I have lymphoedema in my legs but it has become a lot worse in my right leg in the last year. I posted a few months ago about this problem and the replies were very helpful. It has been extremely difficult to find the right compression and I am desperate to reduce the swelling. I recently tried circular knit tights compression Class 3 and found them a nightmare to get on. After a lot of effort I got it on the right leg but just didn't have the energy to get it on the left leg. The clinic wanted me to try this before they would consider giving me flat knit! As I couldn’t properly try the class 3 tights I couldn’t make a case for flat knit and am worried they could be equally uncomfortable.
I have now settled for Class 2 tights and Class 1 thigh high stocking for the right leg. However, about one or two inches below my right buttock the tights go into a ridge however much I adjust them and I think this is causing the flesh to harden at the back of the thigh. The ridge doesn’t happen on my left thigh. An experienced lymphoedema nurse who I see privately for lymph drainage massage says she thinks it is because I need smaller size tights. I am 5-ft 7 and I currently wear size 3 and have done since I got lymphedema 11 years ago. I can’t really understand how smaller tights would help.
Also, I’m aware from answers to my last post that only bandaging could reduce swelling in my right leg. I cannot get that done by the NHS here and I am considering going to the Wittlinger Clinic in Austria.
I would be really grateful for any views people may have on any of these points:
1) how to get class 3 tights on and off without a nightmare struggle?
2) How effective are the aids which can help to get the tights on?
3) Why do my current class 2 tights ridge below my right buttock? Would smaller size tights help?
4) Given that only bandaging will reduce the swelling in my right leg, is there a cheaper alternative to going to the Wittlinger Clinic?