unexplained leg swelling - Page 2

RedHeadedWench · ‎03-21-2010

On 3/19/2014 marzi 1 said:
Well ladies the verdict is in...lymphodema as someone stated before, solution wear compression socks.. well I ordered some from Jobst(the biggest size they offer) and I cant get them over my calf! Boy do they hurt trying to even get them on.. any other suggestions? Thanks for all the help!

My husband had to wear these compression socks for his DVT. The nurse suggested baby powder on your legs first, then sliding the socks on....worked great. Hope you feel better.

okiebug · ‎04-05-2010

On 3/19/2014 marzi 1 said:
Well ladies the verdict is in...lymphodema as someone stated before, solution wear compression socks.. well I ordered some from Jobst(the biggest size they offer) and I cant get them over my calf! Boy do they hurt trying to even get them on.. any other suggestions? Thanks for all the help!

I wear compression hose, too. Are yours to the knee or thigh? Did you order with an open or closed toe? The open toe is much easier to work with if your dr allows it.

However, when my legs were really swollen I had to go to a lymphedema therapist. She massaged my legs and wrapped them in special elastic bandages to get the swelling down. I had to go daily to get them re-wrapped. My water came off fast - less than 2 weeks, but there was no way I could put compression hose on with the swelling.

Once you get the swelling down, there are several devices that help you put the hose on. Nothing makes it really easy, but at least doable. Check out the acols.com website - it's the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. They have a wide variety of hose and aids and a lot of information. I use the Juzo open toe hose and what they call the "Slippy Gator" - it's sort of a cone that is slippery that I put over my foot that allows me to slide the hose on easier. I also use the rubber gardening gloves that are textured so they grip on the hose and allow me to push them up and down my legs.

Definitely check back with your dr about getting a prescription to see a lymphedema therapist to get the swelling down. Wish you the best.

marzi 1 · ‎07-13-2010

okiebug... Thank You! No really, thanks for taking the time to reply.. Thanks to you all. I was at my wits end, I never knew how much I could learn from everyone! Ha The QVC boards are actually good for something.. besides "Q did what" haha

adelle38 · ‎03-09-2010

On 3/19/2014 marzi 1 said:
Well ladies the verdict is in...lymphodema as someone stated before, solution wear compression socks.. well I ordered some from Jobst(the biggest size they offer) and I cant get them over my calf! Boy do they hurt trying to even get them on.. any other suggestions? Thanks for all the help!

I suggest you go to a local medical supply company or pharmacy where they actually fit compression hose properly. It's more expensive but if you need them on a daily basis, it is best to make sure they are right size and compression level for you.

It's always a victory for me when I remember why I entered a room.

okiebug · ‎04-05-2010

On 3/19/2014 adelle38 said:
On 3/19/2014 marzi 1 said:
Well ladies the verdict is in...lymphodema as someone stated before, solution wear compression socks.. well I ordered some from Jobst(the biggest size they offer) and I cant get them over my calf! Boy do they hurt trying to even get them on.. any other suggestions? Thanks for all the help!

I suggest you go to a local medical supply company or pharmacy where they actually fit compression hose properly. It's more expensive but if you need them on a daily basis, it is best to make sure they are right size and compression level for you.

adelle, thanks for adding that - being fitted properly is very important.

Also, marzi, if you get a prescription for a specific compression level of hose from your dr, your insurance may pay part of it. Mine pays for one pair every six months.

qualitygal · ‎10-04-2010

My dad had to wear the compression sox too. There are things to help you get them on. Do keep your legs elevated. Dad had a medicine that had him go to the bathroom more. Keep the legs elevated as often as you can. Dad had to actually end up putting his legs (alternating them) in leg length sox (electrical) that literally compressed and non compressed the legs. What a hassle that was!! Anyway, do keep the legs wrapped and elevated. Read up on it too. There's a lot of stuff on line about it, that your doctor may not have gone into, or you may not have known about to ask. good luck, it can get better, be diligent.

michelemybelle · ‎03-10-2010

Hi there, several years ago when I had some veins zapped in my legs and had to wear compression hose....I was in the physicians office struggling to get them on the first time. His assistant came in with platex dish washing gloves and they went on much easier. HTH.

BeckiWV · ‎04-12-2011

I wear compression hose on and off due to some vein issues. The lady at the medical supply told me to turn them completely inside out and then poke the toe area back into a little "cup".

Put your toes and foot into that little cup and then just pull them on and they will be on the right way (not inside out). They are almost impossible for me to get on like regular socks, but they go on much easier using the "inside out" method. HTH!

marzi 1 · ‎07-13-2010

Thanks everyone for all the help.. The compression sock works! yea leg back down to normal size.. wearing the sock is an annoyance but whatever works.. small price to pay