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Question About Compression Hose


bellaluna

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Ok, the physical therapist that I've been seeing has suggested compression hose, but did not give me any specifics as to what level of compression. Do you just start at the lowest level and work up? I know that they are not the most comfortable, but not supposed to be painful, but I don't know if I should start in the middle somewhere. They're kind of pricey, so I don't want to spend a lot of money on hosiery that I won't wear because it is either not helpful because the compression is too low, or on the other end, is uncomfortable... I know I should ask my doc, but I just hate having to deal with him unless I absolutely have to. :)

Thanks in advance for any info you can share!

Mary

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A few people here wear 20-30, but most wear 30-40. I've tried 20-30, but it isn't enough compression to help me. Currently I wear 30-40 knee highs and a separate mid-thigh to waist compression garment. This works best for me because it makes going to the bathroom easier.

Compression garments are expensive, but they are worth it. You can just start with one pair of hose to see how the compression, size, and style work for you. If it works then you can make an investment in more. There are some brands and styles that are actually very comfortable once you get used to them.

Rachel

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Hi,

I usually wear knee-high stockings 30-40mmHg, I like the Mediven Elegance brand best of the two types I have tried. Initially they are very awkward to put on and pull off but it gets easier with practice, and there are devices to assist with donning them (either frames to pull them over or silky fabric inserts to help them slide up your legs).

I would advise that you get measured properly by an assistant trained in measuring for compression stockings. Once you know your size you can order further pairs from the internet which is usually cheaper. A tip I was told by my stocking nurse is not to shave your legs if you wear compression regularly - the pressure can cause the hairs to grow back under the skin and cause little infected spots (no one can see your hairs if you have stockings on anyway). She said if I must de-fuzz I should wax or epilate as it takes longer for the hairs to regrow so fewer spots.

Good luck,

Flop

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I wear 30-40 panty hose style. I suggested to the NP that she write a prescription for these, as my OI/low bps have been ridiculous. I wore them to the mall, and found that I could last a bit longer, but I measured my BPs with them on, and it's still pretty low sitting, and still drops when standing-----88/55.

My legs felt like springs in them---they just felt lighter, and I didn't feel the gravity as bad. I will use these if I need to go out for any length of time. I'm going to order another pair, and about 3 pairs of knee highs. My insurance will pay for most of it.

One problem, my neck and spine are killing me from pulling those things up----(see signature line----spinal issues). That is why I will wear the panty hose type less often then the knee highs.

Maxine :0)

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I was lucky about getting mine measured properly. My cardiologist referred me to a stocking clinic run by a nurse who specialises in vascular problems and does stockings and compression bandaging for people with leg ulcers etc. She wasn't used to dysautonomia patients but the measurements and fitting are the same. She took lots of measurements from different places on my legs. She also measured my BP in my arms and feet with a doppler probe to make sure that wearing high levels of compression wasn't going to be harmful. The best bit was being taught exactly how to best wriggle into the things.

In the UK you can't buy 30-40mmHg stockings, even my GP isn't allowed to prescribe them - it has to be done through the hospital.

My GP and Cardiologist didn't know much about stockings, a nurse is more likely to have been taught how to measure for them. I think that some specialist hoisiery or medical supplies shops would be trained to measure for stockings? I guess you really need a reply from a US member.

Flop

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Does anybody know if wearing compression hose could be "bad" for us in the sense that our body becomes accustomed to it and therefore does not try to get better? I used to wear 20-30 thigh highs but went up to 30-40 and fell in love. But it's just made me wonder if I am doing myself a disservice in anyway.

Anybody have any thoughts on this?

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Cat Lady,

You can buy compression hose at medical supply stores and some pharmacies. You can also order them online. I get mine from Ames Walker (http://www.ameswalker.com). My insurance doesn't cover compression garments, so this is a much cheaper way for me to buy them. You may find that your insurance covers them, though, under durable medical.

Rachel

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Does anybody know if wearing compression hose could be "bad" for us in the sense that our body becomes accustomed to it and therefore does not try to get better? I used to wear 20-30 thigh highs but went up to 30-40 and fell in love. But it's just made me wonder if I am doing myself a disservice in anyway.

Anybody have any thoughts on this?

The only negative thing I've heard about compression hose is that it is better to wear the pantyhose type. I had an R.N. tell me that there are some risks of blood clots forming in the legs when wearing knee high compression hose. I have the pantyhose type, 30-40, but I can't put them on by myself due to weakness and fatigue.

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I'm a guy so I avoided trying "women's underwear" for a long time which was stupid because they do help. I wear them every day (not to bed). My cardio prescribed 20-30 thigh high. I just went downstairs to the pharmacy in the same building to get them. It was good because the lady there helped me get the right size but bad because they were $100 and they only had the girly sheer with lace ones. They look pretty funny with hairy legs and boxer-briefs! :blink:

ameswalker has "briefhose" sweet! :lol: I'll have to try those. The price is much better too.

Jesse

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Yes, you can get them online, pharmacies, medical supply stores etc. You can get fitted by a knowledgeable medical professional (dr, PT, nurse etc) or at a medical supply store that sells them, they often have people who can fit you for them.

Before blindly choosing one and spending all that money make sure that you get help from a reputable medical supply store or medical professional- so, you know the size, compression, material, and length appropriate for you. Drs. can write scripts to give the medical supply store an idea of what you are looking for.

It depends on your insurance to whether or not they will pay or not, and I think many times it isn't very well.

As far as your body "accomodating" to them if it is a neuro. issue causing the dysfunction it may or may not get better. But, it is still necessary to make sure to walk and exercise as much as possible to encourage natural blood flow return. Also, avoid anything that may make the situation worse (blood pooling). Or less you allow your muscles to weaken I don't think they are doing anything bad.

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