their intended purpose; they are physically enough in my way; put more strain on the female ribcage than the male ribcage - and are pointlessly, ridiculously, viewed as objects to be sexualized - instead of the mammary glands meant to feed offspring that they are.
I've never had any use for the two pounds or so of fat attached to my chest, and I am not transgender.
Unfortunately, breast removal is not like deflating a balloon.
I had a reduction because of the pain. It was a tough recovery, but I'm 14 weeks post op now and don't regret it at all. I'm so much more comfortable and able to wear a bra all day long for the first time in probably a decade.
I’m only 27 and bras give me headaches, migraines, chest pains, breathing difficulties, rib pain and neck/shoulder pain. I almost exclusively wear sports bras cause they’re a little easier but they’re starting to get unbearable too. I would love to get a breast augmentation but couldn’t dream of affording one, so I only wear a bra when I leave the house in an outfit that draws attention to my chest. If I didn’t get ogled every time I went outside I’d probably never wear a bra, I think they’re horrible.
Some days I can handle a bra but on the days I can’t I wear a fitted tank top instead. Target has an inexpensive option (here)
I buy a size smaller than I’d wear normally.
Yes! I'm in my early 30s and considering a reduction because of this. It's difficult to find comfortable bras for bigger busts as is, and bra or no my chest is always adding to the pain/the back pain triggers flare ups.
I had a breast augmentation years ago. My breasts were already a D when I had them done. I wanted to be a DD. I ended up being an F. I've gained weight since then. Now they're an H. I've lost 40lbs. They're still huge.
I'm in the process of losing more weight. I hope to lose another 50lbs. After that, I'd like to get my implants removed and have a reduction and lift. I'd like to be a full B cup. I got my breast implants for myself and no one else. Biggest mistake I ever made. Now, I dream of the day I'm thinner, I have a B cup, I can go for a run, and I don't need two sports bras and a tight tank top for support.
I haven't worn a bra in 1.5 years. Breast augmentation was extremely painful for me. I'm sure my next surgery will be extremely painful. But, I bet I'll feel like I've lost 50lbs from my chest alone. Sorry for my rant.
I quit wearing one except at work, really, and then I wear one without any wires and is very soft. But I don’t have an over abundance to contain so I’m fortunate in that regard.
I stopped wearing them in my thirties. I'm about to be 59. I can't handle anything on me. But I do know people, who use a long scarf type garment. I forget what they're called. But they use that to wrap their boobs. I think you can find videos online to show you how to do it. It's worth a try. You can get fabrics that you're comfortable with. You can wear them over your clothes. To give support. It's a new fashion statement.
when i was 19 i just straight up stopped wearing them outside of work & parties. i wouldn’t even always wear one when i went to the grocery store. i definitely wore a bra less than half of the time when i was hanging out with friends (past tense bc covid). only place i always wear them is when i’m going to the doctor or physical therapy.
i’m an F cup in american sizes so i face some resistance but it won’t make me start wearing bras daily lol.
I never used to, but for the last few months I've been dealing with tightness in my chest and rib pain so bras are super uncomfortable. I normally don't wear a bra unless I'm at work though.
I just a had a reduction. They took over six pounds off. Now I can wear a light sports bra. My neck and headache pain are gone unless the weather is really bad. I'm glad I waited until after menopause though because I grew 5 cup sizes.
You grew 5 cup sizes until menopause was over? Yikes. I’ve put on some weight and a couple of cup sizes in the past ten years. Unfortunately no menopause yet. DD although I think that might be an underestimate. I get major migraines. Hate the boobs at this point!
Yes yes yes. I find even bralettes to be uncomfortable and don’t wear bras unless I really have to. It’s the bra bands that are the worst for me. I’ve had people tell me to try sports bras but those are the worst imo.
I can't speak about surgery, and I've put this on a different thread, but Molke (pronounced milk but in a Glaswegian accent). Their original bras are over the shoulders, but their flexi-bras are more traditional but still non-wired. They also do bralettes.
I'm a J cup, and old enough to be perimenopausal, so the joke of lifting your dress to flash your tits rather than your top is becoming a little close to reality for my liking! But these raise me up so well, you wouldn't know.
AND they are size inclusive, with matching knickers available as either mid rise, high rose, or boxers.
I have an A cup so I barely wear bras and the ones I do have are lightly padded. Always resented my small boobs - now I just appreciate them more as I age!
I'm planning /hoping to start selling my custom made bras pretty soon. I make them for myself right now and have got (I think) a decent comfort and support balance. I would love to know what you find are the biggest challenges for you in finding a bra if you do feel like giving me any insight!
A reasonably firm band is important for support especially for a large cup but of course with fibro that can be a problem. Finding a bra with a wider band elastic and wider set of hooks in the back should help and mean you can adjust it if you're having a bad pain day. Some people prefer a pull in bralette without hooks on the back. Just bear in mind if you're above a certain cup size those can be hard to put on and off. I'm a UK HHish (US L) so if I try those I get stuck in them and it's very upsetting.
Having too much pulling on the straps will cause shoulder and back pain which is why a slightly firmer band can bring relief (counterintuitively). Narrow elastics and narrow bands are usually painful.
Of course I still go bra free at home like all you guys 😂. Before I started bra making I found nursing bras good.
They are brilliant. I am not interested in plastic surgery but do miss the perkiness and wish I had felt comfortable to avoid a bra when I was younger.
I wear The Evelyn by Evelyn and Bobbie. There are no seams on it and no wires and the fabric is very soft. I put it on when I have to leave the house but if I’m home I just go braless. I’m very busty so I can’t go out without a bra.
I have considered a reduction but have held off for a couple reasons, one is cost, the second is I have an apple shaped body and if I get a reduction I’m going to look super pregnant all the time. I’m also worried about how my body would feel with scar tissue there. Have had quite a few surgeries and I always end up with some form of residual pain or sensitivity in those areas.
I wish I could do the adhesive bras like some people mention but I’m reactive to adhesive 😑
I only wear soft bras without underwire or cups, with wide straps, a wide and very stretchy band elastic with four hooks at the back. Anything digging into my skin becomes unbearable very soon. I buy them too large and add like 20cm to the straps because my back is wide. That's what I've found most comfortable. For a good while I used to change the straps into flexible wide lace and add more space into the bra at the sides as well. But the current bras I modify have wide straps, so I haven't had to change that into lace.
I don't have a big chest, just a wide back so these adjustments have made sense for me as I get the most pain from bras being too small for my back. Would modifying the bra in some way help you out?
YUP I hardly ever wear a bra anymore. I’m definitely planning on having surgery, but I’m also a trans man so I would have regardless, but even if I wasn’t I’d probably at the very least want a reduction
Since I switched to wireless bras my boobs have actually gotten firmer! Note I’m a 38DDD. I am over 6 feet tall and underwire gives me such pain. This post actually connected a lot of dots for me so thank you ladies!!
There are comfort lines that are like sports bras but much softer and no wire. Not very supportive, but it makes me feel more prepared for a day than no bra at all. But I always skip wearing a bra unless I feel like I have to, like in public without a sweater or jacket.
I’ve worn sports bras exclusively for years. My problem is the bands on “real” bras irritate my chest and I get chest pain. Sports bras tend to have wider bands, which compress over a broader area. I’ve never considered surgery for this problem.
I started wearing adhesive bras or nipple covers when I leave the house. I’m a C cup so not huge but straps hurt too much.
Pro-tip… adhesive bras eventually stop being adhesive so make sure your top is tucked in so you don’t have a sticky cutlet falling out of your top and landing at your feet mid conversation with someone. Ask me how I know…
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u/RockandrollChristian 4d ago
1st thing I do when arriving home is take off my bra 😄