Support stockings, c section

[apsfollower]

Hi everyone. I have a scheduled c-section next week after 6 weeks of total bed rest. I have been immobile due to Vasa Previa and bleeding since 22 weeks. Obviously am worried about the possibility of clotting as i also have APS. Any recommendations regarding compression stockings that are summer friendly? I am in South Africa and we are starting a hot summer. I have been wearing compression stockings day and night which are heavy and only bearable with the aircon on full blast. Any ideas on lighter compression stockings (ie cotton or microfiber) and where i can get them very welcome. Thanks so much!

[HollyHeski Administrator]

Hi, well done you getting through six weeks of bedrest, that's tough.

Not sure about South Africa, as I'm in UK, but Amazon have a wide selection.

Hope all goes well with caesar next week, would love to see piccys, when your up to it.

[MaryF Administrator]

Hi, sorry to hear about your bed rest, I sympathise with the stockings, I remember being pregnant in 1989 which was a hot summer in the UK, the only relief I had, when pregnant was to sit in my friend's cellar, in a deckchair, with my feet in a bucket of cold water and a fan on, whilst chatting to my friend in his work shop. The stockings drove me to distraction in the heat. It is important that you get any stockings fitted properly. Can you ask your clinic or GP for advice? Maybe different types are more 'breathable' Obviously they will still need to be a firm fit. Mary F

[GinaD in reply to MaryF]

ahhh yes. your post takes me back....sitting by the community pool, watching my kids, wearing a bathing suit and those stockings in 90 F heat.

[Helene]

Hello, I don’t think you will find any proper compression stockings made of cotton simply because it is a material not really suitable.

I have APS and have had numerous clots in my legs so I suffers from post thrombotic scarring and pain in my legs. I have therefore used compression stockings since 2009 to help with pain and prevent new clots.

I prefer to use tights, not stockings - tights don’t roll down...you can get knee high compression stockings, so called flight stockings, but they are more for a few hours use and not daily and certainly not long term use. I find them giving me painful red skin at the back of my knees so I don’t use them, but if you wanted to you could try and switch between knee high during the hottest part of the day for a few hours and higher stockings or tights the rest of the day.

I use Jobst Opaque class 2 (23-32mmHg) tights, closed toe in black and they look just like normal black tights when you have them on, just a bit thicker tights than normal. I wear them all day and off at night - every day no matter how hot. I usually wear maxi dresses or floor length skirts to cover up the fact that I am wearing black tights in the summer....yes they are a bit hot, but I am used to it and I think if you have good quality stockings or tights you won’t find it too hard.

I use compression class 2, but have a chat with your haematologist, you might not need that, if you only need compression class 1 it will be easier to get on and off.

Here in UK I get my compression tights on prescription, you will need to do your own research - there are lots of products to choose from that can be bought online and size is important to get right, but I think you will be able to find tights or stockings that are more comfortable in hot weather than what you currently have.

Good luck with everything!

Helene

[apsfollower]

Thanks all! Baby boy Evren Kaan was born via c-section at exactly 34 weeks. Both mother and baby doing well. Baby Evren had a bit of a rough start but is well now. Thanks for the support!

[HollyHeski Administrator]

Congratulations- welcome and happy birthday Evren Kaan, it makes all the worry and hardship worthwhile for Mum xx

Look after both of you.