Compression Garment HURTS! On the sides...Normal?

I am up at five a.m. in agony. I took it off. on the sides, my compression garment HURTS.......digs and aches and really really really hurts. I am going to call at nine a.m. in the morning...I know it's not going to be comfortable but is the agony I've been feeling normal? It doesn't seem so....it's on the sides....digs in and just plain makes me want to bawl and I'm TOUGH dang it! Kat

I meant to add...my garment is a long line girdle type thing with legs to the knees....it has heavy duty hooks plus a cushioned zipper on the sides but it just hurts like a YOU KNOW WHAT....i'm still sore from it and i've had it off an hour. I took a pain pill. I'm trying to not take them but dang it it HURTS....I hear stories of herculean women off their pain pills in like four days...wow. ...I'm pretty tough but this pain level has kicked my butt. LOL My doctor told me I had the equivalent of three TTs with the amount of work they did....but I want to be herculean too! I'm walking straight and doing good except for the sides where the pain is just super intense still. I was also given an abdominal binder to use to give myself a "break" from the other binder. Right now my skin feels like it's going to bust open and I'm afraid to use anything....I'm going to wait to talk to them at nine......if I have to, I will go get biker shorts and use those with the abdominal thing. I'm NOT a whiner...when I say it hurts, it's pretty dang painful because I'm fairly stoic. Going to breakfast with my brother at eight...I'm going to go see if my holes are closed up so I can shower...maybe the ho****er will help with the pain...... Kat

I know what you mean - I swear I had 3x as much pain from the dang garment as I did from the incision! But let me tell you something missy - TAKE THE DANG PAIN PILLS!!!! That's what they are for!!!! Quit trying to be a hero!!!!! LISTEN TO ME!!!! Lynne

Ok, at least I know it's not just me. I called my doctor's nurse and she told me to wear the abdominal binder with biker shorts till I can wear the other without eons of pain, which is what I'm doing. thousands of times better. I took a pill. LOL Kat

Hey, Kat! The compression garment you're describing sounds exactly like mine. I find that I get that intense pain at night and until I'm up and walking around in the morning. During the a.m. it feels fine. But WOW! I know what you mean, I feel when I'm all swollen that the garment is making permanent impressions in my ribs and waist, under my breasts etc, VERY TIGHT. I'm too afraid to take it off figuring that is exactly the time when it is doing its job. I take pain killers at that time. Katie

I know, I swear, it HURTS. However, I was in absolute sheer agony, and my doc told me to get biker shorts, wear the abdominal binder till I can stand the other. It's better with the binder....... it was so painful How far out from your LBL are you Katie?

I am currently shopping for a compression garmet. My husband is going to be home for 3 weeks with me, I am wondering if the one with back closure would be best he could do it up for me. Any advice on how to pick one. I was thinking brief style that goes up with a bra built in? Anyone have any they want to throw my way I would be appreciative. I am calling the Dr Office first thing but I forgot to ask so many questions yesterday.

Hi, I had a TT, full anchor cut, lipo, arms, and breats lift with silicone implants. My Dr supplied the compression garments( I paid for them) anyway started with a top that covers the arms to the 3/4 sleeve and breast.It hooks in the front, it comes to the waist. then had a binder for the most part for the tummy. I have 2 girdle type compression garments that hook on the sides, then zip up.dang they are tight.. then a flap comes around from between the legs and has a hook and eye closeure like a teddy.. for the crotch so you can go to the bathroom. i wear this usualy only when i go out..and prefer the binders around the house.. Many complain of seromas..I am not too sure on what these are but it sounds like a build up of fluid. I am not sure if a compression garment helps with this or not.I have not had any(thank goodness) and the swelling doesnt seem extensive. I had 5 drains and currently have 2 left .My surgery will be 3 weeks ago this wed.. hope this helps. Tricia

It may hurt for a few days especially because you haven't worn it since you stepped out of the OR. You are swollen beyong swollen. IMO, you need to wear that thing as much as possible. And for garsh's sake, TAKE THOSE PAIN MEDS. It will help you tremendously the first few days of wearing the garment. As soon as the swelling starts going down, it wont hurt as much. Also, if the zipper area is hurting you, put some gauze or mini pads or something where it touches your skin. It will help cushion the area. Some people like to wear tank tops under their garments. I didn't. It made me feel even more stuffed into the garment! LOL But, to each their own! Good luck, take your pain meds, and wear that garment! Stacy

I will try the pads under there, Stacy, great idea. I'm in my binder at the moment...I feel swollen like a giant whale. LOL Tight andstiff. LOL I hope the swelling decreases soon....at least a little bit. I am not sure why my doc waits to put us in the compression garment...I know lots wake up with one on........I'm not sure why I didn't. I will ask on Monday. Kat