Two of my doctors told me to wear thigh high compressions as you suggest. I also read somewhere (can't remember where) that knee high compressions could make it worse.

Bobette

I believe that because it's not just the ankles you should worry about. I have never had a pair of compression knee highs that did not become increasingly uncomfortable during the flight...so much so that I had to roll them down like the ladies in the '40s did.

Just to clear up, the thigh highs I use go to the top of my thigh, not like the ones pictured here:

http://www.compressionsale.com/activ...0-30-mmhg.html

Since I have lymphedema in one leg from surgery 25 years ago, I have to wear these when flying and mine are custom fit for length. I use the 20-30 mmHG compression gradient, although for a regular fit person, I would think you could use a lower gradient.

Definitely get the compression stockings!

Last summer I fractured ankle in May, fell & broke fibula near knee & re-fractured ankle on 4th of July, and got a DVT (blood clot) end of July/beginning of August due to the fractures. Ended up in emergency room due to DVT, on blood-thinners for seven months, and ortho prescribed compression stockings (he had a certain compression gradient that was listed on the prescription; the ones he prescribed were Jobst; knee high). I had an important in'tl biz trip 6 weeks later that was barely the time frame where you're allowed to fly after a DVT.

Once you get a DVT you're more susceptible to them, so now I wear the compression stockings whenever I fly. Actually when I'm in my home office & am not moving all day I can tell a difference, so there are times when I wear them in the home office. The stockings also help with swelling. Unlike others' experiences my compression stockings aren't uncomfortable/don't need to be rolled down.

My medical insurance didn't cover the compression stockings even thought I had a prescription for them. That was before the ACA went into effect so perhaps they would now (or maybe not). Depends on your insurance company. They're only $40 though, so even if you have to cover it it's not a lot.

Cheers.

My insurance doesn't pay for them either, but we take if off of our medical expenses on our taxes. That helps a tad.

Thanks for the link. I too have lymphedema and have been looking for a good source for stockings.


To anyone with swelling issues, if it is regularly occurring definitely talk to your doctor. I assumed I just had a fluid retention problem at first. After several months I finally consulted my doctor and we discovered it wasn't just fluid retention.

Wanted to bump this thread because on a recent trip to Germany I discovered a foot and leg cream, sold over the counter in their Apotheken (drugstores), containing, among other ingredients, red vine leaf and Arnica. This helps prevent and reduce swelling of the legs and feet. I have found it helps tremendously when my feet get swollen.

Do you know what it is called?

I know quite a few people who could benefit from something like this.

Is it something like this?
http://www.amazon.com/Nature-Yard-Ch.../dp/B00CCC4C5I

Or this? http://www.amazon.com/Nature-Yard-Cr...re+yard+arnica

It's called Gesundform rotes weinlaub bein- und fusscreme

The "ss" in fusscreme is a transliteration of a sharp "s," which Germany transliterates as "sz" or "ss". I never know the rule.

In any event, it's quite nice, and very reasonably priced.

http://www.apomio.de/preisvergleich/...vita-gmbh.html

Thank you so much, the price is very reasonable. Now just to figure out how to get some.

A mileage run maybe ??? :)

LOL or
 

or a google search:

http://www.ecco-verde.com/cmd-naturk...ot-and-leg-gel

Not on the schedule, I have a crazy busy fall!

Gretchen, thanks for your suggestion but they don't ship to the US. I ordered something with similar ingredients, we will see how it works.