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Old Jun 23, 2014, 12:46 PM
TheSeamster TheSeamster is offline
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Member Since: Jan 2014
Location: My own little world
Posts: 246
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheatreKid View Post
Thanks, Seamster.

I've been binding for 4 years and it worries me a little because I definitely can't afford top surgery, I'm on disability. But the way it works in Ontario is you can go through the mental hospital to get top surgery covered under the province's health plan, but you have to jump through a bunch of hoops. If I even qualify it could take another year or more. I've applied, and have already been waiting a year just for the initial intake.

I don't bind at home because I live alone. I get dysphoria and wish the damn things were gone, but since I can't afford top surgery I try and bind as little as possible. That's anywhere from an hour or two a day to 12 hours, but the 12 hour days are very rare. The average is probably more along 4 or 5 hours a day. I don't bind tightly either - I'm just on the upper edge of normal weight so my chest isn't meant to be completely flat. Binding moderately with a binder with velcro on the side so it's easy to escape works for me. I never feel pain or much discomfort so I guess I'm ok.
Your binding habits are very safe! The recommended maximum time for binding is up to 8 hours. You say your 12 hour days are rare, so that shouldn't be a big worry. And easily escapable binder is good as well! So any sudden pain can be relieved.

Sorry that top surgery is so hard to access there Hopefully that can be changed someday. Remember that binding in itself is not dangerous as long as you do it safely! Remember that when you remove it to cough heavily to rid your lungs of any liquid that may have accumulated, breathe deeply, and massage any sore areas. As long as you bind safely and take care of yourself, there should be no worries!
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