help me out please !

[maxwell]

hi im max im 15 and im trans (ftm), ive been binding for around 3-4 years and im starting to see problems wrong woth me and im not sure if they are caused by binding or not. ive had really bad abdominal pain where it feels like its being stabbed. everytime i breath in i get super super bad heart burn and it feels like my heart pops almost. but one problem that is really bothering me is that ive been having these terrible terrible stomach problems and i start burping and burping and if i dont burp (burping one after another up to 30-50 times ?!) and if i dont my stomach starts clenching and gets as hard as a rock and it hurts. not sure if it has anything to do with binding or not, this all started this year though.

[VickySGV]

The stabbing pain could be related to the binding, but you seriously need to get medical attention, for all of the issues you mention. Binding, especially with things such as tape or Ace Bandages can result in rib and muscle and nerve damage. The other problems are serious enough on their own, especially since they are bothering you enough to post here, to warrant a check by your family doctor or adolescent medicine specialist. I would call your family doctor and make an appointment with them.  Be honest about what you are doing and why. 

[TTheta]

I can vouch for the stabbing pains as I have bruised some of my ribs from binder for too long. Though I am not 100% sure about the burps and stomach part. The closet thing I have to that is my hiccup (It's weird I have like a singular hiccup once every like 5 minutes, though it is pretty much like a high pitch intake of air) though that started before I began binding. So I would advise you to seek professionals, especially since you are already having pains, when I went to the doctors, they actually had to check my heart because of the damage I have caused because of binding.

[luke_b]

The stabbing pain in the ribs does sound like binder overuse, it happens to me sometimes, but I haven't a clue about the stomach issues and burping. I agree with the above, I'd consult a doctor about it.

[VickySGV]

2 hours ago, Aidan5 said:

when I went to the doctors, they actually had to check my heart because of the damage I have caused because of binding.

 

Yes, compressing the rib cage could restrict the area you heart needs to beat in.  I have done CPR where the idea was to compress the ribs to make the heart move.  Interesting picture there.

[TTheta]

1 hour ago, VickySGV said:

 

Yes, compressing the rib cage could restrict the area you heart needs to beat in.  I have done CPR where the idea was to compress the ribs to make the heart move.  Interesting picture there.

Yeah, I actually should have guess that, the funny thing is that I took Anatomy and physiology, so I knew the risk. My brain was kinda just like "Meh, couldn't be me haha" and did it anyway, I learned the hard way haha, but tis the way of a stubborn teen.  

[Jackie C.]

Yeah, my, um "self-correction" attempts were more severe than that so I completely understand what the dysphoria monster does to that part of your brain that's supposed to be in charge of risk vs. reward. Please get yourself checked. It sounds like you're compressing things that really, really don't like to be compressed that long.

 

Hugs!

[Jackie C.]

1 hour ago, Jackie C. said:

Hugs!

 

That was insensitive. I apologize.

 

Bro pat on the back. Your ribs don't need further compression.

[A. Dillon]

It could be from binding, but as long as you have been binding less than 10 hours a day and take breaks you should not be experiencing any severe complications. Did this suddenly start being a problem right now, or have you experienced it in the past? Stop binding immediately, it is winter so just stick with lots of layers. I would recommend buying a compression shirt, you can wear it all day without pain and as long as you wear a hoodie or dark colours you will be fine. You are too young to do this to your ribs. If you stop binding and still experience breathing problems, Contact a doctor.

 

Be safe.

[Wes]

Something I've been doing lately is wearing binders that are a size or two up from my size if I have loose clothing on. Since it's sized up, I can wear it longer without as much pain.