Thanks and Compression Stockings?

[Guest]

Hello,

First, thank you so much DINET for sending information to doctors!!!  My doctor received your information right before my appointment with her.  She said she receives pamphlets from different organizations every day.  Normally she scans and chucks them, but said yours stood out.  As she read it, she felt POTS is likely something she's missing in some of her patients.  

She had never heard of POTS before...and seems to think we have finally found the answer for my health issues.  She  referred me to a lab for testing, switched my beta blocker (to Labetalol, which I couldn't tolerate, so I'm back on Metaprolol), and prescribed me some compression socks (30-40 whatever they are units).  

Here's my question...how do you get them on when you are having a really weak/sore day?!  

My hands have lost a lot of strength and dexterity.  I almost couldn't get the stockings on today because I just didn't have the strength.  I use the vinyl gloves, and slowly inch them up. 

They seem to give me about 25% improvement in my symptoms, so I definitely want to keep wearing them.  

Any suggestions?

Thanks!!

[SarahA33]

hi draven,

I'm so happy that you've been helped by our organization. Educating physician's is one part of DINET'S mission. We have amazing volunteers who work so hard to make sure these brochures are sent to the medical community. Thank you for sharing your story with us, its always so nice to hear things like that.

I think there is an aid/device you can use to help put the compression socks on. I've seen them discussed in past posts.

good luck with the topril. I'm truly happy for you that you've found answers, I hope you can start feeling better soon.

take care,

Sarah

[Lily]

I found they're easier to get on if I use the ones with open toes.  They either come with or you can buy a little sock-slipper that eases the way.  Then you just pull it out the open toe.  I also put them on "wrong" by putting the gloves on and proceeding as if they were nylon hose.

[corina]

For me it works best to put them on the moment I get out of bed when my legs are "thin" and dry. If I'd wait a few hours they will get warm, swollen and clammy which makes it more difficult. Special devices make it more easy to help put them on. Good luck!

[Guest]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

SarahA33...it gets even better.  When we looked at the DINET site to find physicians in Ontario, my doctor noticed there is a lab being set up where one of her current residents is from.  She wrote the info down and said she was going to tell him to connect with that doctor when he was home.  She said it would be very worthwhile for him to see the lab and meet with the specialist.  I'm very sure she will spread POTS awareness to other physicians...she's the type of doctor that makes it a point to stay up to date with medical information.   I'm also going to look up the aid/device.  I think I'm going to need it!

Lily...I actually just discovered open toe stockings today online.  I'm going to order a pair!

Corina...I think it's going to be important for me to put 'em on first thing too.  Today I had a shower first, and although I waited for my legs to be totally dry, they were definitely more swollen from the heat.  My boyfriend helped me get them up.  

[Katybug]

First, thank you for the feedback on your doctor receiv8ng our information!  It's really important to know that we are reaching some docs.

As for compression stockings, I can not manage the traditional compression stockings because of the joint issues I have in my hands. I use some that are more like sport sock material as they are easier to get on and off. I don't feel that the compression is quite as heavy as the traditional equivalent but they get the job done for me. 

[Sam1]

30-40 is a pretty strong compression sock.  I think the ones the hospital gave me last time were only 10's and they are tight.  On a normal day I will wear some immitation tommy copper ones from ebay that were only $4~ pair.  They don't compress as much as the medical ones, but they're actual socks and not something extra that needs to be worn.  They're cheap, do the job for me and are fairly durable.

[Amalia01]

Hi Draven,

After waking up, I drink water right away to re-hydrate and wait 5-10 min.  I then put on my stockings (also the "wrong" way) before my legs have a chance to swell. I have found the 20-30 mmHg stockings to be more comfortable and easier to put on.  The 30-40 mmHg stockings are too strong for me and caused leg soreness. I also find that some brands and materials are more comfortable and had to try a few different ones.  They are not fun to put on but I guess you get used to them after a while especially when you realize how beneficial they are. There are donning aids, but I have heard mixed reviews about them and have not personally tried one. I'm so glad you have a doctor that is open minded and cares about your treatment.

[Guest]

Thanks for the info!  I actually find the stockings comfortable once I have them on.  I dread having to go to the bathroom though, because getting them back up is so darn hard.  

They're definitely making a difference for me.  I kind of wish I could wear some sort of compression suit, with just my head and neck showing.  I can't imagine what it would take to get that on!!!!

My doctor is very open minded.  My Long Term Disability plan (through work) recently denied me...I just received a 4 (ish) page letter from my doctor, to send with my LTD appeal, that outlines in detail exactly why I am incapable of working.  She's pretty awesome!