Drying compressions

[Bev-1966]

Hello everyone, just thought of a way to dry my compression stockings on a sunny day and thought I would share it with you.

[CCT67]

It's great to make use of the summer warmth and sun 😊

Just thought I'd mention that the best way to ensure the longest life of the fibers and the gradient compression of compression garments is to dry them flat and away from direct (ie away from winter radiator). I pray for the day we have a cure for LE and can at last do away with the blooming garments!!! x

[LegsEleven in reply to CCT67]

I always try to dry them flat, but find they dry overnight - winter and summer - if left on an airing rack. And I absolutely detest them too ... they are the bane of my life! Always uncomfortable, always wrinkling at back of knees - no matter what advice I follow - and they have completely restricted the way I dress and the type of footwear I can use.

But if I leave them off for even a very short time, the burning sensation and the odd feeling of something 'moving' within my legs makes me relieved to have the ghastly things back on again! A love hate relationship.

Why, in this age of so many advances in all aspects of health and medicine, can it not be possible for there to be some high level, world-wide research project aimed at helping people with this dreadful, hidden disability?

It has been really hot and humid today, and although I am lucky in that I am now retired, I have struggled to cope with the legs - and just about manage, thanks to the kindness of a wonderful brother who bought me a Dyson oscillating fan. Highly recommend them - but they are expensive.

My local lymphoedema nurses are only interested in patients who have lymphoedema as a result of cancer - and told me I was signed off their list as I was capable of 'self-management'. I haven't seen anyone about my legs for over four years.

With severe arthritis in both hands, I struggle to pull on these beastly garments - even with the help of the recommended gloves - and I never really seemed to master those daft pieces of silky cloths that are supposed to aid the donning of the stockings.

All in all, I feel abandoned by the NHS and rather angry about the lack of care - or compassion - for this dreadful condition. And after regular reading of posts here, I know that I am not alone.

There's a lack of campaigning about the poor care we encounter, and I believe there must be thousands of sufferers out there who would like to add their voices/support to such a campaign - but I think we are all too involved in just managing this condition that there seems to be a general apathy - me included!

So, apologies for having a good moan. Your drying tip will be very helpful for many 'lymphies' out there.

[MARILYNFJ in reply to LegsEleven]

There are donning and doffing items that help you get the stockings on without pulling with your hands. Google donning and doffing items and maybe you will find them.

[LegsEleven in reply to MARILYNFJ]

Thank you Marilyn. I am aware of the various donning/doffing items out there, and the videos on line demonstrating how to use them. So far I am managing with Venosan gloves that have rubber nodules on the palms - and I need to use my hands as much as I can.

Thank you again for your advice. It may help other 'lymphies' out there.

Best wishes.

[Chocolate-e-clare]

Love that ingenuity Bev - just make sure you tie that umbrella down on a sunny windy day! Cool

[HazieC]

lol great idea