Hi guys

I have discovered that wearing my underworks 988 binder causes me to dry cough persistently for at least 24 hours after I've taken it off, and I feel wheezy.

I've only worn it for full days twice, the last time being Tuesday whilst at work, but now I'm worried I've already caused an issue with my lungs.

I'm going to see my GP (I'm out to her as pre-T trans awaiting GIC appointment) later today to get checked out but my dilemma is, should I wear my binder so she can check how tight it is before I take it off to get my breathing examined, or should I not wear but just take it with me?

She's not seen my binder before but I've got the knack now getting it on and off, although the 'up over the hips' method isn't an option for me because of my fairly wide hips (yuk).

I'm due back in the office again tomorrow as I work some days from home and some in the office. I don't tend to wear my binder when I'm at home on my own so as to give my lungs some breathing space, pardon the pun!

I don't want to cause a major lung problem, especially as I had a pulmonary embolism 20 years ago caused by severe leg injuries after a major car crash, so my left lung is already a bit compromised.

The thought of not being able to bind isn't a nice one either so I just don't know what to do...?

Thanks for your advice x

Your binder is clearly too tight.  I would strongly suggest not wearing it again and just ordering a larger size.  You may be surprised to see that the smaller size doesn't make that much of a difference or any difference in how flat you can look.  When it comes to how flat you can get it is more about finding the right style for yourself, not the size (IMO).

What you are describing is unhealthy and dangerous.  You could casue some serious damage.  I am glad you are going to see your doc.

Also, you shouldn't wear your binder more than 10 hours (at the most!) per day.

You are probably fine, just get something larger!

I would recommend talking to your doctor to make sure you don't aggravate any old conditions. Do not use the binder again. Order a larger size. What you are talking about is dangerous. Get a larger binder, but only wear it if you are medically cleared (due to past lung problems) and you feel safe doing so. Despite some misconceptions, binding properly does not cause the kinds of problems you are having. Also, while I have been in situations where I have worn my binder for upwards of 24 hours, I do not recommend wearing it for longer than 8-10 hours.

Hi Ayden and Brett. I very much appreciate you taking the time to reply. Your advice made sense.

I had ordered what I thought should be the correct size binders - one each - a black and a white one, so I must say I was worried when the dry cough and wheeziness kept recurring each time I wore them and hung around for a day or two or three.

I have seen my doc now and am relieved to hear there is no fluid build-up. She was extremely alarmed though to hear that I have been binding but of course understood my need to do so.

Regretfully, with my history (I never knew blood clots were a potential risk of binding until googling last night), I had to promise her that I wouldn't use them again and she begged me to talk to my psychologist who I see predominantly for pain management but we do discuss my trans issues too because of the overlap. My ongoing physical limitations and acute and chronic pain issues seriously hinder my ability to work out, which frustrates the h_l out of me when I'm trying to de-feminise my body as much as possible pre-T.

My doc and I are both aware that it will most likely be many months before my GIC referral appointment comes through. I am just glad to have some psych support in the meantime because I'm currently feeling like I'm losing my mind and that every aspect of my life is spiralling out of control.

No matter what treatments or surgeries we throw at my body, I can't stop it malfunctioning by growing extra bone in joints and tendons where it shouldn't be. I was informed last week that what was going to be my only option remaining - a lower limb amputation - might not help either because I could very likely grow unwanted bone in the stump that would cause major issues and pain with a prosthetic limb. Plus, I would most definitely be a candidate for phantom pain because I've had such major lower limb pain for 20+ years.

So, me finally acknowledging my trans identity this past year was a way to feel more at peace with myself, and feel like I have some control. Of course I want to pursue my transness (is that a word?) as I feel like I'm in no-man's land with a freaky body that doesn't match what my brain sees. I don't fit in and nobody knows quite how to address me which makes for uncomfortable situations. I'm just totally fed up with my body all-round and can't see a future at the moment, let alone one without pain. Sorry for sounding off. I just can't see a purpose at present.

My compulsion to bind when at work was one small way to feel a tiny bit less self-conscious and have a vague bit of control over my image. I have never seen my GP look so worried in the 10+ years that I have known her, so as much as it pains me to say it, I will heed her advice over binding unless circumstances change in the future. I will instead have to make do with a decent sports bra and Under Armour compression tops, which I hope will be better than nothing. I do wonder though whether the next size up binder, or a different make would not be so dangerous for me? I can mull over that and keep those options in mind for my GIC referral.

Sigh, why can't life be simple - if only I'd been born male. That would have been one less major thing to try and put right...

There are sports bras with decent compression. I would recommend "Title Nine Sports". You want something that is most compressing, but please get *your* size. The cost as much as a binder, but are quality products. They usually have some kind of notation to show what is more compression.  Loveboat has sports bras that look more like binders, which might be worth checking out. I'd guess they are more expensive and won't be as easy to send back.

--Jay

As someone who has had issues related to binding, let me tell you - it's not worth it if it makes you sick or in pain. Finding alternatives has been a real PITA for me, but it beats having the binding pain I used to have. For comfort, I use sports bras and baggy clothes, and that works well enough. If I want a flatter look, I use a waist trimmer (with the Velcro under the armpit to make it less visible), it doesn't have to be pulled in too tight and compresses less of the chest than a binder does.