Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Support Group

Deep-vein thrombosis, also known as deep-venous thrombosis or DVT, is the formation of a blood clot ("thrombus") in a deep vein. It can be caused by something preventing blood from circulating or clotting normally. Join the support group if you are coping with DVT and find others who are going through the same challenges.

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Compression stockings

kat120
kat120

hi everyone, I recently was diagnosed with saddle pulmonary embolism and dvt behind my left knee and a smaller one a bit lower in my left calf. Since diagnosis I have read everywhere how these stockings benefit and prevent pts. Every where I read it says to get measured but when I inquire about measuring at a pharmacy or medical supply stores they look at me like I have 3 heads and say just follow the sizing guidelines on the box. Did any of you actually get measured? Also has anyone had a dvt behind the knee and wore knee highs? I bought knee high sports grade compressions socks made for runners 20-30mmgg. Any specific brands you can recommend?

kat120
kat120
thanks. i thought i was the only one who found the 20-30 too tight. they make me feel worse than when i don't have them on. thought maybe i just had the wrong size.
rmb
rmb
You can have stockings custom made for you, and to do that, they measure your leg. Not all medical supplies do that, and your doc would write you an order to have them made. Depending on your situation, your doc may recommend a higher compressions.

You can ask your doc what compression he'd recommend. I think 15 is too light but I wore 30/40 compression per my doc so maybe it was just my dvt situation. I wore thigh high as well. No way I could have worn knee highs, as my clot came up around my knee and to my thigh.

My feeling is if you buy them over the counter, they may not fit just right and can cause pain.
soola
soola
I had them already from two knee surgeries. They measured me at the hospital. They were a bear to get up. I guess they purposely get you the smallest size they THINK you can get into. I ended up ordering some online, and got ones with an open toe. My feet were just squished. Whenever I do go on a road trip and will be sitting for a while, I often wear a pair of knee high "trouser stockings" that I buy at Kohls. My legs aren't skinny, so even a pair of regular knee highs give me some compression.
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