Compression Socks

[Minushabens]

I'm due to take a 3-hour flight next week. I have really bad, probably steroid-induced, swelling in my legs & have been advised to look into compression stockings. Has anyone used these specifically around steroid swelling or have any recommendations of good ones, tips for what to look for, etc?

Thanks in advance

[newlands]

Hi I have worn them for about ten years a consultant prescribed them

[Kitten-kat23]

I'm sorry I can't help. When I used them they didn't help. That's because I was having a reaction to medication. Medication changed, and I don't need them. I truly hope you find the ones for you.

[Minushabens in reply to Kitten-kat23]

Thanks for the replies - interestingly I had a chat with the pharmacist in Boots yesterday who said that if my legs swelled additionally on the plane (which is possible) the socks could make it a lot more painful, & advised me not to buy them. So I'm more confused than ever now!

[Kitten-kat23 in reply to Minushabens]

I'm not surprised. I'm confused now too.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hmmm... interesting. If it was for long term use I’d understand the reasoning as it’d help overall, and you’d have time to work out the ‘correct’ size for you. However for ‘just’ a 3hr flight (when advice for CS is on 4+hr flights) seems a bit odd, cause as you pharmacists said if they’re the wrong size they’ll be really painful on the plane...

Maybe wear ‘firm’ socks or ‘light’ CS and just make sure you do all the over things they suggest for swelling/preventing DVT? Like getting up and walking, doing anti-DVT exercises and drinking water etc??? Alternatively, if there’s enough time, buy and wear them now and see how they do... then if they feel too small then you can buy bigger ones for the flight 😕🤨

I’m not sure just some ideas 🤔 😅 x

[Minushabens in reply to EmmaF91]

Thanks for the thoughts. Having thought about it, the issue seems to be can I stop extra swelling versus what I should do if my legs do swell more than normal. The last time I flew was before I was on the steroids and BP medication that I’m on now, so I suppose it’s just guesswork. I’ll definitely move around a bit anyway & try to minimise trouble. Then spend a week getting drunk on a (hopefully) nice warm beach

[mand82]

You could always ask your gp for the compression socks that you get given in hospitals as they are supposed to be better then the flight socks you buy in shops that’s what boots told me before , I always keep my compression socks from when I’ve been in hospital so I have them for flights & long journeys, & if your at high risk of dvt you could ask your gp for clextine injections to take before each flight which will help 😊