Compression hose
I had laser surgery(EVLT) and Microphlebectomy on varicose veins on both of my legs in December, thinking it would fix my problem of feeling faint when I stand for a long time, and sore heavy legs and feet, since ultrasound showed my superficial veins were not returning any blood to my heart due to shot valves. I turned down the sclerotherapy to fix spider veins, since the chemicals used have killed several people due to allergic reaction and I am allergic to everything. Fixing Spider veins is done for looks only. What I had done reduced my chances of having a DVT by 400%. The surgeon was kind enough to write off everything Medicare would not pay for, after knowing my situation.
I tried knee high compression hose before, and tried thigh high and pantyhose types after the procedures. I don't know if I have abdominal pooling, but my waist gets 4 1/2 inches larger between the time I get up and after lunch. I always thought it was IBS, but maybe it's pooling....how do you know?
I was required to wear thigh highs daily for a month after the procedures, which were much more painful than I expected. Having my gallbaldder out was a day at the beach compared to the EVLT after-effects and I had to take Motrin for 2 weeks, which messed up my bile reflux that took over a year to get under control. The Microphlebectomy did not bother me much.
Both my Cardiologist and my Vascular Surgeon said people should not wear knee highs ever, under any circumstances, because they have a band at the knee, which cuts into circulation right where the big problem veins go through and makes things worse. I really like them though, since they are so easy to put on and have seen brands with very wide bands that do not roll and dig . I found that thigh highs would slip down and dig behind my knee too when I did the required exercise (an hour of walking every day for a month). Pantyhose slipped badly, esp. after going to the bathroom, and I have irritable bladder and bowel, so it was a major hassle.
I prefer the thigh highs by far, but I get Intertrigo (yeast) rash if I wear them without putting on Zeabsorb antifungal powder before I put them on, and again after I take them off. The silicone band that holds them up is hot and it can get sweaty under there! This is not uncommon. The powder totally fixes the problem, and don't worry about the cancer warning. They told me that applies to oral administration, so just don't inhale any.
Someone mentioned the thigh highs bulging at the top.....If you are wearing the right size, there should be no bulge and they should come all the way up to your crotch.
The nurse warned me about the pantyhose being too hard to put on, and they won't even sell them in their office for that reason, but I bought them online anyway, wanting to see if abdominal compression would help, and almost had a heart attack, not to mention throwing my back out, every time I put them on.
It would make me sweat so bad I needed another shower, even with a ceiling fan on above my naked body in very cold weather, while I struggled to put them on, making awful grunting noises! Hilarious to watch, I'm sure, but not fun to go through! My pressure was 20-30, which is the pressure they require for varicose vein treatment. By the 2nd time I had worn my 3 pairs of pantyhose, all 3 had holes or runs or both in them from trying to get them on. One was ripped so badly, I had to throw it out.
I no longer have to worry about my bulging blue veins getting cut and maybe bleeding out before I can get help, which my doctor had warned me about before, but am disappointed that I still feel much better with the hose on than off, and my ankles still swell, though not as much. I had the procedures done since I cannot stand the compression hose in hot Florida weather. Right now it's so cold they are helping me keep warm.
I found a cheaper brand online by Footsmart and the nurse said they fit perfect so they were fine. I also read 17 reviews by people who said they liked them as much or better than the expensive brands. I don't know, since I never bought the expensive ones. They also have a unique bubble toe that helps keep your toes drier and less hot. Their thigh highs are $19, and $17 if you buy 3 pairs at once.
The nurse told me to keep in mind that all compression hose are designed for a course of therapy, and she told me that even the expensive ones are only designed to last 6 months maximum.
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