Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion Women Only Message Board Back pain and breasts and reduction?

I have been having almost 24/7 pain in my upper back for 6-9 months. Xray and MRI of thoracic spine gave no clue. I discovered the cause of the problem all by myself.

When all of this autoimmune insanity began I weighed 50 lbs more than I do now. For the first time in my adult life I am height weight appropriate. I needed to get a new bra and because of my small frame and larger cup size it is hard to find one that fits. I went to a more upscale store and got a very good bra. Shockingly, even with the big weight loss, I remained the same cup size. Also, gravity has really had a downward effect after 45 years.

Amazingly, if I wear the new properly fitting bra I do not have any upper back pain. The minute I remove it, my back muscles begin to spasm. I really hate wearing a bra to bed and have to hold a arm under my breasts when I shower.

I am wondering if any of you had a breast reduction? I am seriously contemplating this. Anyone got any suggestions? Thanks gals!

Personally I'm a fan of breasts of all sizes and shapes...as long as they are real. :p

Jay your such a man!!!!!!!! If you had to lug around 2 bowling balls attached to your chest you would be the first one in line at the Boob doctor.
I have a friend who had terrible back pain and she had a breast reduction, made all the difference in the world. My mother suffered terribly with this but they weren't done when she was alive. Alas I am not so well endowed, but my daughter is and guess where her pain is. Her upper back and she is skinny.

I did consider surgery at one time, but got some really good bras instead. I was wearing "pretty" ones, but not the correct size or support. Luckily the manufacturers started making pretty ones in the "full figure" sizes now. My DH watches me at night and proclaims..."Unleash the beauties!" :p

Ides, look for "Spanx" bras. They are fairly new and not as binding as regular bras, but good support. You might be able to wear one to bed.
But I do know there are "slumber bras". Just gotta search for them.

I do get tired of lugging around the "girls"! They get in the way all the time. One time my DH took me to the driving range and I tried to hit some golf balls. I had such a difficult time grabbing the golf club, putting my arms together was impossible. I can't run either, I'm afraid I'd hurt myself. And buying clothes that fit properly...forget about it! Can you say gaposis!
The very worst part is that with age what was once perky and looked at the sky, gravity took over and they're now checking to see if I shaved my legs!

Awww Jay, you never disappoint me!!! You Dawg....

I have a couple of friends here who have had reductions and they say it was the best thing they have ever done - no more back pain!!!

Yup, I agree, I am not extremely well endowed but am proud of what I have , there are times when they are more of a pain than an asset.

Of course my husband would disagree...... He has the same theory as Jay.

Lynette

Elf, I so love "The very worst part is that with age what was once perky and looked at the sky, gravity took over and they're now checking to see if I shaved my legs!" What a perfect description!

My gals have been a very large part of my identity my entire life. Now with the weight loss, they are appear an even bigger part unfortunately. Donna, your description of large bowling balls on the chest is right on.

I appreciate the responses, even yours Jay . I guess I will spend some time investigating nighttime bras while considering the possibility of surgery.

Lynette,
My DH says "Any more than a mouthful is too much".
I guess its his way of being kind. HaHaHa.

If they cause more pain and discomfort than a good bra can fix then by all means look into reductions. Smaller real breasts are better than huge fake ones.

I dunno maybe hire a midget to help carry them? :p

OH MY GOSH Jay! ROFLMBO!

lol I knew a rather blessed woman that told me she thought about the midget idea.

Those midgets get all the good jobs, huh Jay?

I'm proportionate to my body, but nursing my children has taken it's toll. Unless both arms are raised over my head, they are checking the legs too.

I asked Jerry when we recover financially (we are fixing to) if I could get a .....he cut me off and said no, no boob job. I like em real. Yeah, right, he just doesn't want anyone else liking them fake. As if he has anything to worry about!!

But I was talking about a tummy tuck. If I got serious, I could lift the 'twins' up, but my stomach needs alot of work. He said okay to that.

Sarah

Hey girls!

I used to work with a plastic surgeon. I assisted with several breast reductions and I have to say that they all looked good. The scarring isn't bad, nothing visible unless you just want to show them off. While they are reduced they can be lifted too.

I would certainly recommend it. Insurance companies pay for it sometimes if you can link your breast size to back pain (which it sounds like you can), so check this out. After breastfeeding 4 kids mine could use a lift but I still have some weight to lose.

Sarah, I understand the tummy tuck idea. Those also came out really nice and scarring is minimal also.

Ides if you'll email me, I'll share with you my story about your question. It all worked out good but I don't really want to post the details here ...lol