Compression boots?

RicaBlue

I had my last appt with the doctor who's delivering me tomorrow (yikes!) and she's written a script for me to have compression boots while I'm in bed lying down. I'm allowed to take them off and get up and walk around the room (but not the halls) and go the bathroom and whatever else - but they're going to be on if I'm back in bed.The doctor's primary concern is reducing my risk of blood clots to the maximum extent possible.

Has anyone else ever had their doc mention these or worn them before? I'm just wondering how comfortable/uncomfortable these are and if it's going to make sleeping a challenge. The nurses will give me an Ambien if I want (there's a standing order on my chart, apparently), but I don't even have the first clue if I'm going to need it.

whendeez

I wore them when I had my first and my doctor said I will have them again this time.  They are not that bad but I found them to be hot becuase they are plastic.  I was thinking about wearing them over my pj pants or maybe some long socks.  It feels like someone is checking your Blood pressure every few minutes, not quite as much pressure but the same effect. 

RicaBlue

Oh, man... and the heat and humidity are just on their way back up here in Virginia! Can't a girl get a break?! Ugh.

That is a fantastic tip - thank you so much!

whendeez

I am not sure its a good idea.  I am hot all the time so I cannot imagine sleeping with socks on and the boots.  It is worth a try.  the more you walk around the less you have to wear them...

RevJG

I had them for several days after I delivered my first (via emergency c/section).  They weren't pleasant.  I had severed clausterphobia for a variety of reasons at the end of my pregnancy and so the boots definitely didn't help that feeling, but I just sucked it up and thought of the alternative.  If you can, walk as much as possible.

racegrrl714

I have had five different surgeries in the past two years and wore the boots after each one. I actually liked them... I think they feel like you are getting a calf massage. lol But yes, they do get hot after a while.

Dragonfly81

My Dr said he'd put them on after the c-section to reduce blood clots. I can see how they could get hot, but better then the alternative, right?

fignewt74

racegrrl714:

I have had five different surgeries in the past two years and wore the boots after each one. I actually liked them... I think they feel like you are getting a calf massage. lol But yes, they do get hot after a while.

I agree!  I had them on for my hospital stay last year and I liked them too, so I guess it just depends on the person...maybe you will enjoy them!

jgal84

Wow, I actually loved my compression boots. I didn't think they were hot at all. I loved the way they massaged my lower legs. I didn't find them too constrictive. It was kind of a pain to take them on and off for bathroom breaks (most of the time I just unplugged them).

comfortable

I've worn them also.  As the other poster stated, they are plastic (picture water wings!).  I got used to them immediately - they make noise, but are not loud IMO and aren't as tight as a blood pressure cuff.  They inflate regularly, so you will probably get used to them.  I didn't have to deal with taking them off though, so I can't comment on that (had catheter).  The only thing I can think of is trying to call a nurse or assistant ahead of time so you don't have to wait for someone to come and help longer than you feel like it.  Maybe ask if they are something that your family can be shown how to help with taking off/putting on (or at least just taking them off w/out medical personnel present).