Compression stocking entitlement

[Shelston]

Hi

Just wanted some advice on how many pairs of stockings I am entitled to every 6 months. I have Lymphedema in one leg and have always been seen in clinic every 6 months and received 2 pair of stockings, thigh length. I have now been told I am only going to be seen every 12 months and to ring up after 6 months if I need new stockings. I am now informed that I am only entitled to one pair of stockings. I wear my compression daily morning till night and don’t feel one pair is enough.

[naominorthenellis]

You should be entitled to 2 pairs every 6 months. It is unreasonable for any GP practise to allow only one pair. Ask them if they can manage with just one pair of socks or undies every 6 months.

[Shelston in reply to naominorthenellis]

😂😂 Thank you Naomi, I thought that was my entitlement. Have phoned the clinic again today to try and get another pair. Waiting for a call back

[Ragdolllover]

that doesn’t sound right as how would you wash and dry them? Did they explain why? I order mine from Patient Choice and get 2 pairs every 4 months. You could also try ordering through your GP but when I did that the GP or the Pharmacy often prescribed the wrong ones

[Shelston in reply to Ragdolllover]

They said to do with cost apparently. I have spoken to the clinic today and they have ordered another pair for me but didn’t sound happy about it. I will have to look into Patient Choice, not heard about that before. Thank you

[Chris21]

Hi, you say you have lymphodemo in one leg? are they custom made? If not, I wonder if that is the reason for trying to give just one pair? Hope you get it sorted

[Shelston in reply to Chris21]

They are a special order because they are open toe. I find the closed toe uncomfortable. I have managed to get another pair ordered. Thank you

[Perido]

I also have lymphoedema in one leg and wear a custom made thigh length stocking. I get 2 stockings every 6 months i.e. one on and one in the wash.

[Shelston in reply to Perido]

Thanks for your reply Perido. I’ve managed to get another pair ordered.

[Dash01]

2 pairs

[Shelston in reply to Dash01]

Thanks for your reply Dash01

[DarlingPoppet]

I only get one pair every 6 months, I thought that was our allowance? Can I get 2 pairs? They are pretty ineffective in the last few weeks…

[Shelston in reply to DarlingPoppet]

Hi DarlingPoppet

I’ve always received 2 pairs until now, that’s why I queried it. Don’t feel one pair is enough if wearing each day and having to wash. I would go to your GP or clinic and ask.

[BedfordBoy]

Hi Shelston, it seems like the GP's make the rules up as they go along! I was told only 1 pair a year to start with. I challenged that and it was increased to 2 pairs a year. When I challenged that too I was told that I'd have to make an appointment to be measured up again on every application. To me this sounded like they were just putting obstacles in the way, so I gave up with the NHS ones and started buying my own. I shouldn't have to but I don't like the messing around trying to get an appointment for something so simple. In fact, on one occasion the "specialist nurse" measured me completely wrong and I received a pair that a child wouldn't even fit into! So I had another wait to be measured again etc. I lost faith in the system and just buy my own. They seem fine.

[Shelston in reply to BedfordBoy]

Hi BedfordBoy

I am under a Lymphedema Clinic not my GP but they have recently been taken over. They seem to be more concerned over the cost. I have also received the wrong stockings countless times but couldn’t afford to fund this myself. They are so expensive to buy.

[choirbird]

I have lower limb Lymphoedema and get on prescription 4 pairs per year, one pair every 3 months. NHS has under the Tories been very badly funded and I know capping some requests for medication etc are now to be expected.