Tips for getting through short-term binder discomfort

[captains]

Hey guys. Could really use some tips right now, sorry.

I'm pretty sure my binder is the correct size, but I've always been kind of a weenie about it, haha. I've been dealing with a lot of mid/upper back pain from my binder use, as well as dizziness that comes from a) being hyperaware of your breathing and b) breathing shallowly from the restriction. I bind infrequently these days: about 3 days/week.

I've got a party thing tonight, so I decided to bind for my psychological comfort. Am slightly regretting it. I've got 2 more hours of work, followed by a good 4 hours of bar hopping, etc, and I'm having a hard time focusing on anything other than how bad I feel, physically. It's really distracting. I feel like I'm gonna pass out.

I can't take off my binder because I haven't got a sports bra or anything to replace it with. Any suggestions on ways to adjust, or tips on how to shove my discomfort to the background? Other than alcohol. Although, there will be alcohol.

[mycelestialarchangel]

If you're experiencing those signs I really don't think your binder is the right fit,  or you may need one made with different material.  Other than the obvious of suggesting you take it off for your own safety and make a make shift tank top using a scarf or something...  Perhaps find a restroom and shift your chest around to ease the discomfort for a bit.  The alcohol may help also. I'm not sure on how to distract your mind other than not thinking so much about it.

  Are you sure there's no way you could call into a store after work and buy a cheap sports bra or crop top?   Passing out while bar hopping and having an ambulance driver have to cut off your binder to help you breathe probably wouldn't be a fun experience. 

Best of luck, please stay safe <3

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[sleepy.river]

When I started binding I had a similar problem but because I was layering the binder which has caused me a lot chest pain and back pain. I would suggest to try to ignore it or maybe cut off a bit of the binder which helped me a lot. (the binder still binds the same) Well but thats just my expirience.

[FTMax]

Take a break midway through the party thing. Pretend your grandma is calling or something. Head to the bathroom, take off your binder for five minutes or so, stretch and take some deep breaths. I'd also maybe bring some tylenol to take the edge off.

Binding really shouldn't be painful though. Aside from the sweatiness and need to stretch my shoulders every hour or so, I could comfortably bind for around 12 hours before I got to the okay this needs to come off stage. It really shouldn't be restricting your breathing to a point that you notice it.

You can probably get by wearing it to the party, but I'd have someone else measure you and look into getting a new one ASAP. It does not sound like you have the right size.

EDIT - Don't take tylenol if you're drinking. I don't drink, so I forget that you shouldn't combine those things. Whooops.

[RaptorChops]

I think you should go up a size just my opinion. When I was wearing binders I got the correct size that I measured for but I could never get it on. I had to go up 2 sizes.

[captains]

EDIT - Don't take tylenol if you're drinking. I don't drink, so I forget that you shouldn't combine those things. Whooops.

Ahaha, this is smart! If there's anything I've learned in my various biomedical studies, it's that people should play it safe with tylenol.

Seriously though, thank you to everyone for the advice. I made it! The night was a little rough, to be honest, but in the end it was fine.

My issue with binder size is that while I'm moving and talking and whatnot, the size I'm wearing seems perfect. A little sweaty, maybe, but decently compressing and not painful or anything. But oh, jeez, when I've been sitting for hours? I dunno, but there's something about being very still in a binder that leads to all kinds of trouble for me. Does anyone know what I mean?

Thanks again.

[Infinite Recursion]

I would say maybe size up on the binder or switch to something like a compression shirt. I used to bind but was also feeling a lot of discomfort, to the point where I would get frustrated about it, so I ended up ditching binder all together and bought some compression tanks. It worked pretty well for me and has more give to it, making it a lot more comfortable to wear all day long. I also tends to layer my clothes to make my chest looks flatter.

[palexander]

try using t-kingdom's zip up binder! i had an issue with feeling suffocated/trapped, so i used that until i had top surgery because i could unzip it while sitting to relieve the pressure. i always undid it in the car and it made my mom angry that i had to spend a minute zipping it up before i could get out lol

[captains]

Yo, thanks for the rec!