Dressing over medical equipment?

trekkiegirl

For the last few weeks, my back has been bothering me something fierce. I won't go into too many details, but now that it's been almost a month I'm resorting to a back brace (my Dr approves). I was lucky to find one that isn't super bulky but it does create some odd lumps, and has Velcro straps that can be very irritating if they contact skin. I have to wear a tank top under and another over it to combat both these. I haven't had to wear it to work yet, but I am worried about fitting some of my clothing over it.

Has anyone else had to dress around medical equipment? What was your experience like? How much did it change your style, or not?

10 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from trekkiegirl

Dekaf4me

Active Member

I actually think that I've unintentionally developed my style in part because of some medical needs. Layers, layers and more layers. I've found that some fluid and asymmetrical toppers have been really helpful. And I've found fun accessories and shoes helpful to keep me feeling spunky even if the rest of me isn't feeling so. It's more function than fashion, but with some of my bracing I've found that a good compression base layer (I'm partial to Lucy but have some others I like too) has also been helpful to keep things in place.
Good luck!

10 years ago

trekkiegirl

Veteran

What do you mean by a compression base layer?

10 years ago

Dee

Veteran

I have established a kind of mini-capsule out of my clothing that I know to pull from when my RA is acting up. Jeans loose enough to wear a knee brace under or fitted enough to wear one over. Loose sweaters so I can wear a wrist brace under and not have it be too noticeable. Certain shoes I can fit an ankle brace in, etc.

In the spring I had knee surgery and had to wear a brace from thigh to ankle for about eight weeks. It was large and bulky enough that it had to go over pants and no jeans, so I had a few pairs of leggings and track pants that I wore pretty constantly. And I had a cane during the recovery, so no hiding it for me. If you go back through my threads from last spring, you'll see a few WIWs.

I don't think I've bought clothing that I only wear on bad days, but many of the items are on the casual extreme of my style. And no heels about 1.5", which has been the biggest sacrifice.

I never had to deal with a back brace though, so no specific advice. I feel a fitted layer of a tank and a long/drapey top or cardigan on top would go a long way to disguising a bulkier brace. I second the above poster that a fun bag or accessory can go a long way to providing some visual interest.

10 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I was using an insulin pump. Made dresses and tucking difficult. Frankly the flowy top became my best friend.

10 years ago

Summer

Veteran

Sorry to hear about your bad back, tr3kkie. I haven't experienced this kind of problem, but I'm sure you will rise to the challenge and find a way to make your wardrobe work around it. Good luck.

10 years ago

lyn67

Veteran

Sorry to hear that. I don't know anything about back braces, but Chewyspagetti used to wear one in the past...don't know if she is still around and reading:-(.

10 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

I'm sorry your back is giving you grief! I haven't had to dress over a brace, so please forgive me if my ideas won't work for you. Would a structured jacket, like a blazer, help?

10 years ago

Author Linda

Veteran

Dressing over medical devices is a challenge. A year ago after a major abdominal surgery... my incision developed complications and didn't heal, so I ended up wearing a wound vac 24/7. Basically I had to carry around a machine the size of a large handbag everywhere I went. It had tubing running to my abdominal wound, which was an inch or so below my belly button. So you can imagine how that limited my fashion choices.

What I did: looser-waist-ed mid-rise pants or jeans (because the tubing had to go under my waistband); soft flowing tops that hit no lower than top of the hip (I bought my first EF tops just for this period); NO dresses; and ALWAYS carrying a lovely shoulder handbag into which I put the vac unit. The tubing would come out of the top of the handbag and go into me. If I carried my bag just so, the tubing was almost completely hidden.

I named my unit Mr. Sucky. Mr. Sucky went to the theater in a nice quilted black Rebecca Minkoff bag. He went grocery shopping and to lunch in a smart canvas and leather hobo. At home he hung from my shoulder in a soft, pretty patterned Vera Bradley bag while I did cooking, cleaning, and reading. If I'd still been going to the office, I'm sure I could have dressed Mr. Sucky up in nice business casual.

It's now six months since I sent Mr. Sucky back to the medical supply company and I've gone back to tighter jeans and belts at my waist, but I must admit I'm still loving my flowing tops! I could see them being great options for a back brace.

10 years ago

Echo

Veteran

I wore a brace after my DD was born, and I found flowy layers and draping to be fabulous looks to cover the lumps and bumps. There are some really great draping pieces now, and some of them are fabulously comfortable (sometimes classified as fitness gear, though they are things I'd NEVER wear to workout in). Tank tops with a double layer (a more flowy top layer) and/or asymmetrical hem are fab under jackets or cardis or even flowy sweaters.

Nordstrom

ASTR Embellished T-Back Tank

$56.00

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Nordstrom

Zella 'Warrior' Multi Way Wrap

$68.00

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Nordstrom

Halogen Tier Chiffon Tank (Regular & Petite)

$58.00 $26.10

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Nordstrom

Zella 'Studio' Draped Wrap Top

$98.00 $39.97

Sale

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10 years ago

Anonymous

My niece has scoliosis and had to wear a body brace during her teen years. It was hard on clothes the way it rubbed. Waists needed to be elastic or drawstring, flowing legs or long skirts, long loose lightweight toppers over tees that always needed replacing. Decades later and no brace that I know of, she still dresses this way...quite boho.

10 years ago

Anonymous

I'm so sorry to hear you're having such problems. I've suffered from back and leg pain for years, but have fortunately never had to wear a brace. It's great that there are YLFers who can give you some tips.

10 years ago

trekkiegirl

Veteran

Thanks all, some great input here. I don't have a lot of flowy loose tops, but I can definitely see how those would work. Luckily it's still winter, so sweaters and layers won't be totally weird to wear...

10 years ago

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