Compression stockings?

[MeNina]

I wonder if anyone has to use them, what advice has been given to you about them?

 

[Jonsi]

I've only had to use them when I was in hospital and I grew to detest them. I understood that they were supposed to be 'doing me good' but I loathed the way they made me feel and they became symbolic of what was wrong with me. Sorry that this is negative but that's just how it was with me. They do help to avoid thrombosis etc. and to that end (having had a PE) I was grateful but, still dislike the things.

 

[Marsbartoastie]

I've only ever used them when flying long haul. Why take the risk of deep vein thrombosis when you can simply wear compression stockings. Without them I find I get a little fluid build up around my ankles and spend the first couple of days of my holiday with cankles...not a great look. All of the athletic types I know are wearing compression underwear which they claim improves their performance...so perhaps compression stockings will improve yours.

 

[MeNina]

I've only had to use them when I was in hospital and I grew to detest them. I understood that they were supposed to be 'doing me good' but I loathed the way they made me feel and they became symbolic of what was wrong with me. Sorry that this is negative but that's just how it was with me. They do help to avoid thrombosis etc. and to that end (having had a PE) I was grateful but, still dislike the things.

Thanks for this. The feeling I have about them is negative but purely from the perspective of they make me feel old and frumpy. I'm in my mid sixties, so no spring chicken, but I have always associated these stockings with OLD ladies. I never knew they could be harmful to diabetics but sites seem to suggest they are, or can be. That's why I wanted opinions for people who actually know.

 

[grovesy]

The thing is they are not a one size fits all!

 

[Highlander]

I have to wear compression socks, due to poor circulation in my legs. Prescribed by GP and the nurse had to measure my legs and take pulse readings on my arms and legs and did a calculation to ensure that I was suitable to have compression socks. I do find that they help, however, they have a habit of sliding down my leg to my ankle every now and again and they do not stop my legs swelling. Other than that they are OK just one colour - black - but they seem to help.

 

[Marsbartoastie]

I know someone who puts on compression socks when she gets home and then sleeps in them. This means that she often has them on for 12-14 hours and her theory is that she must derive some benefit from this. She won't go out wearing them for the same reason you give. I wear thick black 180 denier thermal tights from M&S all through the winter so I would probably try to find some good compression tights. These ones look pretty sexy and on trend:

http://compressionsockshop.co.uk/pr...MqV5zlkQ06EKoY9biBMzBvaSrBFd4XzaPkhoCz4_w_wcB

 

[Northerner]

I wonder if anyone has to use them, what advice has been given to you about them?

Have they been recommended to you by your doctor? If not, I'd suggest discussing it with them in light of your diabetes and transplant. Many items have warnings not to use if you have diabetes, but this is often a 'get out' clause to cover the manufacturers for worst-case scenarios, so if you don't have any complications of diabetes then they may not apply in your case 🙂

 

[Robin]

Thanks for this. The feeling I have about them is negative but purely from the perspective of they make me feel old and frumpy. I'm in my mid sixties, so no spring chicken, but I have always associated these stockings with OLD ladies. I never knew they could be harmful to diabetics but sites seem to suggest they are, or can be. That's why I wanted opinions for people who actually know.

I know what you mean, I'm 60 and I associate them with getting old, and I'm not there yet! I mentioned a few lumpy veins to my nurse last time I had a diabetic review, when she was checking foot pulses, and she was all for referring me to the other practice nurse who 'does' support stockings. So they obviously are OK for diabetics, but best if you get measured up properly, I guess. In the end, I declined the offer and decided the veins weren't that bad!

 

[BigMalc]

I was told by my docs not to use them on long flights but that during runs was OK providing I take them off soon after. I recall it was due to the diabetes and the circulation issues we are prone to get. I would agree with Northerner and recommend asking your doc.

 

[weecee]

Never never never again. Had an extremely bad experience with them a few years back when in hospital. Not allowed to take them off even though they were way too tight. Severe consequences included my inside bits squeezing out where they shouldn't. Made for great interest from the docs but severe pain for me. I refuse point blank to wear them again.

 

[palmoff]

I wear them and they are a godsend to me, if i dont wear them then after a week or two my legs explode into ulcers.
Then again if this doesnt happen to you then they would be a real pia to wear I should imagine.

 

[graj0]

I wonder if anyone has to use them, what advice has been given to you about them?

Only for long haul flights. I very rarely wear any type of sock and these are the compression stockings I wear are far more comfortable and such a relief to get off.