Compression stockings

[jackdaw50]

This probably trivial in comparison to some posts - I have to wear compression stockings for life after a PE and DVT in 2013. I feel the heat and find it very uncomfortable in this heatwave. Has anyone any bright ideas on how to look and stay cool?

[bristolpe]

If you're on anti-coagulants, why are you wearing the stockings? I had a DVT and PE in 2013 as well, and am taking warfarin only.

[Smythian in reply to bristolpe]

I too, have been instructed to wear the stockings for a minimum of two years.

They are not worn to prevent further clotting episodes, but to eliminate or reduce the symptoms of post thrombotic syndrome.

[Teresaelliott22 in reply to bristolpe]

I was told to do both and the swelling has gone away.

[maejane]

I had my second dvt in 2009 and still have to wear the stockings due to pts, but when it's hot I keep mine in a bag in the bottom of the fridge overnight! But I try not to wear them at all in this heat, I just walk more keep active and remember to elevate my legs in the evening, it can be very uncomfortable but if you need them there isn't much you can do about it, unless someone else has an idea, hope you keep well, are you on medication for your episode?

[jackdaw50 in reply to maejane]

Yes. 2mg Warfarin daily and target INR 2-3.

[wrendarr]

Jackdaw50, Its pretty hard to look cool wearing a compression stocking!!! i had a clot behind the knee in 2012 and have been wearing a full length tight since then. I do get some funny looks when im out in my shorts (from March to November) but who cares. As far as staying cool goes you just have to get on with it im afraid.

[dolcevita]

I stopped taking Xarelto in June but was adviced to keep the stocking for 2 years. Agree in summer is a bit of a nightmare when you are wearing a summer dress! I wear them while i'm at my desk and take them off if I need to run down to the kitchen or the ladies.

I was also adviced by the hospital doctor to take horse chestnut tablets, so I have bought a pack and will start taking those. The feedback I seem to find online is very good.

[Rousseau]

Stockings do not prevent DVT's but are intended to alleviate the risk and symptoms of PTS. Current advice is to wear these for 2 years after a DVT, although this advice is not backed up by much convincing research and I understand a large research study in Canada concluded that there was no significant difference in propensity to PTS between those who wore them and those who didn't. Given the different types and level of quality of stockings, the imprecision in measuring them to fit, the vagaries of the way different people wear them I would think that any study would find it difficult to conclude anything useful. I notice that one of the replies here suggests wearing the stockings when sedantary and discarding them when active. This sounds plausible but in fact my vascular consultant stressed that it was more important to wear the stockings when active in order to contain the blood vessels and inhibit lymphedema and resultant swelling of the leg. The studies re stockings and long haul flights suggest that wearing stockings when sedantary seems to make no difference to the risk of DVT. All of which is pretty unsatisfactory and cries out for more research. You may well be suffering discomfort, as I am for nothing!

[nossib in reply to Rousseau]

Yes, agree although as my lymphedema is extreme as well as having had PE 16 months ago, I find that even when sedentary,,it is extreme if not wearing compression hosiery.

[jackdaw50]

Yes, that's what I think. However, I'll toe the line - in my case a lifetime not 2 years. Now into 2nd year.

[jaxta51]

Hi Jackdaw50, I have had to wear compression stockings for two years after a DVT. I found the stockings very uncomfortable, so rang my thrombosis clinic after the first year to ask if I could now use a sock (knee high) rather than the stocking, to which they agreed. A little cooler and a bit more "normal". I found with the open toe type stockings/socks I could still wear sandals without looking too odd so that also helped. I did find the open toe type tended to work their way up my foot which was quite uncomfortable as they ended up like an elastic band round my instep. My solution was to sew a bit of elastic across the open part of the stocking near one side, which went between my big toe and second toe, thus preventing them from riding up my foot. I don't know if this is any help to you; they are not a comfortable option at the best of times and putting them on when you already feel hot and sweaty is like trying to wrestle a python that's swallowing your leg! I wish you the best of luck in finding a solution.

[nossib in reply to jaxta51]

I also was unable to wear the toeless ones, had the same problem. The ones I have now with closed toe and silicone tops are good. Without silicone tops, inclined to slip down. I have Nurse Maude put them on every morning and remove . Unfortunately it is 4.30pm when they return to remove and I really need it to be later.

[Amcc in reply to jaxta51]

Was sewing the elastic across the open toe part successful? I am experiencing the same problem with ride up, the fluid builds up below the 'roll up' and is very evident. I was searching for a solution when I cam across your post.

[jaxta51 in reply to Amcc]

Yes it did work, took a bit of getting used to, as it initially felt odd having something between the toes. I would say if you could tolerate flipflops, you would get used to it. I found it was preferable to the instep strangulation scenario! Also was great to be able to wear sandals again. Best of luck.

[Amcc in reply to jaxta51]

Thank you, I have just been rummaging around for some elastic and find I have none. Shopping tomorrow elastic top of my list. I hope your idea works for me, if not will have to have the closed toe next, not ideal. I have lymphedema in both legs following a arduous cellulitis outbreak, once that was under control the dreaded compression, which I think is for life, well I say life, really its down to whether I can keep putting them on with hubby taking them off. Not an easy task eh

[Amcc in reply to Amcc]

Well I eventually got the elastic. Between the big toe was sore, but straight down the middle on the socks is fantastic ( between big and second toe). No more roll back causing fluid pooling. Thank you

[jaxta51 in reply to Amcc]

Really pleased it worked for you! Anything that makes life a bit easier or more comfortable is worth trying. With luck, you might even get some sunshine to try them out with sandals! Hope it all goes ok for you.

[Amcc in reply to jaxta51]

Got the sun and wore the sandals, peep toes. Such an easy cheap way to improve my relationship with compression stockings. Onward and upward eh, many thanks for your great suggestion.

[Davey-T]

Hello everyone, I am a nurse of 40 years and I feel for you having to wear compression socks and stockings. I am launching a new product and website on 1/9 and have compression class II stockings, socks, calf lets and tights for all categories in everyday, recovery, travel, maternity, sports and outdoor. The difference to all other socks is they are made from MILK! Yes cow juice, the benefits are that being a natural fibre they are silky smooth, anti fungal, anti microbial but more important they wick all the sweat away from your legs and keep them dry all day - I wear them all the time and my legs are nice and cool in this hot weather.

There are close toe, open toe, calf only, below and above knee and tights too everything is catered for and each has different built in properties from massaging feet, blister control and ligament support in sports socks to much more.

They have been designed by a surgeon and will meet all your requirements mentioned above. They are not on prescription just yet but an application is underway.

Visit the site after 1/9 - compression.solutions

If you have any questions just fill in the contact form and I will help you, also for this reading this article if you wish to buy then send me an email first and I will give you 10% off introductory offer

Thanks