I Finally Got my Stockings.

[gavinlwright]

I finally got my stockings fitted yesterday and despite Jane my lyphoedema nurse struggling to get them on at first they seemed comfortable enough. We used the aid with the stockings (jobst i believe) a sleeve type garment that you stand on and then put between your toes and then pull out once the stockings are partially on. As most of the compression i need is around the ankles that proved the hardest point to get past. I have stockings to both knees. We went on to discuss further methods and tips all of which seemed like a good idea. She also said to get some rubber gloves as they would help with grip.She said she would write to my GP requesting a prescription for some more and also including the measurements she had taken. It was at that point Jane then went on to inform me she was leaving and this would be the last time of seeing her. This was a blow as although i had only seen her twice she cetainly seemed to empathise, sympathise and understand everything that was going on and for once seemed to be a health care professional on my side. She further went on to say that she did not know what was happening, who was replacing her or if she would be replaced.

Any way happy with my stockings and sad Jane was leaving I followed her advice and traipsed off to the supermarket to get some rubber gloves to assist with getting them on and was even able to find some black ones to match my stockings!

After wearing the stockings all day i finally reached the point where i needed air around my legs, i had by this time been wearing them for nearly 12 hours. The task of removing the stockings was funny it involved rolling around on the lounge floor with the first one whilst the dog thought this new game was great. The second came off more easily much to the dogs, his name is pickle, disgust. I then moisturised.

This morning it was with trepidation that i approached the stockings and the aid. I folded the aid as described and then placed it between my toes as shown and then attempted to put the stocking on. The aid promptly slid to one side and i was left sat on the edge of the bath with my foot in the first stocking, the aid dangling to one side and the prospect of trying to reposition the aid to assist me with getting the stocking on and adjusting the stocking to make sure the aid works. At this point i could of done with another pair of hands. After several more attempts i discarded the aid as it wasn't aiding. I placed a half stockinged foot on the edge of the bath and after some pulling and adjusting etc the stocking was on. The second went on much the same way. I think i must be lucky as it didn't seem half as bad as when the nurse was putting them on or as i anticipated. I am also lucky as my movement is not as restricted as some hence i am able to get my foot up and pull etc.

Anyhow i don't think i will be using the aid again. The rubber gloves never got a look in thankfully as my son is already looking at his father strangely for wearing stockings and moisturising. He knows me as someone who has played rugby, weightlifted, taught scuba diving and carried four ton of timber up the garden in about an hour. I hope to get back to doing some of this or something else but now need to concentrate on losing the weight i have gained.

The stockings certainly seemed to have made some difference last night and hopefully they will continue to do so. Any weight loss tips would be good. Has anyone tried the 5/2 diet?

In case you were wondering Pickle is a collie/springer rescue dog about 15months old and a means of forcing me to get out every morning and at the weekend.

[andor42]

Sounds like you need to train the dog to help put the stocking on .lol sorry but I have learned we do need a sence of humor

I cant reach my toes so trying to get the stocking on is like a Laurel and Hardy film. lol

I had 2 stocking fitters one that came with the stocking and a larger blue one the nurse added to the order form. that one worked a small bit better for me.

[Uwe123]

Good for you.i wear a stocking from toe to hip,it was a struggle at first but you do get used to it. I also have stocking without toes,,,,so I can wear flip flop shoes, horray. After taking your stocking off keep you foot up as often as possible.

[morganite]

well done its bit of a game at first but gets easier with practice, another tip someone gave me is to wear a thin pair of rubber gloves and this gives you a better grip with the stockings especially getting off.

[norberte]

hi gavin

that's such a brilliant description, i could picture it & i hope you don't mind that i laughed when i was reading it

your poor son! just don't keep them up with a pair of frilly suspenders!

yes, your nurse & morganite are right about the washing up gloves

personally, i get my sleeves on first & then put the gloves on to straighten them out a bit but everyone finds their own way

& as your nurse is leaving it'd be good to get the stockings put on your repeats list so you can reorder some when you need them

& you'll need remeasuring & may need new stockings as you lose weight - good luck with that, there's another question thread where all sorts of useful info's been posted

[LymphedemaGirl]

I use an Easy-slide, I buy it here:

lymphedemaproducts.com/prod...

The postage to Europe is high so I stock up when I buy.

I have found a way to fold my stocking before putting it on which makes it much easier. It is basically folding the upper part over the lower part and then folding the top of the stocking a little so I can see my toes when they come out. Once my foot is in place I fold up the stocking in bits until done.

I think I have seen videos on Youtube about donning aids, perhaps from Medi or Jobst, check it out.