Lymphoedema and exercise wearing compression stockings. Is it advisable?

[BedfordBoy]

Hi all, I have bilateral lymphoedema and have progressed from home exercise to joining a gym. When I've exercised at home I don't normally wear my stockings and my legs don't swell up any more than they are already. But since joining the gym, I've noticed that my left leg , which is the worst one, actually swells a bit. It doesn't really hurt anymore than normal but I'm wondering if I should be wearing the stockings during the work out. I've almost doubled the exercise time that I had at home which gives me some satisfaction but I am somewhat embarrassed by the look of my legs, particularly with strangers. At home I just used to wear shorts, and at the gym I've been wearing track bottoms. The problem is that wearing the stockings under the track bottoms is very uncomfortable and tight fitting.

So I'm contemplating wearing my shorts with the stockings but is it safe? Somebody told me that you shouldn't restrict your legs and blood flow as it's dangerous.

Anybody else had this problem?

[naominorthenellis]

Hi,

you should always wear your compression when exercising - it will help to support your lymphatic system and prevent the swelling you are experiencing when not wearing your garment to exercise - your compression garment won't restrict blood flow, in fact it will give your circulatory system a boost.

Well done for joining the gym. Along with your compression garment, regular exercise should help control the swelling !

NNE

[BedfordBoy in reply to naominorthenellis]

Hi NNE, thanks for the advice, I'll try this and see how I get on.Yes, joining a gym was a big step to take financially, also it has given my confidence a bit of a lift, as I had become very self conscious about my legs. I don't like people looking at me , but I realise that to overcome the anxiety I have to reduce the size of my legs in any way possible.

Back in the gym Monday then !