I am really annoyed with my lymphedema nurse, I was referred to her from a specialist who diagnosed my lymphedema. The specialist gave me a stocking with Velcro as I have oxygen and get breathless due to scoliosis. The lymphedema nurse said it wasn't suitable and I should have a stocking for both legs, she prescribed a different Velcro stocking which is very hot and made my leg hurt. She has recently prescribed me another stocking without Velcro, I put talc on which helped me put it on, she suggested I use kitchen gloves, a friend suggested talc. She has only given me a small size and said it would be tight, I had diffulty with the aid due to my breathing problems, I ca manage the one from the specialist fine! My partner tried to help me take the stockings off but he's not always with me and got annoyed as its not easy! I can just about take them off but get very breathless, wears me out, I did tell the nurse this all along, I find the Velcro one from the specialist a lot easier. I struggle anyway, what annoys me even more is that the nurse has said that if the latest stockings without Velcro are OK she will sign me off, last time I went she said she would see me in 3 months, she said the Dr can sort any extra pairs of stockings for me!!
I have a heart problem and am just like you huffing and puffing, and sometimes it makes me quite ill - BUT I am lucky enough to have really good nurses and I asked for knee highs with zips in and they are great (at the moment I have knee highs and the top from waist to knee) - I often need help putting garments on and these are so much better. Mine are really high compression. Maybe you could suggest that you would be better with them. I'll keep fingers crossed!
I am pleased you are having help, my nurse doesn't seem to want to help apart from giving me a stocking!!! Thanks
Have you tried one of the metal frames that helps get stockings on? My sister has struggled with getting her thigh length compression stockings on (I am OK at the moment as I wear knee length and have spent the last 25 years just yanking them on). Anyway, we got a frame for my sister (who has learning disabilities as well as primary lymphoedema) and it works brilliantly - she is ace at using it. I have "googled" it and found one at Amazon. I googled "compression stocking aid" and Amazon came up - the one she has is the one they have from Mobility Smart @ £27.08. Obviously I can't say whether it will work for you but it has made a huge difference to my sister and her family/carers. I can't see it helps with the taking off of stockings, though.