#or hey try double binding with a sports bra and a binder instead of two binders

[dollopheadedmerlin]

Mneh so I never was very good with my binding habits before surgery. Like, my dysphoria was so bad I wouldn't get out of bed if I wasn't putting a binder on, so I basically wore a binder every single day from dawn to dusk just so that I wasn't miserable and could actually enjoy my time.

And I don't regret it. Not at all. I never slept in my binder. I never double binded. I always wore the right size. But from the moment I woke up, I had to have one on or I was just constantly uncomfortable to an unbearable extreme. So I wore one, every single day, for 12 to 20 hours, for several years.

Sooo now I have flared ribs, and possibly slipping ribs syndrome.

But again. I don't regret it, because if I hadn't worn my binder the way I had, I would have spent a lot of those seven-ish years doing nothing but getting more and more depressed and sleeping. So it was essentially a trade off. Either bind improperly and develop some problems or bind properly but spend those years just sort of waiting for them to be over. That's why I honestly think maybe if people are asking for advice on how to bind unsafely but more effectively, it's probably more useful to list many options of varying levels of safe. If someone has to double bind or they're hate themselves too deeply to live with it, then I'd say it's best to try and find the safest way to get them as flat as possible, even if it isn't right way or the risk free way.

Anywho. That was all prerequisite to why I think I have slipping rib syndrome even though it seems to be fairly uncommon.

I haven't seen anyone about it yet, but my ribs get sore sometimes. Either from sitting weird, moving a lot, breathing hard, etc. They also just hurt when I'm tired sometimes. Aside from that, my lower back hurts often as well, but most pointedly, my ribs occasionally will just give me a random sharp pain.

I always thought it felt like they moved, like a rib would sort of shift into and awkward angle and that made it hurt, but I wasn't sure if my rib was actually moving or if that was just how I was interpreting the pain.

But now that I know about slipping rib syndrome I'm like 95% sure I have it. I got some rib pain at work and in the car today (it sounds worse than it is, many days they don't move at all, but today they just decides I have a party ig) and now that I'm looking for movement I'm like YEAH THAT MOVED.

TLDR; So basically my ribs are doing the electric slide all the time and risk assessment is important ig

[transqueerquestions]

Hello! I submitted this question to another blog, but I realized they haven’t posted in a long time. I was wondering if you have recommendations for chest binding? I am already very flat-chested, I haven’t regularly worn a bra in years because I’ve never needed the support and only wore them in high school because I was told to. Wearing a sports bra only accentuates my chest and makes my non-boobs look rounder and fuller than they are. Chest binders look a bit bulky and seem to be for people who have larger breasts than I do, I’m assuming they would be a bit overkill for my chest if that makes sense? My bust measurement is 37 inches, I have absolutely no cleavage, and if I cup my breast with my hand I can’t even grab onto anything. Sorry if any of that is tmi, I just want to be clear on what I’m working with. I’m very flat but I want to be flatter when wearing certain clothes. Should I try a tighter sports bra? Are there “lightweight” binders for people that just need a small amount of compression?

Tobi: Hey nonnie! I’m hearing that you’re wanting a flatter presenting chest, but are hesitant to try binders as your chest size is already small, and sports bras aren’t doing the trick.

Always, and I mean ALWAYS when looking at and for binders please research the place you get them from, assure you are following the SPECIFIC site sizing charts, and NEVER going smaller than your measurements.

The first thing I want to talk about is the underrepresented “baggy clothing” option for reducing the appearance of your chest! If it fits in your style/aesthetic and you’re comfy doing so, there’s absolutely NOTHING wrong with “hiding” your chest behind a slightly bigger hoodie or shirt! I know there are many days where I don’t feel like putting on a binder (or I’m coughing or my chest is hurting) and I’m telling you with smaller chests (mine is slightly bigger than yours but still small), wearing a bigger shirt or hoodie or what have you, and voila, flat chest appearance!

In terms of sports bras I HAVE heard of using two for compression purposes, however only for individuals with bigger chests rather than smaller. I’d also advise against doubling up if your chest is smaller as I’m not sure how that kind of compression will have any long-term effects.

Underworks is the place where I got my first binder, and they are actually advertised as “shapewear”. I can also personally vouch for their effectiveness for smaller chests. The caveat is that Underworks is not by trans for trans. I DO still have my underworks binders because they work, they hold up, and they’re comfy!

GC2B is also another fantastic resource for binders and other trans-friendly clothing options that could also fit your needs! I’ve personally opted for these guys instead of Underworks, but I have never had a problem with Underworks!

Another resource for smaller chests would be binding tape (or KT tape). I have tried it myself and it’s certainly worth a try, but I wouldn’t bank on it entirely. My experience was good overall, but frustrating in that the adhesive and pull on the skin in the center of my chest caused my skin to break out in really itchy painful spots and I’ve stopped using it personally. If you are going to try it, check out some tutorials first! Both for what kind of tape to get and how best to put it on! (Followers drop some links if you know of any!)

All in all, I wish you luck, but so long as you’re binding safely and properly (Maximum of 8 out of 24 hours, taking breaks, NOT sleeping in them, following sizing guidelines, and making sure that if it is in any way PAINFUL, to take it off immediately), you should be just fine!

Hope this helps, and if you have any follow up questions feel free to ask!

If you like my answers, consider tipping! <3