anyone wearing compression stockings?
ATLdesi
member
Hi all - just wondering if any of you out there are wearing compression stockings, or have experience with them? I'm starting to get some issues with varicose veins. I've always had a few in my upper thighs, even before pregnant, but the ones I have are getting more prominent, and I'm sprouting a few new ones - most noticably (and depressingly!) in my left calf muscle. Argh! I can't even hide that one under dresses! Boo 
Aside from their ugly appearance, the worst part is I'm getting some aches and pains from them too. My SIL, a pharmacist and mom of 2, suggested I get some compression stockings, so I bought a pair off of Amazon. I wore them once last week, and HOLY COW are they tight. I followed the sizing guide and purchased a Medium based on my weight and the measurements of my leg at ankle, calf, and thigh - but even though they are correct, it just feels awfully tight. I realize that's the idea - but still, its a whole other experience actually wearing them.
Once they've been on an hour or so, I start to get used to it - but GETTING them on is a whole other ordeal. It seriously took me about 15-20 minutes to get them on the first time because they're so unbelievably tight that you have to just inch them up, little by little. It takes forever - and the kicker is, ideally you should wear them only after you've been laying down awhile, so that blood isn't pooled in your legs. So its like laying on the bed to wear your tightest pair of jeans, except its like the world's most snug pantyhouse - - so awkward and difficult to tug on, and with my belly! Just like the poster below with pulling on her boots - I seriously broke a sweat getting them on!
Wondering if anyone here has advice, suggestions, commiserations, etc. on how to handle this! I actually didn't put them on today because I just didn't have the time to fight with them before having to leave for work 
Thanks in advance!
Need tips for surviving cat allergies? Check out my bio!
Re: anyone wearing compression stockings?
I have Lymphedima in my left leg from an accident so I have some experience compression stockings. I have a custom one so my situation is a little different, but honestly wear it for a few days and you'll get used to it.
DON'T WEAR IT AT NIGHT!
Also, if you're super worried about the tightness I would look up a good physical therapist in your area that is certified in Lymphedima and schedule an appointment. They can usually point you in the right direction or get you in touch with people that can help you better.
HTH!
Thanks charleecraig and adamwife. Yes, I had heard not to wear them at night, so no worries there (and I seriously think I'd lose my mind if I had to wear them at night, b/c I'd be super uncomfortable!). But - I did hear that ideally, one should put them on while still in bed in the morning, before even waking up. I haven't been doing that b/c I can't stand to NOT shower in the mornings, but I have been trying to lay down with legs elevated for 5-10 minutes prior to putting them on.
I will certainly keep your advice in mind about finding a PT to size me correctly if I really can't handle these particular stockings - thanks for that.
adamwife - yes, I too have the thigh high version, just to clarify. I can't even imagine wearing a true pantyhose-type that goes over the belly - not only would that just feel too restricting, but the thought of having to pull them down/up a zillion times a day to pee - - GAH!
Need tips for surviving cat allergies? Check out my bio!
It stinks, because I feel like I almost need the extra tightness from the full pantyhose, but they are so uncomfortable to get on and off. My legs are a mess right now though. I'm sprouting new veins weekly and they are so throbbing and achy. Luckily, after I had DD it all went away, so I'm just praying that will be the case this time too.
I wear them too, I have been wearing them since 2009, so I am pretty used to it at this point and it doesn't take me too long to put them on. Mostly I wear the knee-highs, but the thigh-highs and pantyhose do take longer to put on (maybe 5 min or so.) My suggestion for weekends is to buy the Jobst athletic socks. They are SO comfortable and easy to put on. I wear them as much as I possibly can!
As for putting them on in the morning after laying down, I don't think that's as important if you are wearing them for vericose veins. My thinking is that is for people who have swelling like me or pp with lymphodema.
As much of a pain as they are, keep wearing them. Even though they are a pain, the benefits are worth it!
"You reach deeper until you can find the strength. That's all life is, one big fight after another."
Angel babies: 9/19/07, 10/08/09, 1/05/11
fignewt74 - thanks for recommending the Jobst socks! I'm definitely going to look into those.
Aww man, izzyjenni - I'm so sorry you're having veins not only on your legs, but other areas - - I have heard about that and am really hoping I won't be blessed with that particular symptom too! As for the stockings, you are right - I did have to have my DH help pull them off my legs last week
Need tips for surviving cat allergies? Check out my bio!
If you feel your compression stockings are too tight you may want to have that checked. You can ask your physician if they can recommend a certified fitter to you or if you have a medical supply store around go there, they have certified fitters who can measure your legs and help you find the proper size you need.
Here's also a website on the topic that has a wealth of information...
https://www.compressionstockingssite.com/index.php/2011/05/03/problems-with-graduated-compression-stockings-the-importance-of-correct-measurements-and-sizing/
Good luck!