Compression Stockings

[MommytoSJEA]

Do any of you wear compression stockings? Does it help? For those that dont...why not? Just curious. I was scripted for them but never went and got them. I just dont think they will feel nice. And my hubby says I could come up to him in the stocking and a bow and he will say No thanks LOL Just wondering what the general take is on them.

~Kelli

[janiedelite]

Yes, I was SO hesitant at first to wear them. I put them off for 4 months after my doc told me to wear them. They really did make a positive difference once I started wearing them. That was over a year ago and I wear them every day. This past summer, I had a bout of athlete's foot and didn't wear them for a week and my POTS symptoms just got worse every day that went by. By the 7th day, I just HAD to put them back on or I wasn't functional at all.

I was told to get waist-high, but my tummy is bothered by the pressure. So I wear thigh-highs and have an abdominal binder that I can take on and off as needed. I started with 20-30mm but now wear 30-40mm. I wear Jobst surgical weight economy brand from brightlifedirect.com. Brightlifedirect has a great return policy, as well as measurement charts for each brand. They also offer an economy brand called Allegro. Some folks like the open toe, but I wear closed toe.

Compression hose are a relatively inexpensive treatment, and unlike medication you can take them off or put them on as needed.

[MomtoGiuliana]

I have actually never really tried compression stockings. What do people who wear them do in the summer?

[Stace915]

Haha I like what your hubby said! I don't know if they all look the same but the ones that I have are white and go from my feet where there is an opening so about half of my foot sticks out to the very top of my thigh and they have some blue writing down near the bottom. They are hideous!!

I still have them but I do not ever wear them because I don't notice any difference with them on. My doctor had me try them for a few weeks straight, I didn't see a difference so then I stopped and tried them again in the summer because the heat makes me feel much worse. Honestly I was even worse with them on in the summer because all they did was add another layer of clothing, plus I couldn't wear a skirt or any type of cropped pants or you would see my lovely white bandages and because they covered half of my foot I even had always wear shoes that completely covered them so I had to add more clothes and then have these tight things under my clothes which made me even warmer and in return feel worse. I have tried them here and there for about a week at time a few times but I still haven't gotten any relief from them so my doctor said not to bother.

[janiedelite]

I have actually never really tried compression stockings. What do people who wear them do in the summer?

During warm weather is when I need them the most because I pool more in the heat. I wear my cooling vest and I bring a spray bottle and spray water on my hose to keep my legs cool. I know they're not very stylish, but I get so much more symptomatic without them. One of my symptoms is burning of my skin, especially in the heat, and I normally treat this by spraying water on my burning skin. The hose keeps the water from evaporating a bit.

[potsgirl]

Hi Kelli~

I also tried the compression hose, to my waist, and for me they didn't seem to do much for me. I'm an ab pooler, but still, here to the waist, nothing. I was able to get a prescription for mine and my insurance covered the entire cost. Good luck!

Jana

[kayjay]

I notice a difference but I never got my script filled either. I wear high waisted compression (like spanx higher power) and other brands, I often layer 2 kinds. Last night my daughter had a flute concert. I wore spanks power panities (from waist to thigh) with control top support hose over -I wear pants over these and I have MBT boots (shoes with the rocker bottoms). These help me so much!

I am not sure if I could take the discomfort of the RX stuff. I know have a collection of "shape wear" that I wear everyday- I just try to choose what will not show under my clothing and some days I will double-up the compression If I am going out somewhere.

I will wear light compression for things like yoga class. Much I what I have is from JC pennys and I can run it though the washer - tough stuff. wearing tights or something over it makes the thicker stuff less visable under clothing.

In the summer I plan on just wearing "higher power panties" instead of regular underwear and see how I make out. Let us know what you decide and how you make out!

[brownsea]

early this year when i was really poorly i tried the calf high ones, i got blisters on my heel.

now im going to perserve with the thigh high ones, just picked them up from the chemist today. so heres to trying.

[lissy]

I have filled 3 scripts for them and had them fitted, But they still are toooo tight I can't stand the feeling. Ive tried closed toe open toe, thigh high waist high, and I really don't think a normal fitter at a medical store is qualified enough to handle this possible treatment route. I think our specialist should handle the fitting and actually see the benefit on a test of some sort.

I just hate how they feel I can't keep them on for more than an hour.... and also they all don't have to be totally ugly I had a choice of colors, lace or not kinda just like some really thick tight pantyhose.

*I should also add I get more Tachy also

Lissy

[daisy]

I got a pair when I was in the hospital for surgery a few weeks ago. I put them on today because I was going to run a short errand with my mom. Well, didn't help at all...in the middle of the store, my heartrate suddenly spiked way up, I felt like I was suffocating and there was a huge knot in my throat, started to black out, etc. Ended up on the floor with people stepping around me saying, "excuse me!" Guess they thought it was normal for someone to be sitting on a dirty floor in the store as pale as a ghost.....pathetic. Anyway, the stockings definitely didn't do me any good today. Will I try again? maybe.....

[Brye]

I have a love hate relationship with my compression stockings! I wear the thigh highs and I have 2 different amts of compressions I wear. The lighter compression #'s are more comfortable but less helpful so if I'm feeling really bad I wear ones with higher compression. Very hot in the summer so I have to decide if I'm more likely to faint from being too hot or from not wearing my compression stockings. You should give them a try. My insurance covers 80% of the cost. They aren't pretty and I've found if I go with the Lacy top ones they're less comfortable and tend to stretch at the top!!

Good luck!!

Brye

[scarfgirl]

I recently tried a pair of nonprescription compression hose with mixed results. I think when I have to be on my feet for a while they extend the length of time I can keep going. But just for normal around the house wear I don't think they do much. And I overheat something awful in them when it's warm.

[dakota]

My daughter just went and picked up her first pair yesterday. She put them on and I talked to the person from the store for a minute. I looked over at my daughter and she was about ready to pass out while sitting in the chair. I don't know if it had anything to do with the compression stockings or if it was just the heat in the room -- it was a bit warm. But the store clerk who happened to be a nurse said to take them off right away and brought her some water. She said we should contact her doctor, as that's not what normally happens when you put them on. They were 20-30. I'm going to have her try again at home where it's cooler (we keep it like an ice box in here for her!). But if it doesn't work at home, I'd say it's a no-go for my daughter.

[flop]

My cardiologist prescribed knee-high compression for me a few years ago. He referred me to a vascular nurse specialist who did a thorough examination of my legs to make sure that compression wouldn't cause any problems. I was measured and had my ankle-brachial pressure pressure index checked (they had never seen anyone with arm pressure 105mmHg and ankle pressure >240mmHg!!!).

The first time I was given a pair of 18-24mmHg stockings and 20-30mmHg stockings. I then had a follow up with the nurse 9 months later and moved up to 30-40mmHg. I go about once a year to be re-measured and get new supplies.

[lifesaver]

I am on the second day of wearing mine. Jobst, 20/30, thigh high, silicone non-slip top band, beige, open toe. Insurance covers 80% and I get 2 pairs a year.

The top silicone band stays up so well, I am a bit surprised. Thought I would be in the restroom adjusting them all the time.

I drove about 3 hours today and stood a bit in the bookstore. Right now I do not have the normal pain in my legs that happens when I am on my feet, etc. It is quite cold out now and I don't get as light-headed. I got very hot in the bookstore but didn't feel faint or too light-headed. I hope that means they will keep me off the floor in public places.

They are more comfortable than I thought and work well under my jeans. I am staying away from all-white hose. That is what they put on people in the nursing home. I did learn from the medical supply store that many people of all ages wear these hose which made me feel a lot better about wearing them myself. It takes a bit longer to get dressed in the morning.

Summer will be interesting, the heat is a huge factor in passing out, so I am a bit worried. I think loose skirts and the spray bottle trick might be my solution. And staying out of the heat is a given--if possible.

I had some facebook friends tell me how to put them on and encourage me to get them. They wear them all the time for other medical problems.

Will post as I get more experience wearing them.

Becky

[Guest tearose]

I can't manage without compression! I am itchy with the Futuro or Jobst and do my best with the JUZO brand. I need 30-40mm and use the waist high pantyhose. Additionally, I use as needed another garment to help control splancnic pooling.

It does take some planning and getting use to but wow, what a positive difference in my ability to sustain activity without horrible flares! I can see how my calves and feet don't swell like they use to. I feel so much better in compression hose and I do feel the difference in a day without them.

As for the heat of summer...way back in my early days of compression I discovered that by spraying water on them it would keep me cooler. Also, since my body thermostat is funky, I don't even feel the heat until the temps get to about 82. I live best at 72 degrees but manage okay between 65-82. Any cooler and I am freezing and using my heating garments. Any hotter and I start staying inside more.

You can also get the pantyhose in open toe style so your toes can breathe in hot climates or you can wear sandals with them.

[MommytoSJEA]

Thanks everyone for replying. It sounds like if I do work up the guts to go get some I will be getting the open toed ones. I hate to even wear socks so Im thinking they may bother me.

~Kelli

[firewatcher]

I live in mine! I was shocked at the difference compression makes. I don't wear the stockings; I wear the "firm" compression thigh and abdominal shapers (like Spanx.) Without them, I'm a dizzy space cadet who looks 6 months pregnant by the end of the day! I find my 30-40 compression hose just don't compress my abdomen enough. If I know I'm going to be on my feet, I'll wear both compression hose and the thigh shapers.

BTW, one way to tell where you pool and need compression is to look at your ankles and tummy. By the end of the day, do you have ankle rings where the cuff of your socks were (compression stockings) or is the waist of your pants tighter than when you put them on (abdominal compression)?

Edited December 17, 2009 by firewatcher

[MommytoSJEA]

I live in mine! I was shocked at the difference compression makes. I don't wear the stockings; I wear the "firm" compression thigh and abdominal shapers (like Spanx.) Without them, I'm a dizzy space cadet who looks 6 months pregnant by the end of the day! I find my 30-40 compression hose just don't compress my abdomen enough. If I know I'm going to be on my feet, I'll wear both compression hose and the thigh shapers.

BTW, one way to tell where you pool and need compression is to look at your ankles and tummy. By the end of the day, do you have ankle rings where the cuff of your socks were (compression stockings) or is the waist of your pants tighter than when you put them on (abdominal compression)?

huh! I have always answered with Nope...no ankle swelling, but until today have always wondered at night when I take off my socks...why I have sock imprint. How bout that. Learn something new everyday!

[taylorleevinson]

I hated wearing my compression stockings that were knees highs and when I switched doctors he said he liked having his patients try the Kamora Body Shaper (you see them advertised on tv) and then Under Amour has compression pants, capri's, and shorts. They offer them in cold and heat gear which means in cold weather the cold gear will keep you warmer and in hot weather the heat gear clothing will be breathable and is supposed to help keep you cooler. I like these because I can wear them as tights and under dresses or long shirts or the shorts under short skirts or shorts in the summer. I also wear them as pajama/yoga pants with just a tshirt or sweatshirt when I am lounging around the house. I don't wear them all the time but I have found they do help when I am going to be up and moving a lot or travelling.

Also I started using Spanxx (the hose, the body shaper, and shorts like style) and for all you women out there I think they are pretty good!

And in my opinion they are all much more stylish options to the compression stockings. Being from Alabama where its incredibly hot in the summer and being in College during my diagnosis it was nice to find things that didn't make me stand out even more than I already was from passing out and everything else!

[kayjay]

oh I wear underarmor tights too - over the high-waisted compression- I