Susan's Place Transgender Resources

So I went out dancing on Saturday and figured out that binder+physical activity=pain. Now, I can't wear a binder for longer than a couple hours before it gets unbearable and I'm still in pain.
Right after I got home, I felt like I was having trouble breathing and I felt sore (but can't remember where exactly). The next day, my breathing felt fine, but it felt like my sides were bruised and the area right under my boobs ached. It's now tuesday (three days after the party) and I just took off my binder after a only two hours because I couldn't stand it anymore. I have a headache, feel nauseous, and the area right under my boobs aches. My breathing still feels fine, but my chest hurts especially when I take a deep breath.
I used an underworks binder 997 to bind both saturday and today. I used a different shorter, less restricting one yesterday and seemed to be alright.

I don't know if it was so much the binder that caused whatever is giving you pain, but obviously it is irritating it, although i wouldn't suggest doing a whole lot of activity just because it cuts your lung capacity in half (or at least feels that way) i fight in them (martial arts...lol im not some rogue trans dude...haha) and its never caused a problem but from the symptoms your having it sounds like you have cracked a rib or something, that's kinda how I felt when I cracked a rib. If I were you I would try getting an ace bandage and wrapping underneath your boobs to get your ribs some support and see if that helps, I hope you feel better!

Thanks. The next question is how did I manage to crack a rib? I had no blow to the chest or anything.

Could probably be the pressure of the binder (being tight) and u said u was at a party dancing? im not sure just guessing because i easily bruised my ribs by ace bandaging too tight.

most likely to be stretched diaphragm due to you taking deep breaths while dancing and instead of your lungs being able to expand your ribs the lungs pushed down on the diaphragm that keeps the lungs up out of the stomach cavity.

I once had very sharp pains in same area after sneezing hard while reaching down to pick something off floor. doctor said I had pulled the diaphragm muscle.  it took several weeks to fully disappear.

dunno what you can do about dancing except stand at the bar during the more vigourous dances.

It's possible you bruised a rib.  I think you would have to get an X-ray to see if it were cracked.  I would use the less restrictive binder when necessary and not binder when you are home till you are healed up.

Quote from: Boba on August 28, 2012, 02:17:01 PM
Could probably be the pressure of the binder (being tight) and u said u was at a party dancing? im not sure just guessing because i easily bruised my ribs by ace bandaging too tight.

Don't bind with ace bandages. 

This sounds a lot like the symptoms I had when I gave myself costochondritis from binding too tightly earlier this year. It's an inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs. Could be coupled with some bruising if that's it. Took me 2 months to heal. The doc suggested I take over the counter anti-inflammatories or tylenol, which I tried but they didn't do anything for me. Not saying you definitely have that, but it's a possibility anyway.

Hope you're feeling better quickly :-\

Go to a doctor. This isn't a medical forum...

Doctor Devlyn is on the scene! I found these instructions, they seem helpful: Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones,Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones,Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones,Now shake dem skeleton bones!The toe bone's connected to the foot bone,The foot bone's connected to the ankle bone,The ankle bone's connected to the leg bone,Now shake dem skeleton bones!The leg bone's connected to the knee bone,The knee bone's connected to the thigh bone,The thigh bone's connected to the hip bone,Now shake dem skeleton bones!Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones,Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones,Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones,Now shake dem skeleton bones!The hip bone's connected to the back boneThe back bone's connected to the neck bone,The neck bone's connected to the head bone,Now shake dem skeleton bones!The finger bone's connected to the hand bone,The hand bone's connected to the arm bone,The arm bone's connected to the shoulder bone,Now shake dem skeleton bones!Dem bones, dem bones gonna walk aroundDem bones, dem bones, gonna walk aroundDem bones, dem bones, gonna walk aroundNow shake dem skeleton bones!

Hahaha!
Sorry if anyone is bothered by the fact that I'm asking people who also bind about what is most likely a binding problem. I don't like going to the doctor unless I need to.

Quote from: Edge on August 28, 2012, 05:36:01 PM
Hahaha!
Sorry if anyone is bothered by the fact that I'm asking people who also bind about what is most likely a binding problem. I don't like going to the doctor unless I need to.

Oh, my bad. Sorry, I didn't actually read the issue. Carry on then.

I'm gonna say a bruised rib. You didn't crack it - you'd know. I've two broken ribs and a cracked one, trust me. You wouldn't even be able to breath comfortably. Let alone get up and move around. I had to have my father carry me to the bathroom when I had a cracked rib and my partner had to help me out of bed.

You also could have bruised the diaphragm or popped some blood vessels close to the surface as well. I know that when I was younger and binding I went to a contra dance once. I had terrible bruising under my breasts and it was hard to take full breaths. Take it easy, give your chest a chance to rest and if you can't stand not binding, then I would suggest a sports bra (appropriately sized) and a baggy shirt. I know for some not binding isn't an option, so if you have to, make it as light as possible. It will aid in the healing. Motrin or any NSAID should help with swelling, and alternative hot and cold presses can help the bruising heal up faster.

It could also be costchondritis or however its spelt. Either way, Doctor Me says try and give your ribs a chance to relax and heal. Unless you were boogying down, bustin a move or break dancing then I doubt you broke anything.

Here are some questions to consider;

While you were dancing, did it hurt?
Were you doing any moves that you do not usually do, what I mean are you generally in good shape or could you have pulled something?
You mention you have a headache and nausea, do you have any other symptoms? Sometimes symptoms occur proximal to something else and the first thing is we assume they are related. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It is possible the you have caught a bug.
Are there any motions that make it feel worse? Are there any things you do, positions, hot soaks, motrin etc that make it feel better.
There are a number of things in the area and it could be any number of them, we do not know if is muscular, skeletal, or respiratory.

I can tell you that the prior post suggesting you injured your diagram from you r lung pushing down on it is - well - plain wrong. The only way the lungs expand is by the diaphragm contracting. When the diaphragm contracts the partial pressure of the air in your lungs (we always have some air - called reserve volume) is less than the partial pressure of the surrounding air, which causes the air to fill the lungs (gas always expand toward less pressure).  Sorry for the boring lecture. But the lungs can not expand without the diaphragm getting out of the way.

I'm in good shape, but it was my first time moving around that much with a binder on. Usually, I just walk a lot. It did hurt while I was dancing after awhile. Yeah I'm guessing I'm bruised considering the symptoms. I have a tendency to get nauseous with pain and headaches aren't exactly uncommon for me.

Quote from: DianaP on August 28, 2012, 05:25:32 PM
Go to a doctor. This isn't a medical forum...

What she said. Please.

Um... Why? Did I give the impression that I'm the kind of rude and selfish person who would waste a doctor's time (time that could be spent helping patients that actually need her help) over a minor injury that will heal on it's own? If so, I apologize a million times with the appropriate amount of horror.

Quote from: Edge on August 30, 2012, 06:44:22 AM
Um... Why? Did I give the impression that I'm the kind of rude and selfish person who would waste a doctor's time (time that could be spent helping patients that actually need her help) over a minor injury that will heal on it's own? If so, I apologize a million times with the appropriate amount of horror.

It might be more serious than it appears.

I say this because I have a minor, niggling pain in my foot.. Turns out I have a stress fracture, which is more serious than it sounds.

Mate if it's still sore after a few days worth of ice, rest and anti inflamms I'd report to the GP otherwise chock it up to experience. Yeah it could be something more sinister in which case your symptoms will worsen and you will realise something isn't right.. That said - if you start getting short of breath or real concerned hit the ED.

Most of us have done similar stuff with binding too tight in the beginning.. Exerting one's self when not used to binding etc.. It's an art, not a science - you'll find what works for you eventually. And never think you're wasting a GP's time - that's why they charge like a wounded bull :D

Quote from: Edge on August 30, 2012, 06:44:22 AM
Um... Why? Did I give the impression that I'm the kind of rude and selfish person who would waste a doctor's time (time that could be spent helping patients that actually need her help) over a minor injury that will heal on it's own? If so, I apologize a million times with the appropriate amount of horror.

This is not only unnecessarily hostile, but really ignorant sounding.

I'm sorry, and by thinking this way, you're not doing you (or your body) any favorable services.
Trying to treat yourself without knowing exactly what's wrong and going on the whim of others that can't see your injuries and/or aren't medical professionals could possibly lead you to only exacerbate the damage you've done to yourself.

Basically, get off your high horse and go see a doctor.
:-\

I dont know what happent but it sound normal for me, I have tried ace bandage as well and it sucks.
after a while you'll get those lungs who arnt really able to breath normally.
at least that happent for me.

Guys, it's already getting better and really is just a minor injury. As long as I don't wear a binder until it's gone, I should be fine.
I have never bound with ace bandages.

It sound kinda like what happened to me that last time I went out though with me i know i did actually get hit in the ribs a few times but the bursing eventually goes away but keep a eye on it. I only went 1 day without binding when I was pretty brused and sore but thats cause i didnt want anyone at work seeing me without it. I eventually healed it was no biggie. you know yourself better than anyone people will always freak I got a 3rd degree burn at work and all i said was ouch and started to laugh but everyone was freaking out asking if i was okay even though i was laughing. you know you best if you feel its going away dont worry about it.