Compression hose

[Cosmetologychick]

Hi

I'm Hillary. I'm new to the forum and also somewhat new to the world of POTS. And i was wondering if anyone wears compression hose and if they actualy help. One of the doctors i saw in NYC suggested using them. I am in the process of trying to finish Beauty school and was wondering if they might be helpful so i can get my hours in and get my license. Thanks!

[Dizzy Dame]

Hi Hillary,

Compression hose do work for me. I'd suggest giving them a try to see what happens.

Cheers,

Lauren

[tracy]

Hillary,

Welcome to the site.

Yes, I wear compression hose or compression socks just about all the time. From the time I wake to the time I lay down for bed, (unless showering, or swimming,) I have them on. I have found for me, I can't do much walking without them.

They actually helped me stand for 4 hours yesterday. I love my compression hose.

[lthomas521]

I wear waist-high compression stockings (30 to 40 mm Hg compression) every day, from the time that I get up to the time that I go to bed. They make a dramatic difference in how I feel. Not surprisingly, they also make a difference in my blood pressure measurements.

Especially when I'm feeling particularly wretched, I get orthostatic diastolic hypertension, which means that the bottom number of my blood pressure reading goes up when I stand up. The result is a narrowing of pulse pressure (the difference between the top and bottom number of the blood pressure). The consequence of that is a decrease in circulation in the brain. My doctor told me that the increase in diastolic pressure represents my body's attempt to keep the blood going through my brain even though I don't really have enough blood to tolerate standing up. I've taken my blood pressure lying down, sitting and standing without and then with the stockings. Huge difference. I even did a tilt-table test without and with the stockings, so the effect of my stockings on my POTS has been documented at a major medical center. However, I still qualified for the POTS diagnosis even with the stockings on, so they are not a complete, magical cure.

Helpful hints for using compression hose:

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for laundering them. I bought the special detergent for them. Don't use Woolite or similar products, or you will lose the elasticity.

Keep your fingernails short until you are practiced at putting the stockings on, otherwise you can put a hole or a run in them.

The stockings can put intense pressure on your toenails, which can be painful if you have pressure sensitive toenails or are at risk for ingrown toenails. I cut holes in the toes of my stockings to relieve the pressure on my toes. Be very careful with your toes if you are diabetic.

[Sunfish]

hi hillary -

welcome! i'm sorry you have reason to be here but glad you found the forum. hopefully you'll find it a place with lots of good info & support.

re: the hose, i wear them often & do find them to be helpful. i can't tolerate them when it's too hot or when my skin is acting up (i sometimes get pressure rashes) but when i can wear waist-high hose that are 30-40mmHg. there are types with & without toes. tips that others have given are good & you may also want to do a search to read past discussions. (the search function is in the upper right hand part of the screen....i'd try compression hose &/or support hose for the search).

hope this helps!

melissa

[corina]

Hi Hillary,

welcome around (again, I just answered your other post about hair loss). I'm wearing compression hose as well and it definately makes a difference. I noticed when I was in the car once (next to my husband driving) that I felt so sick and not able to read the map (we were travelling in France last summer). I asked him to stop and I put on the hose and after some (short) time I was feeling better and able to read the map again. So not wearing them, for me isn't an option. My husband told me we better get a navigation system in our new to buy car because I'm (cognitive) much worse than some years ago. I'm often to slow and have trouble reading (the map). I think he's right (although of course I HATE it).

Corina

[Stace915]

Hi I tried the compression hose but they did not do anything for me so the doctor told me to stop wearing them. Hopefully they will work for you, good luck!