Guest guest Posted August 12, 2003 Report Share Posted August 12, 2003 I'm a 73 year old male with CMT 1A. Though my CMT first affected my legs, in recent years it has affected my hands. A consequence of my weakened hands is that putting on my stockings each morning has become a difficult and time consuming task. On the face of it, this problem sounds so trivial that I have to smile when I think of it. But I believe that many people with CMT will recognize the practical aspects of the problem. I wear two pairs of stockings: A pair of long stockings between my AFOs and my legs; and I wear a pair of mid-calf socks over my AFOs for added stability as well as for cosmetic reasons. I use a soft stocking puller to get the process started, and because I have no thumb and index finger pinch, I use a pliers to finish the job, which can take from 30 to 60 minutes. Because time is a scarce resource, my wife helps me when she can, which cuts the time to about five minutes. But she has her own physical problems, and I would like to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. Any suggested alternatives to how I'm dealing with this will be appreciated (other than not wearing stocking). Bernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 15, 2007 Report Share Posted May 15, 2007 I had those stockings on the entire time I was in the hospital, but when I got home I tore them off and have no plans to put them back on. With my last surgery they never put them on and everything turned out just fine. I'd rather put up with the swelling.See what's free at AOL.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2007 Report Share Posted May 16, 2007 They are not to deal with the swelling they are to stop you developing a clot and getting DVT, which can be fatal. I would rather put up with the stocking (I wore mine for 6 weeks as advised) than risk the chance of getting DVT and not surviving it! My comment might seem a bit harsh but that is the reality of it. Marilyn (UK) > > I had those stockings on the entire time I was in the hospital, but when I > got home I tore them off and have no plans to put them back on. With my last > surgery they never put them on and everything turned out just fine. I'd > rather put up with the swelling. > > > > ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2007 Report Share Posted May 16, 2007 Marilyn, even though the primary reason for the elastic stockings is to prevent a blood clot, they do help contain swelling. I still wear them if I don't remember to elevate my leg and my ankle swells. Then these monstrosities actually feel good > > > > I had those stockings on the entire time I was in the hospital, but > when I > > got home I tore them off and have no plans to put them back on. > With my last > > surgery they never put them on and everything turned out just > fine. I'd > > rather put up with the swelling. > > > > > > > > ************************************** See what's free at > http://www.aol.com. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2007 Report Share Posted May 16, 2007 I also recommend wearing the stocking the stocking for the 6 weeks. I was told by my physical therapist that she had a woman patient that didn't want to wear the stocking because she was hot natured. She took them off and 2 days later she died from a blood clot. I am not trying to scare you but if this warning helps you to keep the stocking on that will be great. That is mostly what the stockings are for to prevent blood clots. Re: Stockings > > They are not to deal with the swelling they are to stop you > developing a clot and getting DVT, which can be fatal. I would > rather put up with the stocking (I wore mine for 6 weeks as advised) > than risk the chance of getting DVT and not surviving it! My comment > might seem a bit harsh but that is the reality of it. > Marilyn (UK) > > > > > > > > I had those stockings on the entire time I was in the hospital, but > when I > > got home I tore them off and have no plans to put them back on. > With my last > > surgery they never put them on and everything turned out just > fine. I'd > > rather put up with the swelling. > > > > > > > > ************************************** See what's free at > http://www.aol.com. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2007 Report Share Posted May 16, 2007 I did not wear the stocking for either of my two THR or the revision. Then again I was up and about and not lying around. So I was just as active as I was before surgery. If you move around and do not sit, your chances are better at not getting a clot. OS was not happy, but said as long as I keep walking it should be okay. I also was in my 40's, not overweight and had no physical or other medical problems. Sue > > I had those stockings on the entire time I was in the hospital, but when I > got home I tore them off and have no plans to put them back on. With my last > surgery they never put them on and everything turned out just fine. I'd > rather put up with the swelling. > > > > ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2007 Report Share Posted May 16, 2007 I did not wear the stocking for either of my two THR or the revision. Then again I was up and about and not lying around. So I was just as active as I was before surgery. If you move around and do not sit, your chances are better at not getting a clot. OS was not happy, but said as long as I keep walking it should be okay. I also was in my 40's, not overweight and had no physical or other medical problems. Sue > > I had those stockings on the entire time I was in the hospital, but when I > got home I tore them off and have no plans to put them back on. With my last > surgery they never put them on and everything turned out just fine. I'd > rather put up with the swelling. > > > > ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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