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what to wear with your arm in a sling?

4 replies

Banderchang · 17/05/2016 19:20

I'm having an operation on my shoulder next month and will be in a sling for about a month (day and night). I'm struggling to imagine what clothes will be workable, especially on the top half. I've got elasticated waist trousers (patterned ones from H&M, not too hideous) and slip on shoes (sketchers go walk), but am not sure about tops. I can't find any tops that button down the front and aren't blouses - plus I can't work out if I will be able to wear a bra and am fairly large of nork (30E).

Has anyone had any experience of life in a sling and could suggest some possible clothes? To make matters even worse, I'm likely to have a job interview during the sling-wearing period, so I do need to be presentable.

Please help - I can imagine staying indoors for a month because I can't figure out getting dressed! DH will be around to help, so it's not too bad, but I just can't think what tops will work. Can anyone advise?

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blueberryporridge · 17/05/2016 19:32

I had to wear a sling recently when I got a fracture near my elbow. I wasn't in a cast so could take the sling off from time to time (especially when getting dressed) which made things a bit easier but I had restricted movement in the arm. I found very stretchy tops or stretchy blouses easiest - I put my sore arm in first then could wriggle the rest of me in! With blouses I fastened up the buttons first.

I searched in vain for a "secret support" style bra which could go over my head but then realised that if I just did up my usual bra and put it over my head (with sore arm in first) that worked OK.

Not sure if the above will be applicable if you can't take the sling off at all, however...

Good luck!

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Banderchang · 17/05/2016 20:53

Good tip about the bra, thank you!

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SchoolNightWine · 17/05/2016 22:01

I was only in a sling for a few days, but had pain and reduced movement of my shoulder for a while, so wore loose fitting button up blouses (similar to this... www.next.co.uk/x57104s5#366769) that I could put my bad side into first without having to move it much, and then manoeuvre the rest of it on. I also wore vest tops that I could climb into and pull up, and then cardigans/fleece jackets over. I think I wore normal bras but needed help putting them on!
Good luck with your operation.