Compression Stockings

[alfie19]

Does anyone have numbness and tingling in feet and legs when not wearing compression stockings.

[Christo]

Dear Alfie19

I noticed a bunch of questions from you posted on here today. This has intrigued me and got me to wondering what has happened to you?

If you are wearing compression garments then you know that you have lymphodema. if it is primary then you were born with it and it has just manifested itself? If like me, it is secondary, it has happened as a result of cancer treatment.

Many people go un-diagnosed for years before they get the treatment they need, Which includes MLD and bandaging prior to being measured for compression garments.

And yes, the majority of people who suffer with lymphodema get pain and discomfort. The numbness and tingling you mention is the flow of the lymph affected by gravitational pressure in the limbs.

Whenever the compression garments are removed, there is a rush of fluid back into the areas that have been compressed by the garments.

Hence it is always advisable to keep the legs raised at every opportunity - especially when the garments have been removed - prior to bedtime for example.

No two cases are the same and therefore the amounts of pain and discomfort are also different for everyone.

All we can do in the absence of improved treatment, is to keep aware of the latest management techniques and keep our spirits up. However in many areas there is little knowledge of the disease even within the medical profession, so it is necessary for each of us to keep aware of what is happening or not! There are several very active networks where lyphodema sufferers keep iinformed and help keep themselves sane - especially when we hit those dark periods of disappointment and depression.

Alfie, I hope you will share with us your thoughts and let us know how we might help you.

Keep your chin up and know there are many people who live this 24/7.

Seasons Greetings & Happy Holidays!

Cheers

Christo

[alfie19]

I have confirmed Primary Lymphodema in both ankles and legs. I am now in my late 50's

I wear compression stockings daily which I take off at night but at times I have to take them off during the day as I feel they are cutting into me and my legs feel heavy. I have several bruises on my legs and I don't know why neither does the lymphoedema nurse or GP these bruises have not disappeared. I wear Cira-Aid Strapping Garments at night and sometimes during the day cos they help me a great deal. I have Cir-Aid strapping for my Ankles but when wearing these I can not get any shoes or sandals to fit me. In desperation I wore a Men's size 10 Sandal but I looked absolutely hideous and felt a freak that's what started the depression I cry daily and take antidepressants.

I get up in the morning my legs are very stiff so I slide to the Bathroom etc. until I can get muscles moving. I get severe pain in the ankle joint so walking is reduced and limited.

This is due to an ankle injury my ankle is very weak and gives way at anytime.

So apart from resting wearing support garments and taking painkillers what else can I do?

[CHRISCS in reply to alfie19]

HOW IS YOUR WEIGHT MIGHT HELP IF YOU LOST WEIGHT IF POSSIBLE

[alfie19]

5st over weight so I am trying the Atkins Diet I did the Cambridge Diet which works but it is expensive £40 per week.

[LymphaPress in reply to alfie19]

I have seen several programmes and lots of evidence to show that Juicing is a fantastic way of loosing excess weight and its a very healthy way to provide your body with nutrition. A specifically "Slow Orga Juicer" and at least 70% Vegetables and some fruit to sweeten. In the TV programme i watched the guy lost huge amounts of weight, clearly he was taking advice from his physician and eventually was taken off all of his Statins and Blood pressure tablets etc. It strikes me as a very healthy way of loosing weight whilst providing your body with huge volumes of nutrition!

Only a suggestion.

[alfie19]

I originally had the bottom of the bed raised with bricks.

Then I bought my self an electric bed which was perfect.

Had it for 15yrs so saving up for another one. approx £400 -£500 for a single bed

They are very well made but are very heavy due to the motor.

In the meantime I have a ordinary bed and use a portable V pillow/cushion which is useful

so I can take it with me when I go on holiday or to visit friends. but it is not as comfortable

as the electric bed as you can adjust the height of the bottom to suit your legs and adjust the height for the back when you need to sit up.

[Hidden]

Hi, I just joined the LSN hoping to educate myself and start dealing with the lymphodema I have grossly neglected for years.

I have had lymphodema on both legs, from below the knees to my toes, since early childhood. It was first identified as a symptom of a syndrome called 'Miroy disease when I was 16, a condition which involves other symptoms (hydrocele and upturned toenails among others) besides the swelling of the limbs.

I am in my late 40s now, and reading your comments I count my blessings. Thankfully, the swelling is painless. However, I do feel numbness from time to time when sitting for long periods of time, like on a car ride or at work. I was told back then to wear compression stockings, but I gave them up for the bruising and cutting of circulation.

Now, I regret avoiding that discomfort then as I realize my error in judgment. In the last few years I've noticed that the swelling, particularly in the calf area has increased making it very hard to put on/take off pants.

Sadly, men's fashions are not friendly towards people like us. I have a 30" waist and any pants I buy have very narrow legs. I have tried boot-cut jeans, but even those don't seem t be enough anymore. As another member wrote, I look for the day that the bell bottom pants of the 1970s comes back in style.

I am researching for compression socks and stockings that I hope, given the overall advances in medicine, have improved in texture and comfort from the rough elastic weave I wore as a teen. With luck, the compression will reduce the size of my calves enough to make wearing pants a little easier and comfortable. I have seen good advice here, as well as a parallel in our struggle, and that is reassuring. Thank you.