Compression tights

[Kelly2]

Hi. I am traveling by plane soon and want to buy compression tights. Are we supposed to have them? Do you also wear them when traveling?What do I have to look for? I have seen some knee high stockings that are antithrombotic. I suppose those must have the correct pressure. I am afraid if they are too tight of having the opposite effect.

[nanmc]

Hi I have used the compression stockings on long haul flight to Australia and ended up with severe bruising around the thighs. I felt this was unacceptable after all what is bruising but blood clots. After this I have used support tights drank lots of water and took the prescribed aspirin I mentioned to the doctor on return that I had done this and that I felt that it was more acceptable.

The compression tights I have tried are v. difficult to put on and getting some that fit properly and comfortably is a problem and I am not overweight

Any recommendations from fellow MPN's ?

[Kelly2 in reply to nanmc]

There are tights 40D with controlled compression are they better?

[Kelly2 in reply to nanmc]

That's what I thought, that they would be too tight, although one can choose the right size.

[nanmc in reply to Kelly2]

Have not tried many but going to toilet on plane and trying to haul down then up compression tights is v tricky!!!!

[Kelly2 in reply to nanmc]

You are right. There are antithrombotic stockings up to the knee in several sizes. I will ask for details from the seller. Thank you.

[katiewalsh]

Hi. I’ve done a lot of research into this & also wear compression socks whenever possible. I’d encourage you to go to a medical supply store that knows how to measure your legs for the proper size. Also, you should walk the aisles as much as possible & when seated do circles with your feet & raise & lower your foot & flex it. I’m told we should also exercise our arms as well. And most of all stay super hydrated with caffeine free beverages & avoid alcohol. Have a good trip! Katie

[JSKly]

As I had a couple of leg ulcers some years ago and a TIA more recently I wear compression socks all the time. Knee highs do me very well. I wear trousers a lot and have found some fun socks which I love. They are expensive but last a long time.

[Deefen]

My doc said I had to wear them on long haul flights (anything over 4hrs). You have to get the specially fitted ones from medical supply places - not the ones from chemists. They’re darned hard to get on!

Also try to get out of your seat and walk around often - and drink heaps of water.

[jointpain]

If you go onto Credalast website you can order below knee support stockings which you have to supply a number of measurements for and decide how much compression you want. You can get them on prescription or pay for them. I have them for a condition unrelated to mpn which I don't have and wear them every day and all day!

[Hydrox]

My consultant told me to wear them on long haul flights. I think the main thing is that they fit correctly, you would be better getting them from a pharmacy who would advise on the size etc.

[BloodZero]

HI Kelly, I wear compression socks on flights. Its important to make sure they are authentic compression tights though. Some tights/sock marketed on ebay and such can be knock-offs and not really anti-thrombotic. The knock-off would actually cause clots. I always buy from the chemist. They have a measurement guide on the back. There is usually a tape measure at the chemist. And they are authentic.

[Cja1956]

Hi. I went to Israel last summer and my biggest problem was nosebleeds. I did ask my hemo about blood clots but he said just to make sure I don’t sit the whole time and to move my legs as much as possible. I had a major nosebleed on the plane and also a few while on tour in Israel. Otherwise, everything else was fine. Have a good trip.

[Kelly2]

Hi. I bought 40D support tights with graduated compression large enough because I hate wearing something very tight on for hours. I plan on moving on the plane, exercising, drinking water and take an aspirin half an hour before take off. My trip will not last too many hours. Thank you all

[Kelly2 in reply to Kelly2]

I did not wear those tights after all. As soon as I put them on I had itching and took them off. I moved a lot in the plane and the trip was less than four hours.

[Anag]

I wear them all the time. Light ones for the day and a bit stronger for plane rides. Only to the knee is best, else you might get a fold behind the knee that constricts the blood flow. You will feel fresh afterwards. My husband uses them too now.

[wotan10]

Good evening Kelly 2I recommend you get measured at your Doctors surgery by the nurse practitioner.

You should be except from additional prescription charges as you should be covered by your condition.

I avoid caffeine 3days be for flight and alcohol too.

I keep well hydrated as always.

As for getting them on use moisturiser on your skin first.

As a well meaning partner to help you.

Did your mother teach you how to put your socks on as a child? Fold the sock in half and pull up from your arch.Find on you tube.

It is also recommended that you wear them 48hours before the flight.

Don't cross your legs and report any redness or swelling in your calfs.

They are there to help prevent thrombolytic episodes in your legs.

I use them for any flights lasting more than three hours.

Good luck.

[Kelly2 in reply to wotan10]

Thank you for your advice.

[Kelly2 in reply to wotan10]

I had a nephew who had a condition and was under medication. He went to Spain from London and when he came back had a thrombotic episode and died. 46 years old.

[swimswam]

I wore a pair of knee high compression socks used by runners on my hols for a 10 hr flight. They came in various sizes, were very comfortable, and an added bonus were very snazzy compared to the usual medical type.

[Kelly2 in reply to swimswam]

One can find them on eBay. Very cheap but are they good? They have sizes and I was thinking of getting the L/XL ones as I will not be able to stand them if they are very tight. Travel Flight Miracle Socks Unisex Compression Anti Swelling Fatigue DVT Support

[WingyFliy]

Why not. I never tried but if I would I'd buy something of high quality. Don't want to get an allergy or skin irritation in a mid-air. So far the most comfortable tights for me are these yankasulivan.com/. Give it a try, won't wear out in a long time anyway

[Hidden]

My Haematologist prescribed heparin on long haul flights over 5 hours - l do the injections myself. They work for 12 hours and are sealed syringe ready.