Pamper Your Feet and Legs

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Vanda Lancour
Pamper Your Feet and Legs

Pamper Your Feet and Legs

In our last Leg Health News we talked about making a New Year’s Resolution for a Healthier You. Here in the Northern Hemisphere it is winter and for me this is the time of the year my legs get flaky and my feet get dry, chapped, and cracked. So I have a few suggestions to keep them happy and healthy.

The feet are probably the most neglected part of the body. There are more bones in our feet than any other part of the body (26 bones, 33 joints, 46 ligaments and more than a hundred muscles). So lets give them some TLC. Soaking your feet can relax, energize and help heal your entire body. It is best done in the evening when there is more time to relax and “Pamper Your Feet and Legs”. At least once a month drag out a large bucket or bowl that your feet will fit into comfortably. Fill it with warm water and some bath salts if you happen to have them. Let your feet soak until the water begins to cool. Scrub your feet and legs to get rid of the dead skin. This will allow them to breath better. Towel dry you feet and legs by blotting them.

biodetic Foot Cream

biodetic Foot Cream

If you are lucky enough to have someone to massage your feet and legs with oil, this would be a great time. A good foot massage has therapeutic benifits that will eliminate stress and improve blood circulation. Next apply lotion to them. Of course, we recommend our biodetic Foot Care Cream. This is not just for diabetics and it is not just for the legs. I use it any and everywhere. It is quick absorbing, contains no perfumes or fragrances and made of a unique mixture of waxes, oils and specifically distilled water, and glycerin. There is no need to wear socks to bed and night because the biodetic Foot Care Cream is absorbed very quickly.

Happy Healthy Legs and Feet

Remember the next morning you need to put on your support socks or support stockings. This is an important part of “Pampering Your Feet and Legs”. The compression socks or hose increase the circulation in the lower extremities…they help move the blood back to the heart and remove by-products of cellular metabolism. They help your legs stay happy and healthy. You will find how much better your legs and feet feel feel with a little TLC and how the compression stockings and socks can help you achieve your goal of a Healthier You!

Filed under: Compression Sock, Compression Stockings, Foot Health, Health, Support Hose, Support Sock, Support stocking, SupportHoseStore.com | Leave a Comment »

New Year’s Resolution for a Healthier You

Posted on January 15, 2012 by Vanda Lancour

The New Year has come and it is a great opportunity for us to make a fresh start with New Year’s Resolutions. It seems to me one of the best ways to be successful in keeping New Year’s Resolutions is to keep the resolutions to a minimum. A list of resolutions as long as your arm will not allow you to be focused. Make the goals realistic and attainable. If you have a goal to run a marathon, start by going for a jog two or three times a week. In order for your body to reach that goal, you will need to eat healthier. Start by substituting junk food with healthier snacks. Small steps enable you to reach a higher goal.

If you have tried to reach your goal previously and have not been  successful, stop and think what were your stumbling blocks and why were you not successful. See if you can figure out a way around these stumbling blocks so you can reach your goal.

Let Us Help You To Don Your Stockings

Let Us Help You To Don Your Stockings

For many of our clients, their goal is to be more compliant in wearing their support socks and stockings, sometimes the frustration of putting the stockings on is more than they can handle; they would just as soon stay home with their stockings in their bureau drawer. First one of the best things a first time wearer can do is watch our video ”How To Put On Compression Stockings“ They make it look soooo easy. Well, it may not be quite that easy, but with practice you can master the techniques. Be sure to watch the video completely through. We have many ways to get the stockings on. First check out basic donning instruction on “Wear and Care”.  Many of our customers receive free garment care kits with their orders. Use those gloves!! They give you the ability to grasp those stockings and pull them on.  If you don’t already have them you can order Sigvaris Donning Gloves. I call them my magic gloves, because I cannot get my stockings on without them!

Still can’t get them on? We have the metal stocking donners as demonstrated in the previously mentioned video.  If you feel you don’t have enough strength in your hands to put the stocking on the donner, use your donning gloves. They do work magic!

Another method to getting those pesky, difficult stockings on is the Slippie Gator Set. They also work great! You can see how the Slippie Gator Set works by going to our blog entry Slippie Gator Instructions.

Above all, if after reviewing all our above information, you are not able to use our donning aids to put your stockings on, call us!  Perhaps we can walk you through some steps you may be missing to be successful in keeping your New Year’s Resolution of being more compliant in wearing your support stockings and support socks. The effort is well worth the trouble when you find how much better your legs feel and how the compression stockings and socks can improve your quality of life! GOAL REACHED!

Vanda

Order on-line at www.SupportHoseStore.com or
Call customer service at 1-800-515-4271
Monday – Friday 8AM – 5PM CDT

Filed under: Compression Stockings, Donning, Support Hose, Support Sock, Support stocking, SupportHoseStore.com | 2 Comments »

Juzo Slippie Gator Instructions

Posted on January 15, 2012 by Vanda Lancour

Just click on this link to view our Juzo Slippie Gator Instructions

The Slippie Gator can be purchased at SupportHoseStore.com and is used to put on your support stockings, support socks, support hose, compression stockings, compression socks  

 JuzoSlippieGator

Filed under: Compression Stockings, Donning, Support Hose, Support Sock, Support stocking, SupportHoseStore.com | 2 Comments »

Wear the Right Socks or Stockings with the Right Shoes

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Vanda Lancour

Socks are high on the list of everyday items we take for granted. Socks can make a huge difference in the health and comfort of everyday life. Socks and stockings can make a difference to not only to those with venous insufficiency, but also to those with diabetes and arthritis. People who wear the wrong socks can develop blisters, infections, and a bundle of assorted other maladies of the foot. Compression socks and stockings have many properties to keep the foot healthy; including increasing the circulation and keeping the feet dry. All have moisture–wicking ability. They wick the moisture from the inside of the sock to the outside to keep the foot nice and dry. Many socks have extra padding and cushioning which decreases shear and friction to the foot.

There has been a great misconception that cotton socks were best for the feet, but several studies have shown that although the cotton absorbs the moisture well, they do not wick it away from the foot. Cotton when wet, looses its cushion, stretches out, and wrinkles causing blisters. More durable synthetic blended fibers wick moisture away from the foot and maintain the cushioning affect.

No other part of the body has more sweat glands per square inch than the feet. Wet feet can lead to maceration, sometimes skin that experiences long periods of maceration becomes vulnerable to fungal and bacterial infection. As opportunistic organisms affect the area, it may become itchy or develop a foul odor. What’s more, because the skin is so much softer, it’s also more susceptible to injury from rubbing or friction. The solution is to keep the feet dry.

Jobst Mens Casual

Juzo Silver

Wool is an excellent fiber to blend with synthetic fibers because of its insulation qualities, and its ability to absorb moisture. There are many other products which are used in the wicking and anti-fungal and antibacterial properties of socks. Among them are silver. Even in ancient times these silver was used as anti-fungal and antibacterial materials. Silver is woven into the garments and does not wash out.

Along with the myth of wearing cotton socks, we have the myth of wearing white socks. It was thought that the dyes used in the garment could leach and harm already compromised feet. While white socks do allow those who have diabetes or neuropathy to keep a closer eye on their feet, the dyes of today are greatly improved.

The fit of stockings and socks can and is most important. Loose fitting socks as well as socks that fit too tight can be equally detrimental. Loose fitting socks in shoes can cause wrinkles and sores. If you have shoes that were fit with thin socks, don’t try to switch to a thicker sock thinking you can give your feet a treat. This can make the shoe fit to tightly and decrease circulation.

Care of the legs is equally important as care of the feet. Good circulation in the legs is critical to healthy legs and feet. Compression stockings help in control of venous insufficiency. The stockings increase the blood flow by assisting the venous valves and help decrease edema.

So wear the right socks or stockings with the right shoes.

Remember, support socks and support stockings can make great stocking stuffers.

Hang the Stockings by the Chimney with Care and

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS

Filed under: Arthritis, Athletic Support Socks, Compression Stockings, Diabetes, Foot Health, Performance sock, Support Hose, Support Sock, SupportHoseStore.com, Venous Insufficiency | Leave a Comment »

Lymphedema – Causes and Control

Posted on October 22, 2011 by Vanda Lancour
Every one knows this is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but we have many clients who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer and are working diligently to make others aware. Another topic we need to be aware of is Lymphedema after Breast Cancer Therapy, but wait, Lymphedema can be caused by any change in the lymphatic system. During surgery for cancer, physicians may take out lymph nodes near the tumor to see if the cancer has spread. The lymph nodes are collectors of lymph (a clear fluid which contains proteins, salts, and water, as well as white blood cells, which help fight infections) and removing them makes it harder for lymph to move to areas where it enters the blood stream. If the remaining lymph vessels cannot remove enough of the lymph in an area, the excess fluid builds up in the fatty tissues just under the skin and causes swelling most often in the arms or legs. Radiation treatment can also affect the lymph flow by causing scarring of the vessels. The lymph fluid that collects in the skin and underlying tissues can be very uncomfortable. Lymphedema usually develops slowly and may be mild to severe. It can keep nutrients from reaching the cells, interfere with wound healing, and lead to infections.

An example of Lymphedema from SupportHoseStore.com
Lymphedema

Lymphedema can be related to treatment for:
Pelvic area cancers (such as bladder, testicular, uterine, vulvar, or cervical cancer)
Chronic venous insufficiency that is uncontrolled
Breast cancer
Lymphoma
Melanoma
Prostate cancer

Lymphedema can also be related to uncontrolled edema.

Lymphedema is seen more often in the arms or legs, but it can happen in other areas, too. If Lymphedema occurs after breast cancer treatment, it can affect the breast, chest, and underarm, as well as the arm closest to the surgery. Treatment of tumors in the head and neck area has been linked with Lymphedema in the face, mouth, eyes, and neck. It can start soon after treatment or years later. Physicians don’t understand why some patients are more likely to have Lymphedema then others.

Once Lymphedema has been triggered, it cannot be cured. Early recognition and treatment can keep it from getting worse.

There are things you can do to help prevent Lymphedema.

Avoid infection.
When any part of the body is infected, the body makes extra fluid to fight the infection. If the lymph system is damaged in the area of the body where the infection is, it is harder to move this extra fluid and can trigger Lymphedema. Good hygiene and skin care can help you avoid infection.

Avoid extreme cold.
It can cause rebound swelling as you warm up and chapping of your skin, which may lead to infection.

Try to avoid burns.
Like infections, burns can cause the body to make extra fluid that may build up and cause swelling when lymph nodes have been removed or damaged. Protect yourself from sunburn by using sunscreen labeled SPF 15 or higher and try to stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day.

Avoid high heat.
High heat such as from hot tubs and saunas can increase fluid build-up. Do not use a heating pad on the affected areas.

Try to avoid constriction.
Constriction or squeezing of the arm may increase the pressure in nearby blood vessels. This may lead to increased fluid and swelling (much like water building up behind a dam). Wear loose clothing.

Trips by car, bus or train can be more detrimental to Lymphedema of the lower extremities. A properly fitted compression garment is a must; as is frequent breaks to walk. The muscles of the leg work with the garment to help move the lymphatic fluid.

Long or frequent airplane flights can trigger and affect Lymphedema of the arm. A well-fitted compression sleeve may help prevent swelling. Careful fitting is required by a compression garment specialist. A garment that is too tight near the top can actually reduce the lymph flow. A band with a silicone border is okay to keep the sleeve up.

Signs of Lymphedema

Even if you try your best, sometimes Lymphedema does develop.

  • Swelling in the limb nearest the surgical sight.
  • Area feels full or heavy
  • Skin may look red, feel tight or hard show definite changes in texture.
  • Joints near affected extremity may be less flexible.
  • Trouble fitting your arm into jacket or leg into pants
Lymphedema garments are necessary after reduction of swelling

Lymphedema Garments are Necessary After Reduction of Swelling

Early on, the swelling may be relieved by raising the affected limb and the skin usually stays soft. But over time, the swollen area may become hot and red and the skin hard and stiff.

If you think you are developing Lymphedema, get to a MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) Therapist as soon a possible!! Your extremity may need to be wrapped in bandages to reduce the swelling and the therapist will do special massages to open up the lymphatic vessels remaining so the lymph will drain. Once the therapist has achieved results, the therapist will recommend compression garments (armsleeve, glove, or gauntlet for the arms and stockings – usually 20-30 mmHg or 30-40 mmHg for the legs). 

 
Caresia Bandage Liners from SupportHoseStore.com
Caresia Bandage Liners from SupportHoseStore.com

 Sometimes you will find you need to go back into bandages at night for a “tune-up” to maintain the control you have achieved over Lymphedema. We have a simplified solution to the bandages 
Caresia by Solaris (used to replace multi-layered bandaging during the active phase of therapy and transition to a night time garment).

I would like to leave with this thought; if you are at risk for Lymphedema, wear your compression garments!! If Lymphedema does develop, get to a MLD therapist immediately. Lymphedema will never go away, but with a good MLD Therapist and following a good program of skin care, massage, and compression garments, it can be controllable. - Thanks, Vanda

Filed under: Compression Stockings, Edema, Lymphedema | 8 Comments »

September is Healthy Ageing Month

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Vanda Lancour

September, “Healthy Aging” month, was started to give seniors and those “almost seniors” a way to make little changes in their lives which can greatly affect their quality of life down the road. Now you and I know growing older is one of the hardest things we have done. (Perhaps it is just something we thought would never happen to us.) We need to look at the positive aspects and not the negative aspects. We need to realize that it is not too late to take control, because it is never too late to start something new.

I read something the other day… “Dance like there’s no tomorrow”, it really caught my eye. Just as getting better oxygen flow to the lower extremities by wearing support stockings or support socks improves your leg health; exercise increases the oxygen to the brain. Older adults involved in regular physical activity are less likely to get dementia.

No matter our age, we should all be eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. We still have a great abundance available in the markets and we should be taking advantage of the difference they can make in our health. For example a woman my age should be eating at least 1.5 cups fresh fruit and 2 cups of vegetables a day. If you are not eating at least this, you are neglecting your health. Fresh fruits and vegetable contain fiber as well as vitamins and minerals your body needs to fight chronic diseases such as stroke, cardiovascular diseases, and some cancers.

As you all know regular check ups with your physician are also an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Although there are many tests that should be done, blood sugar for diabetes, colonoscopies for colon cancer, mammogram for breast cancer, and bone density for osteoporosis are a must as well as keep an eye on your blood pressure.

iHealth BP3 Dock

iHealth BP3 Dock can be used with any iPhone, iPad, iPod or iPod touch

Have you seen our iHealth Blood Pressure Monitor (BP3) Dock? The iHealth Dock works with any iphone, iTouch, or iPad. It makes taking your blood pressure really simple and painless. It takes your blood pressure on the way up instead of pumping very high and coming down slowly. (Ouch! That really hurts!) It keeps a record which you can email to a loved one, your physician, or yourself (you take control). Did you know that taking slow, deep breaths several times a day can lower your blood pressure slightly?

There are so many small steps you can take so you can enjoy “Healthy Aging” “Dance like there is no tomorrow”, eat healthy, and breath deep and slow.

Support Hose Store, Amarillo Chamber of Comerce 2011 Top Small Business

Here’s to our “Healthy Aging”,
Vanda

Filed under: Blood pressure, Compression Stockings, Foot Health, Health, iHealth, Support Sock, Support stocking, SupportHoseStore.com | 6 Comments »

Support Stocking Donning Issues

Posted on August 28, 2011 by Vanda Lancour

Many times you have heard us say, “Use lotion the night before, do not use lotion on your legs right before putting on your stockings.” Our opinion and our manufacturers opinion has changed on this issue. We asked you not to use lotion right before donning your stockings because many of our great customers wear garments with silicone bands. If the lotion gets on the silicone band, the band is likely not to keep the garment up and will allow it to slip down. There is a simple solution to this problem…dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and rub the band to remove the lotion. This should also be done about once a week to remove body oils from the silicone band which normal laundering will not remove.

Rod and I recently had the opportunity to spend a few days on one of the beautiful Florida beaches (before Hurricane Irene). Our time there made me much more aware of what some of my customers have been telling us. I don’t know if you are familiar with the weather in Amarillo, Texas. We are “high and dry”…the altitude is about 3,600 feet and our normal yearly rainfall is about 19.5 inches (not so this year). So when our clients complain that their stockings are so difficult to put on because it is so hot or hot and sticky, well, I felt most people have air conditioning so their house is dry. Ha! Ha! While we were on the beach the temperature was 100 degrees and the humidity felt as though is must be at least 90%! Nothing seemed to ever dry out (even in our room)! After I took abiodetic™ foot cream shower and attempted to put my 20-30 mmHg pantyhose on, it was almost impossible! I did find it was much easier if I made sure I used my biodetic™ cream on my heels and feet first. It was a definite must to use my Sigvaris donning gloves (can’t live without them). The biodetic™ allowed the stocking to glide more easily (if there is a more easily when it is that hot and humid) over the foot. Please remember the lotion or cream you use on your feet or legs should not contain any petroleum products. They can break down the elastin in your garment. If any of you have had similar experiences, please let us know by scrolling to the bottom of the blog entry to leave a comment. You can leave it as a guest and not have to log in.

Thanks,

Vanda

Filed under: Compression Stockings, Support stocking, SupportHoseStore.com | 24 Comments »

SupportHoseStore.com 2011 Top Small Business

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Vanda Lancour
Amarillo Chamber of Commerce 2011 Top Small Business Award Winner

Amarillo Chamber of Commerce 2011 Top Small Business Award Winner

We are extremely happy to announce that on July 26, 2011 SupportHoseStore.com and Support Hose Plus (our brick and mortar) were notified by the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Awards Committee that we are one of six Amarillo businesses chosen to receive the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce 2011 Top Small Business Award.

This award recognizes local businesses, which have a history of excellent employee relations, outstanding business practices, and supports their community through charitable service and support. The scoring was broken down by business steadiness, business growth, employee relations, and innovation in community service.

Many of you already know our story of how SupportHoseStore.com started, but I will briefly remind you. Ten years ago in September of 2001 Rod and I started the company in our home with the idea of keeping it a home based business. We soon outgrew that and in May of 2003 we moved into a small store front, with the assistance from a grant awarded by the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, that we could use for retail as well as internet sales and could expand. We doubled and then doubled again and we needed help, so our son, Brent came on board. For the next two years we re-organized and brought on board new product lines. A year ago our son, Aaron, joined us and we continue to grow.

We currently have 16 employees, 13 of which have gone through a rigorous 3 month training period and are fully knowledgeable in donning, wearing and sizing of our more than 17,000 items. Once we train our employees, we don’t let them go. They receive an excellent benefits package while enjoying working in a comfortable, friendly, Christian family oriented company.

www.supporthosestore is family owned located in Amarillo, TX

The Lancour’s strive to be considerate and conscientious when dealing with our employees as well as our customers. We bring high quality products to our customers at a reasonable price and we try to treat them as we would like to be treated. We offer a no hassle 30 day return/exchange policy and most often extend this policy beyond because the only thing that is truly important to us is that the customer is in a garment that fits them well and that is comfortable enough that they are going to wear them. For most of our customers, our products are medically necessary and must be fit correctly in order to be beneficial by being worn everyday.

In the community, SupportHoseStore.com and Support Hose Plus are involved with many worthwhile organizations. These include: The Susan Coleman Foundation, American Cancer Society, Catholic Family Services, Faith City Mission in Amarillo, MD Anderson Research Foundation, St Thomas Catholic Church, St Andrews Episcopal Church and School, Amarillo Area Breast Health Coalition, The Don and Sybil Harrington Cancer Center, The Lance Armstrong Foundation along with many others too numerous to count.

We are in good company receiving this award and we are greatly honored.

Vanda

Filed under: Press Releases, SupportHoseStore.com | 89 Comments »

Wear Compression Socks or Compression Stockings at Night

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Vanda Lancour

Wear Compression Stockings or Compression Socks at Night?

Customers often ask us about wearing stockings at night. I thought that might be a good topic to address for this newsletter. First and foremost, follow your physician’s orders. If he or she does not specifically tell you to wear them 24 hours a day, ask. You never know unless you ask!

After most surgeries a 15-20 or 20-30 compression is appropriate 24 hours a day. Remember, the purpose of TEDS or compression stockings after surgery is to prevent DVT, a blood clot which may occur in a deep vein after surgery. The DVT is caused because of inactivity and/or poor circulation. Therefore you want to wear the stockings 24 hours a day (changing when you bathe) at least until you return to our physician for your first check-up after going home. At your first check you should ask the physician how long you should continue to wear the compression stockings. If you have been in TED stockings until now, it would be a good idea to discuss with you physicians switching to a gradient compression stocking and what compression he or she wants you in. Remember only your physician knows what other diagnosis you may have such as uncontrolled cardiovascular insufficiency or kidney problems for which too much compression can be a contraindicated.

When I was first post surgical, I was not used to wearing compression hose at night and sometimes in the middle of the night I would have to get up and pull them off for a little while. I just had to “get some air” on my legs. When I got up in the morning I would put the stockings back on. It is better at this point post surgery to wear your stockings for part of the night than none at all.

If you are not in a surgical situation, wearing compression stockings at night may not be appropriate, unless your physician recommends you do so. Compression stockings are manufactured to work with the muscles of the leg to increase the circulation. At night, the leg muscles move very little and wearing a 20-30 mmHg compression thigh high or greater can cause muscle cramps (much as a low calcium level can). If a 20-30 mmHg compression stocking were worn 24 hours a day/7 days a week for a prolonged period of time, it could cause muscular degeneration.

I mentioned in an earlier email that I was still experiencing mild swelling after surgery. Well, as someone who is supposed to be an expert in the field of compression stockings, I decided I had to get the swelling down. I doubled my stockings during the day. I put a 20-30 mmHg Sigvaris EverSheer (love the Sensinnov band) thigh high open toe on my surgical leg and then a pair of 20-30 mmHg Sigvaris EverSheer Pantyhose with open toe over it. The open toe on both garments allowed me to make sure my toes did not scrunched or turn blue (make sure I continue to have good circulation). That evening my leg (ankle, calf and knee) was a little smaller. So that night I removed only the pantyhose and slept in the thigh high. Next morning, my surgical leg was almost the same size a my other leg. So I doubled the garments again the next day and I had even less swelling in the surgical leg that evening. Now, I do not recommend this for everyone because others may have contraindications, but for me it works. When I start to get some extra swelling, on goes the extra stocking and down comes the swelling. Again, it is always a good idea to discuss this first with you physician.

Patients with “Nocturnal Restless Leg Syndrome” sometimes get relief by wearing a knee high 8-15 mmHg compression sock such as a Jobst SensiFoot at night. The premises being that the low compression is a very gentle massage to increase the circulation and help relieve the crawling, tingling or itching which causes them to have to move their legs.

Remember, there is a time and a place for everything.

If your physician gave you directions about wearing compression stockings after surgery, at night or you would just like to make a comment, please click here and scroll to the bottom of the blog entry to leave a comment.

Thanks for reading and leaving your comments,

Vanda

Filed under: Compression Sock, Compression Stockings, Deep Vein Thrombosis, DVT, Edema, Support Hose, Support stocking, SupportHoseStore.com, Venous Insufficiency | 8 Comments »

What a Difference a Compression Stocking Can Make!

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Vanda Lancour

 On Wednesday, May 25th I had a complete knee replacement and I would like to share my experience with you. I had put off my surgery for over year which caused extensive damage to the joint, and resulted in severe pain and difficulty walking. By the time I made my decision to have the surgery I was using a cane because I was afraid my knee would give out and I would fall. Probably the only way I was able to go so long was because I wore my 20-30 mmHg support pantyhose every single day.
 
My surgeon was awesome! I discussed my belief that everyone who has any type of knee surgery should come out of surgery with 20-30 mmHg thigh high support stockings on their legs not TEDS. TEDS are for patients in bed (non-ambulatory). Once the patient is able to go to the bathroom, a TED stocking does not have enough compression to increase the circulation and and keep the leg from swelling. The less swelling a patient has, the shorter the recovery period and the less likely they will develop a blood clot or other complications. He agreed with me, but said most patients were not willing to purchase the stockings and bring them to the hospital for their surgical procedure. Well, you know what I did! I went into surgery with one 20-30 thigh high stocking on my good leg and the other stocking attached to my bed waiting for the completion of surgery for it to be put on my surgical leg. Once again I will say my surgeon is awesome! It took one hour to replace the knee joint! I was in recovery for 2 – 2 1/2 hrs. During my surgery, they gave me a femoral nerve block. I was told they last about 48 to 72 hrs. Control of pain following surgery is a major step to recovery. The earlier a patient can move and start physical therapy, the shorter the length of hospital stay and the lower the risk of complications such as thromboembolic disease (blood clots) and infections related to hositalization. When I awoke in my room I was experiencing some pain, but a Norco (acetaminophen and hydrocodone) took care of the pain. Soon I was up to go to the bathroom and start walking using my walker that I had brought with me. When I was in bed I was on my CPM machine (a continuous passive motion machine constantly moves the joint through a controlled range of motion which is increased over time). Using a CPM machine helps insure you regain the full range of motion in your knee. I was also soon introduced to my “take home physical therapy”. The medical staff gave me no time for rest–ha! ha!

Would you believe, on Friday afternoon – 48 hours after my surgery, I was on my way home. Of course I was still wearing my stockings. Once home I continued my CPM (6 hours a day), wearing my stockings (after 2 or 3 days I changed back to my trusty 20-30 pantyhose which I could put on myself) and my take home physical therapy!

Some where about two weeks post surgical the walker went by the wayside and I picked up my trusty cane (still wearing my support pantyhose). By week three I was walking around the house without my cane and only used it when I went out. I was a bit late starting my physical therapy with a therapist– I started that in week four. By week six post surgical I was walking normal. Oh, did I say On June 6th, 11 days post surgical, I was back at work most of the day!

I suppose there is a moral to this story:

  • Keep your pain under control
  • Use your CPM machine
  • Do all your physical therapy
  • Wear your 20-30 compression stocking from surgery all through recovery period

Even now I have moderate daily swelling, but it does not hurt and has gone away the next morning. That is to be expected. What a difference compression stockings have made!

If any of you have comments about how compression stockings have made you recovery from surgery easier please scroll to the bottom of the blog entry to leave a comment.

Filed under: Compression Stockings, Edema, Support Sock, Support stocking, SupportHoseStore.com, Venous Insufficiency | 12 Comments »

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