??? To all MVDers and to CAS !

• By cashmere8
• Reply 3477180
• October 21, 2012 at 7:15 pm
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Wonder if shower thingy is from exertion, because I could be ok prior to shower, but while in there I start to feel bad!

• By yarnkitty
• Reply 3478185
• October 22, 2012 at 8:58 am
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I was suspecting the exertion for the shower. It doesn't seem that hard, but showering is one of the most challenging tasks when people are recovering from a surgery or illness. I occasionally get light headed in the shower. I've heard lots of women talk about bra discomfort when they are having symptoms, so you are not alone there. I find I take my bra off a lot more often during the day than I used to.

• By cashmere8
• Reply 3479092
• October 22, 2012 at 2:05 pm
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Yarnkitty thanks for replying! My problem is with my bra off my breast feel heavy! I no longer wear a bra @ home only when I go out but soon as I get home it comes off! You mentioned "when they are having symptoms" I seem to be constantly symptomatic lately! I'm not yet stable ! I'm not optimistic either about becoming stable! Hmm... That could very well be why the discomfort in the shower=exertion ugh!

• By MaryLG
• Reply 3480142
• October 22, 2012 at 8:33 pm
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Shower - Could be exertion, could be the heat of the shower also consumes "bandwidth" in the right afferent insula that helps to regulate your autonomic responses (vasodilation, constriction, etc.). I find sometimes at home, I feel SOB. Step outside in the cold, and the SOB goes away.

Breasts - yep - it just seems to add to the tightness. A few threads on bras here.

So many weird things to factor in and figure out. Too many!

xoxo Mary

• By ChristieB
• Reply 3480285
• October 22, 2012 at 9:34 pm
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Cashmere8-

I had started getting a feeling that I just ran a marathon after taking just a short shower. Shaving the legs omg ... I have found a better way to deal with the no bra too, I had that problem early on and the ache would drive you nuts. I am a DD so I have to use something and realized the Lycra tank tops support you with soft support. It is so great to get on here and read that you are not alone. It has made it better for me having all of you ... Hugs Christie

• By cashmere8
• Reply 3482036
• October 23, 2012 at 12:58 pm
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MaryLG, I think you're right on about the heat/ shower/ constriction/ along with what Yarnkitty says the exertion' darn it too many things to remember, can't plunge in doing the obvious without giving it much thought anymore... living and learning with you!

• By cashmere8
• Reply 3482084 · In reply to 3480285 by ChristieB
• October 23, 2012 at 1:17 pm
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Christie how true and comforting! there is something to be said about community living relating to each other in ways the healthy person can't understand especially things like ( breast feel too heavy for the chest) I'm complaining about my small B can't imagine DD!
My heart goes out to you

Hugs Sonia

• By Retired-again
• Reply 3482186
• October 23, 2012 at 1:55 pm
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Understand the small cup and the need to lift! I have the problem often when I get up AM. I put on a supportive bra and I'm OK. Tis strange, and I've wondered if this was connected to heart issues. Appears so. Thank you.

• By Artista
• Reply 3483968
• October 24, 2012 at 4:19 am
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What everyone said is spot on... I recall being shocked a shower could be so exertive, but upper body movements and anything raising arms is now often the harder things I do. Even driving can be. : / there is a MET scale for how we rate exertion somewhere... I'd link it but I'm on phone and in bed. Google METs and exertion scale? To get an idea of exertion measurement. And yes- heat is just another aggravation. Neighbor just got hot tub but I dunno if I'd feel good using it!!!

I am likely an A cup and even I get the chest heaviness feeling- esp up stairs... Who would think???? !!!!!!

• By Iloveliving
• Reply 3484128
• October 24, 2012 at 7:25 am
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Cashmere,
Showers ALWAYS make me feel bad. Faint, chest pain, tired. I have to rest afterwards. I have even been using the sponge bath method lately instead! I love showers but don't feel I can cope with them every day. Sometimes I use a shower chair, especially when I need to wash my hair, and sometimes I save the chair to sit on whilst drying and getting dressed. This MVD/CAS is a problem!

• By cashmere8
• Reply 3486352 · In reply to 3483968 by Artista
• October 24, 2012 at 8:03 pm
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Artista
Prior to my diagnosis with beast MVD I use to go to the pool and enjoy chilling in the hot tub because of FM it was soothing and helped my achy muscles, but since my diagnosis or just prior to I was noticing when in the hot tub I would get the heavy sensation and basically the feeling I get from showering now, maybe if you sit in the hot tub only from the waist down, i am a small person when I sat in I was covered up to my shoulders can't stand it any longer:( just a thought.

• By cashmere8
• Reply 3486377 · In reply to 3484128 by Iloveliving
• October 24, 2012 at 8:18 pm
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Iloveliving,
Funny you brought up the shower chair! Just last week one day out of the blue my husband asked me if we should get me a shower chair my initial reply was I'm not there yet!! My pride got the best of me thinking its for disabled people and the elderly! And there you are many years younger than myself and don't think twice about available aids... I know sooner then later I have to except the fact that I do need help.... But dang it-still fighting!! Thank you.
Hugs Sonia

• By MaryLG
• Reply 3486399 · In reply to 3486377 by cashmere8
• October 24, 2012 at 8:25 pm
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I generally do a short soak in a tub (shallow), then wash hair, etc with the hand-held shower thingy. My husband put one in on a sliding bar and it's been great. I generally do not have a hassle with this approach.

xoxo Mary

• By cashmere8
• Reply 3502570
• October 30, 2012 at 6:27 pm
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Thanks for all replies its much appreciated!

Hugs to all
Sonia