Compression Tights /socks And Nhs (Uk) + New Pair To Give Away

[Mermaid]

First, apologies that this post targets UK members (all comments from other members of course welcome with tips about compression and fit.

I have letters from both an autonomic specialist and a rheumatologist recommending wearing of compression. I've been using them for the past year and find them vital to help combat vein swelling/blood pooling. My understanding is that GPs can prescribe two pairs every 6 months under the NHS.

Last September I was given two pairs of Activa (a cheap brand). Neither fit or was wearable. I have size 42 feet, very slim legs with ankle 20cm, calf 32 cm and am five feet nine tall. Knee high pair come on and off like socks (in smallest size) and the thigh pair, without elastic top (the nurse suggested suspenders and no she wasn't joking sadly) came to just over the knee. Both were open toe because of my foot size and covered about half the foot. (I do not want open toe in Winter with chilblains etc.). Both were compression 2, as recommended, but turns out UK compression is not the same as US and EU and class 2 UK equates to class 1 US/EU.

I made a case to my GP and she prescribed two pairs of Jobst opaque class 20-30mg which come in tall sizes and fit a 42 foot. (They also look OK which is, of course, important in terms of wellbeing etc. for those that have to wear compression every day whilst facing a myriad of other symptoms also.) I have been unable to find any other brand that come in long size and have the same fit and that can be put on prescription. However, my GP is unable to prescribe these again because of the cost (the practice partners are blocking this). I want to write and make a case but first of all would like to get experiences of other UK compression wearers. So, answers to any of below questions very welcome.

Are you able to get compression on the NHS? What brand etc.? How often? Does anyone else have hard to fit dimensions? Any brands you would recommend? Any other useful info pertinent to the above?

In the interim I have been buying my own. Jobst are available in the UK from a company called BSN medical much cheaper than on websites but still pricey. I've also tried other brands such as Juzo, good but also expensive and have also made some mistakes. Consequently I have a new unworn pair that I am happy to pass on, free of charge, to anyone who feels they would fit. (UK easier because of customs/postage costs). They are:

Rejuva health thigh high, closed toe, black diamond pattern opaque, in size small

http://www.rejuvahealth.com/rejuvahealth-opaque-diamond-thigh-high.html

They should fit someone five five/six or under and with uk size 6 (at a push 7) feet or under that is within these dimensions: Ankle size is 18-21, calf 28-38 and thigh 40-62.

Happy to send on to first person to PM me that thinks they would be useful.

Barbara

[Becia]

Not a UK person, but thanks for the information about compression stockings I can't remember the brand I have, they are knee high, but hopefully this week I'm progressing to waist high and possibly a little bit stronger, as my feet still pool wearing the 20-30mg.

[Mermaid]

The unwanted pair has been taken - any information from UK members still welcome.

Becia, hope all goes well with your move to waist high.

[TCP]

Sorry I can't help with this one, barb10. My cardiologist also suggested compression 2 in full length stockings. I had bought some previously but had issues with the nerve pain, but I am thinking it may well help me to persevere with them in the longer term. Like my doctor says it does help squeeze in and cause the blood to pump better. He suggested I just wear them when exercising to begin with.

Thanks for the heads up on the brands. I won't ask my GP as the new head of practice is proving to be very tight with money and even refused the Ivabradine and myself and the consultant had to fight to get it prescribed.

Well done for wearing them for so long. Have they helped a lot? How do you get on with them in the heat?

I hope that they keep helping you.

[TCP]

PS I am now wearing them for part of the day mainly when I exercise. I will increase their usage as time goes by and my legs get used to them. I have purchased a variety of compression items to go with those that I already own.