Compression Stockings-Questions

[friday7]

I never tried compression stockings but I hear so many people hear saying that they use them and it helps.

I had wanted to try them once but my doctor at the time was unsure if it was a good idea for me. She wanted time to check with the CFS specialist I was seeing when I was diagnosed with POTS, but I can't see him anymore since I cant' afford it.

I am being treated by a new GP now. I just started seeing her, and she just learned about POTS from me. I'd like to try the compression stockings but I'm a little afraid now.

Has anyone that hae used compression stockings ever had trouble with them making you feel worse?

Also, I read on WIKI-

"Nonetheless, there are several crucial cautionary steps that need to be taken before self-prescribing such medical hosiery! No.1 is the person's ABI (Ankle Brachial Index) for both legs. It must be >1.0 to wear such stockings. Otherwise, they may obstruct the patient's arterial flow (the ABI indicates how unobstructed one's leg and arm arteries are. Any competent Doctor or nurse can measure & calculate one's ABI).No.2 Fit. It's crucial that such hosiery (Stockings) be properly sized! The compression at the smallest part of the ankle must be the highest with a 70% reduction of pressure just below the knee! In top clinics, vascular doctors & nurses use special pads to insure uniform higher pressure around the circumference of the ankle (smooth out the irregular cross-sectional profile.) So long as the compression gradient is 15-20 mmHG, the ABI (for both legs) is >1.0, and the stockings are the proper fit, self-prescribing is reasonably safe. "

I'm unsure how to get a proper fit, and I definitely don't understand about the ABI. It says ,"Any competent Doctor or nurse can measure & calculate one's ABI"..is this true?

I'd really like to try the compression stockings now that it is getting cooler. That way by the time summer comes around I might be used to them.

Is there any information anywhere, about compression stockings and why they work for POTS patients, that I can print out and bring to the new GP perhaps? Maybe then she could help me figure out the proper size and ABI.

[janiedelite]

I was really hesitant to try compression hose because of my Raynaud's issues as well as the burning pain in my feet and legs. My rheumatologist suggested starting with Sheer Energy pantyhose as they exert 5-10 mm Hg of pressure, enough to make a little difference in pooling but still extremely mild. When I got up the courage to buy my own pair of prescription hose, I did go to a medical store where they're trained to measure and bought my first pair there. It was more expensive but they had a policy that allowed me to return them if they didn't work for me.

[friday7]

I was really hesitant to try compression hose because of my Raynaud's issues as well as the burning pain in my feet and legs. My rheumatologist suggested starting with Sheer Energy pantyhose as they exert 5-10 mm Hg of pressure, enough to make a little difference in pooling but still extremely mild. When I got up the courage to buy my own pair of prescription hose, I did go to a medical store where they're trained to measure and bought my first pair there. It was more expensive but they had a policy that allowed me to return them if they didn't work for me.

thanks fro the reply.

I'm glad to hear your rheumatologist told you to start with Sheer energy pantyhose because I was thinking of the same thing. My mom used to use support hose and I was thinking maybe I could try them.

I did not know they were trained to measure for the compression stockings at the medical supply store. That's good. Thanks for the info.

[Guest tearose]

Proper measurement and fit is essential so please do go to a specially trained fitter!

Support hose doesn't do nearly the same for me!

I find that the "cold" is worse for my Raynaud's and the compression on the toes is not constricting. The ankle is where the compression noticeably begins.

[handmadebyemy]

I've worn the compression stockings every day (literally) since I first put them on, which has been over a year. I have no idea what this ABI thing is about but my Dr gave me a prescription for 30-40mmHg waist high compression stockings and I get the Jobst Ultra Sheer style, they come in S, M, L and the sizing info is on the package. It was very easy to figure out what size I was and the lady behind the desk and the pharmacy also offered to help me, you just measure your ankle, calf, and thigh I believe. These are the ones I get: http://www.brightlifedirect.com/STYLE-OR-LENGTH-Pantyhose-%28Waist-Highs%29-Sheer-30-40mmHg/c356_146_325_333/p4/Jobst-UltraSheer-Pantyhose-30-40mmHg/product_info.html They are covered by my insurance, but in the pharmacy I go to they retail for $79-$89. Well worth it though!