Hey guys,

To cut to the chase - basically, I'm wanting to start binding. Dysphoria and being intimate with my gf have been getting immensely difficult and it's gotten to the point where I need to do something about it. However, I have a lot of lumps in my breasts (I have alot of raisins and cherries in my cakes, was the analogy the breast consultant used.. lol) and I'm in constant pain, everyday with them, and I'm more than sure that binding will be really hard to do because of the lumps - so I'm not too sure - is there any particular way that I could bind without putting myself in anymore pain than necessary?? Are there any particular type of binder that would be more suitable??? Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated!! It would be so much easier if I could just cut them off.

Thanks,

Jack

If you have a lot of lumps and they're already painful, binding will probably increase that pain since it will be putting pressure on that area. Maybe get a binder that's one size too big, so you get a flatter chest but have less pain and discomfort compared to if you were binding normally (or use a binder that fits correctly, and loosen any adjustable straps until you find a balance between having a flatter chest and still being able to be somewhat comfortable). Or try a compression sports bra instead, see if that decreases your dysphoria any.

Yeah, I can't imagine binding completely being comfortable with that.  I'd try compression shirts and sports bras first and then move on to a binder if they don't bother you.  If you're interested in top surgery, could you use the lumps/pain as a medical reason for it? 

I wear a binder that's actually a little bigger because I wanted something that wasn't crushing my ribs all the time, but I find it worked no different than a sports bra. I mean they are only slightly squished. Of course I wouldn't know if it hurts since I don't have a lot of feeling in that area. I can't really think of anything specific if you have pain, binding seems like it will no matter what increase it. Of course you can try the cheapest ways of binding to see just how comfortable you'll be binding before bothering with something like a pricey binder.

Quote from: Lee on June 05, 2011, 11:38:04 PM
If you're interested in top surgery, could you use the lumps/pain as a medical reason for it? 

I was thinking the same thing. Of course I think if that were the case a lot more of us would be pretending we had pain for that option. But who knows, don't let it stop you from finding out.

You probably need to experiment with sports bras and binders to see what will work best for you.  Have you talked to any drs. about surgery you may well have a medical reason for top surgery? Do you have insurance?

Lumps?? It's not cancer??

Quote from: sascraps on June 06, 2011, 10:08:14 AMLumps?? It's not cancer??

That's what came to my mind at first too.  But since his doctor knows, I'm sure the doctor would have already made sure of that. I would think.

It's not cancer, it's just lumpy tissue. I have the same thing. I forgot what the medical term is...

Anyway, I have the same problem as you. I just weighed the pros and cons and decided a normal binder is what I needed. Yes, it definitely hurts once I take it off, but it's worth it for me. So I would suggest weighing your options. If comfort is more important, go with a compression sports bra, but if a flat chest is more important, get a binder and live through the pain. I've gotten so used to it that I barely realize it's sore anymore.

Yeah lots of people get those lumps, I got em too. Never had them checked out but they don't feel unusual. They usually happen in youth from what I've heard, and start going away as you get older.  But that's just something I read, so I don't know 100% about them. 

Hey guys,

Thanks for replying!!

The lumps in my breasts have been diagnosed as being hormone related. Not sure if I can use it as a medical reason for top surgery though. I live in Scotland, UK, so really have no idea, but will definately be something that I'll find out about.
I've also previously tried using sports bras and to be honest they just squish them down and in a way, I feel like my breasts are more noticable . I've never tried a compression shirt though, so I'll give that a try - hopefully it'll make me feel more comfortable!! If not, then I think I'll look into getting a binder a size bigger. Gosh, I really hope I find something that works, before I go crazy with dysphoria

Again, thanks for the tips/advice guys,

Jack