Compression stockings !!

This is one aspect that does trouble me a bit.  Having had two previous ops with stockings that were so tight round the calf that I was worried about getting a dvt, and trying to snip tops to make them looser but they STILL rolled down, if they can't come up with a size that fits this time I'm going to ask my local GP's nurse if they can do something but I'm not going to keep wearing something that might be causing problems - you feel between the devil and the deep blue sea on it, don't you!

Yes I know what you mean! The compression stockings are not very nice to wear! I wear Mediven, have had to since 2015, after having a leg ulcer. They are better than the ones you get given in hospital - the ones with the hole in the bottom. Mine are toe less so I can wear them in the summer! More comfortable than the ones you get in hospital too!

Unfortunately we all have to wear them! They shouldn't be too tight that you feel the blood is being cut off! The idea is they help the blood to return to the heart & not pool in the legs! Surely they can't do that if too tight! Trouble is you are measured by a nurse or theatre tech who hadn't been properly trained in the correct way to measure for compression stockings! I had a nurse from the Leg Ulcer Service measure for my Medivens. They don't just take 1 measurement, under kneecap, around calf & ankle & they take leg length & shoe size into account. So they REALLY fit.

I must add, the (1) stocking I was given in hospital was the opposite! Loose! Waste of time wearing it really. So I think the real problem appears after someone untrained measures you! It's all a bit bit & miss! I know they have more important things to do! But hey, who wants to be lying there with a throbbing leg that isn't caused by the operation!!

In 2007 when I had a gynae op the stockings were far too tight!

One extreme to the other!

Not an answer I'm afraid just an observation.

All the best Chris

Marilyn

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Marilyn that is such useful information!  Thank you!  I must admit I was just browsing online at some that had measurements for length and width and thought if I can't get proper fitting ones either from the hospital or the local GP, then I might just try online.  I can definitely see the advantage of the toeless ones too!!!  I'm determined that this time I'm going to find the right thing somehow.   Also because I'm wanting the other knee done fairly soon it will mean that if it's sorted out properly this time, it will do for next time too!  It is a bit frustrating that it's not appreciated how much training there needs to be to get them to fit properly because too tight so they're rolling down into an even tighter band, CAN'T be good, can it!

I attended a class of @ 20 people who were having the same surgery, by different surgeons at the hospital. There they told us all about the surgery, except how painful it would be. They measured crutches or walking aids which we brought home then to practice with, they showed us how to use them. In leaving the hospital after surgery i was measured & given 2 new pairs of stockings & was also wearing a pair. They advised us to buy this plastic bag thing in the shape of a cone with a shorter inside to put stockings on with. It was the best £18 I ever spent. You put the bag on your leg put stocking on top & by the loop at the end pull the bag out through to hole at the toe. putting on the stockings was SO quick & easy. I cannot fault the hospital in ANY way . I am now 5 weeks post Tkr

You dont need to spend £18 on a special plastic bag to put stockings on with. A friend of mine whos a nurse told me to use a freezer bag, does the job! Makes it much easier to get them on.

Hi Suzie. It's not easy is it. I'm 5 weeks post op and haven't worn the stockings for a week I found them uncomfortable and I'm quite mobile now so thought I'd take a chance. I can now lie on side with pillow between knees so that's more comfortable. I do sympathise with you but only a few more weeks and you'll be sleeping a bit longer. I now do about 4.5 hours at a time. Hang in there. How was your stay in Colchester general?

Hi Elaine ive got no complaints bout hosp. Food was quite good, nurses r rushed off their feet most of the time but they do their best for you. Im sticking with stockings still, but did have a night off last nite as i cudnt find my clean pair & leg was so swollen & painful i didnt fancy my husband having a tug of war with them. I can get around a bit better now but still walking with a very stiff leg. Also cant sit in any chair for long without having my leg up as back of my leg gets quite painful. I asked physios in hosp bout it but they didnt have any idea. Goin to drs tomorrow so ill ask her. Cant wait to sleep on my side, so uncomfortable. How are you getting on now? What was your experience like in colchester general?

In went to brentwood Nuffield. Very good. I also have the pain at the back it's the tendons need stretching. I can sleep on my side with a pillow between knees for about an hour. It's a hard long journey but we will soon be walking around in time for the good weather. I can't sleep more than 2/3 hours at a time. It's awful isn't it!! Xx

My lot stressed how important it was to wear the stockings for six weeks too, to prevent blood clots, but the stockings Barlborough gave me actually fit and don't roll down:-)))))  I'd thought i had to sleep on my back for weeks but last night (second night) managed to sleep on my side very comfortably with the only problem of hair being messed up the next morning as it usually is:-))).  I was given two codeine tablets last thing at night.  I was offered a 'nerve block' which apparently I'd had the first night, but didn't need last night.