Alright, I've been binding for about 3 years. the first year, I wore it relatively safe. Maybe 9 hours instead of 8 every now and then. About six months ago, my binder started getting very loose, and I didn't have access to getting one for myself (the first one was a secretive gift from a friend). When the binder was so loose it was useless, I did what every trans guy knows not to do, the #1 rule of binding: the ace bandage. See, my dysphoria was so strong that I didn't care at all about the repercussions. I'd just hold my breath and keep my head high. A month or two later of 6-7 hours binding a day, I got a new one. I've worn it as little as possible, but I am still in high school. I wear it 7-8 hours 5 days a week, including gym class. I honestly can't handle not wearing it outside my home. However, I'm facing some major consequences for my stupid mistake. My lung capacity is off and I need to use an inhaler twice daily (used to be 4), I have major back/rib/sternum pain, my heartbeat is irregularly fast for someone of my age and the sport I do (swimming, without binding). I'm so terrified that if I tell my doctor that I think my issues are related to binding, I won't be allowed to bind anymore. And that's the simple, obvious answer. But even with the binder, I have so much anxiety and self-consciousness that the thought of leaving the house without a binder sends a rush of fear throughout my body. I don't really think I'm looking for advice. I just needed to share with someone. Thanks for reading!
