This is weird... (long)

[Roadtrip]

I'll try and make the story here short... I started life as a sick little girl born with bum girly parts (birth defects) so the uterus and ovaries taken at a very early age.

Fast forward to first OGBYN doctor and he wanted to start me on estrogen supplements. I had been on some low dosage supplements, but he wanted a more aggressive dose to prevent bone loss, etc. I took the estrogen for about a year until I developed pain in my lower abdomen and scans found a mass growing. Seeing all my girl parts were removed we really didn't know where this mass was originating. Ended up being a small bit of left over ovarian tissue that was "stimulated" by the heavy dose of estrogen, so I ended up having surgery to remove an ovarian cyst a little bigger then a softball from my abdomen. Incision all the way from belly button down to base of the pubic area.

I had had a low back injury in college, but had always been pretty healthy and strong, but after this surgery my lower back started bothering me on a regular and ongoing basis. I never really regained the strength I lost in my core after I had my surgery. The back killing me really put a hamper on exercise and the like, but you get the idea and over the next ten years I gained about seventy pounds, which certainly didn't help either.

OK. This is where it gets "weird" as I was pondering bike jerseys and hiding a little of the evidence of that extra weight while I try to pedal my way back, I found these compressive camisoles at Target that helps, well.. tuck and hide the tummy. Decided to give one a whirl. I wore it to work today and found an interesting side-affect. Normally after sitting at my desk for two or three hours my back is stiff and I need to get up and walk around just to get some relief. Today I was so busy (holiday weeks are always CRAZY) and I found at lunch time I was not experiencing ANY pain or stiffness at all. I ate lunch and worked another four hours at my desk and got home and realized I hadn't been in pain at all... ALL day.

Is it the extra support from the compressive camisole? Would wearing one of those Nike or Under Armor compressive base layers do basically the same thing? The cami is snug, but didn't make me feel restricted in movement at all or feel like I was getting "squished", plus I did feel that I had better posture while wearing it too and didn't slouch in my chair, so perhaps that was part of it too. Is there any negative affects to wearing something like this all day?

Thanks in advance!!
Shannon

[jessmarimba]

I have no idea...but I want one now. Are they by C9?

[Owlie]

I'd say try it and see how it goes, provided you don't feel uncomfortable and squished.

[Roadtrip]

The one I found was over in the ladies garments area, near all the other panties and bras... made my Hanes I believe. It wasn't a full camisole, meaning you could wear your own bra with it, which I sorta liked... on a side note.. I know now what "lift and separate" mean.. WOW. DH was liking what he saw I think. hehehe

Oh, I did pick up a C9 compression shirt too and while it doesn't compress quite as much as the camisole and is long sleeved (was on sale) it looks good under the jersey too.

Shannon

[jessmarimba]

Oh, ok. Thanks!

I have one of these (that I got on clearance) and it's similar but a little too compressive in the chest for everyday wear Plus it rides up.

[Kiwi Stoker]

I am sure I saw a brand of ladies underwear that advertised that the compressive quailites would help with pelvic amd back pain and correct your lower posture.

DH is wearing the Underamor "shorts" at the moment to help with his thigh muscles, but also if he has bad chafing below. He wears them all day at work. I asked him if he felt "compressed" and he said no they are really comfortable.

I have worn slimming underwear all day and as long as they are not too tight and have some give, I find them fine.