| Like my father, I always had varicose veins, but didn't
think much of it until 1988 when I banged my right leg and developed
phlebitis (I was 38 at the time). My doctor told me that as soon as my leg
healed, it would be best for me to have vein stripping surgery on both legs
to prevent any future occurrences of phlebitis. I told him that my father
had that surgery, and it didn't help much as the veins grew back. Instead, I
suggested trying surgical stockings - they worked for my dad, so why not
give it a shot before doing any surgery? My doctor initially thought wearing
them might be too cumbersome, but he agreed, and told me to come back in six
months for an evaluation.
I went to my local surgical supply store and was fitted
for a pair of Sigvaris surgical stockings, 30-40 compression. After six
months, my doctor noticed a great improvement - no swelling, no veins
bulging - and my legs felt better. My doctor then asked me to come back in
another six months. When I did, there was even more improvement. He then
told me at this point he wouldn't even consider surgery, and that he was
insisting patients with varicose veins similar to mine try surgical
stockings before doing any surgery.
I found that it was more convenient to buy a few pair at a
time so I wouldn't have to wash and dry the same pair every night.
Initially, my health insurance paid most of the cost - but that changed, and
I have to bear the entire cost myself. First, I found a local supplier who
gave me a quantity discount. With the advent of the Internet, I ultimately
found Healthy Legs. In addition to the best prices, their website offered a
wealth of information - and a selection of brands and styles I didn't even
know existed.
Soon, I started buying my outer socks only from Healthy
Legs. For about the same price as better quality department store socks, I
was buying much higher quality Jobst SensiFoot socks - they felt better,
looked better and lasted longer. My daughter, who was always fussy about her
socks saw my Jobst and checked out the Healthy Legs website. She's been
wearing Jobst SensiFoot Mini-crews for over a year now. I recently bought
her some more as a gift.
When Healthy Legs introduced high compression dress
stockings, I tried the Jobst and was satisfied - until I tried the Medi
Active. I find for my legs the Medi Active stay up better without being too
tight at the tops of my calves. When Healthy Legs announced the Jobst
Activewear high compression sport socks, I bought one pair to try. I now
have an order in for the Mediven high compression athletic support socks.
To sum it up - it's been 18 years since I started wearing
high- compression stockings. Despite occasionally banging my legs, I have
had no repeat occurrences of phlebitis, my legs and ankles swell less, and -
with Healthy Legs innovative products - no one knows I am wearing surgical
stockings!
Sheldon |
