Compression stocking advice needed!

[Apple86]

Hi everyone.

I’m currently going through the diagnosis stages of PoTS. I’m waiting to see my specialist consultant (NHS England), Dr Gall, but the waiting list is until next March! I’ve seen a cardiologist registrar who is sending me for lots of tests beforehand. However, I forgot to ask him advice on compression stockings. I’m pretty sure I need these as my legs go very purple when I’m vertical and static (see picture). 

What size/pressure stockings are recommended? I have very thin legs! 

Kindest regards,

P

[Pistol]

Welcome @Apple86 - I am sorry you have to start this journey!!! Good thing you are at least on the waiting list for a specialist!!! - About compression stockings: measure your calf at it's thickest part and then your thigh at its thickest part. These measurements provide you with the correct size. Here in the US you can buy them at home medical supply stores and they measure them for you, or you can order them from amazon and they provide a size chart that shows you what size is right for your measurements. I am glad they are doing all of these tests for you. Best of luck!!!!!

[TCP]

Hi, POTS UK suggest grade 3. I bought grades 2 and 3 off eBay. Make sure you follow the seller's instructions for measuring. I found the full leg too hot and uncomfortable in summer so opted for the long sock compression. In the end I found them too much, but many people get on okay with them. 

[GasconAlex]

Getting the right measurements is essential, if you check different suppliers they can sometimes have a size that isn't too far away from your actual sizes. I don't know if the NHS  covers this but here the local pharmacy was willing to send someone to do the measurements, offer choices, colours and styles as well as supplying a loan pair for the 24hours before they could supply the chosen stockings. 

Check they are genuine and not copycat (ie they confirm to the accepted medical grades and not simply 'support' with no actual medical control)

The full leg can be hot in summer, apparently the open foot type are cooler but never tried them. The more support means harder to get on if you've got the right size. They can still easily tear, which given the costs is more than a little annoying.

[GasconAlex]

Also you might consider buying a pulse oximeter they are about €15 and are quite useful to have actual figures when talking to your GP. There can be a big difference between finger and toe oxygen saturation levels. I found that when my feet started going blue after standing too long a toe oxygen saturation level of less than 80% was possible, when the fingers still were at 97%. Following this data the doctor was very supportive of me lying down, and if I don't feel well / there's a delay at the doctor's they are more than happy for me to lie down in a consultation room to wait. On occasion I have had the consultation lying down as well.

[Pistol]

By the way - I personally cannot tolerate compression stockings because I have Raynaud's syndrome from dysautonomia and they turn my toes purple. Plus - many people ( myself included ) actually have a flare from the effort it takes to put them on yourself. It may be helpful to have someone put them on for you everyday if you encounter this problem. 

[p8d]

I have a device that assists in getting them on.  They really, really help me.  They, along with fluids and salt, raise my BP about 20 points.  The difference in about a half hour after I put them on is dramatic.  The pharmacy I got my first pair from sold the metal device.  I can post a picture of it if anyone is interested.

[Apple86]

Thanks everyone for your informative responses. 

I'm going to go and buy a measuring tape so that I can purchase the correct sized tights. I haven't been told what type of PoTS I have: is it still OK for me to try the tights? I don't have any other medical conditions and I'm not actually sure what my blood pressure does when I'm standing. 

I've bought a pulse oximeter too. These medical supply companies must love us PoTSies!

xx