Compression stockings

bigmomma
bigmomma Member Posts: 291
edited 18. Jan 2009, 06:35 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi, all.

My doctor has just prescribed some fetching compression stockings, following a leg ulcer and varicose veins. However, my hands are not strong enough to put them on by myself (and I have degeneration of the lower spine,so bending is a nightmare), and my hubbies knuckles have a habit of hitting my shin or ankles when he wrestles them on for me. Does anyone know of a device for getting the darn things on, that works for someone with arthur?

Thanks.
AGYG

Comments

  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,395
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I was prescribed them for travelling after I'd had a DVT and found I can't put them on myself but even when my husband put them on for me the process of getting them on was just too painful so I gave up :roll:

    Sorry can't help just wanted you to know you're not on your own :wink:

    Luv Legs :D
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    ask for an urgent assessment from an OT - my mother-in-law has compression stockings and without the gadget that she was given by the OT she would never get them on!

    She can't actually put her own stockings on fully, but I know that she can do a lot more because of this gadget, although it took some getting used to!

    It looks like an instument of medieval torture but really does work - I have seen her carers use it and it looks so much better than the fuss that I would make!

    DO get advice though, as without knowing what you can and can't do with ddifferent ones you could end up spending loads on a pile of useless tat.

    best of luck!
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Compression stockings, every carers nightmare, and responsible for back problems!!! I have worked and still do as a care assistant, and when people are prescribed these its our job to help them put them on. If you fold the foot part inside the leg up to the heel and put the foot in so the heel is in the right place, then pull up the stocking its sllightly easier (hope this makes sense):? Also, if you put moisturiser on your legs first that helps, but its best check this out with your GP or nurse first. But its not a job for you to do, your husband must be trained, but be careful of his back: :) !: :!: :!: Otherwise if there is a gadget from occupational therapy, that may help. :) I have worked in the community, and been sent to people just to do this, as they can't manage, so this could be a possiblity? Good luck :!: