[theoddz]

Ender, I hate to even suppose something like this, but you know what it sounds like you have??

Some kind of similar thing to what they call "venous stasis" markings. When you wear something that's tight, it cuts off circulation, primarily the venous return pathway back to the heart. The blockage in circulation causes the capillary system in the dermis (skin) to be blocked/squeezed off and the resulting swelling causes pooling of blood and pigmentation of the exterior skin. Some large people can get this same thing, including the pigmentation, from wearing socks that are too tight. You end up seeing the discoloration where the elastic was. That's where the blood clots can form, too.

It's too bad that binding is the only way for us guys (XX guys, vs. XY guys) to flatten our chests until we can afford or get chest surgery. Wearing binders/compression devices is so risky, primarily because of the dangers of embolisms (clots). If you have to wear a binder or compression device, please try to not wear them for prolonged periods of time. Loosen or take them off at intervals, if you can. It's not worth throwing a clot and dropping dead of a clot to either your brain or your lungs.

I know that not all of us have health insurance these days, but I'm sure that most, if not all, of us transguys would gladly exchange our policy's "maternity coverage" for trans services!!!! It's just a damned shame that most of us have to save for so long in order to pay for it ourselves. Congrats to you for getting yours soon!! Keep us up on your progress!!

~Theo~