Day 3 is going well. My leg did not feel as numb today. It appears that the lidocaine induced swelling has gone down. The ibuprofen I took before work definitely wore off before the end of the day. Even though I took the prescription pain killer 2 hours ago, I still have some discomfort. The varicose veins that were treated are tender to the touch. When I stand up to walk, there is twinge of pain down my leg. It feels better once I get going, but it hurts a little to put all my pressure on it. I am forcing myself to walk on the stairs (since the doctor told me to) because the twisted rope vein by my knee tightens every time I bend it.
I wanted to take the opportunity tonight to tell everyone about compression stockings. I hate wearing them, but I know that add value so I tough it out. As I mentioned before, I wore compression stockings during my last pregnancy from 8-41 weeks. Why couldn't she be born early? Until this week I didn't know an option for toeless compression stockings existed (see picture). Compression stockings are made by multiple vendors and come with "variety" of options: knee high, thigh high, full pantyhose, different compression strengths, and I believe only 3 colors (nude, black, and suntan).
I broke a sweat the first time I had to put compression stockings on. I laid the stocking out in front of me and put my right arm through it to grab the heal. I used my left hand to pull the stocking off my right arm. The leg portion was now instead out. The goal was to get my toes in the stockings and get it over my heal in one motion. Easier said than done some days. Once my foot was in stocking, it was a slow and steady process to pull the stockings up to my thighs. The compression stockings, by design, are tight. My husband laughed the first time he saw me put my stockings on. It wasn't until he helped me remove them that he realized how difficult it was for me to put them on.
Putting compression stockings on is only one piece in the puzzle of my disgust for them. In the summer when it is 90 degrees outside, the compression stockings make me feel like it is 110 degrees. I am self-conscious about the physical appearance of the stockings and I always cover them with pants or long dresses. I find it terribly annoying when the stockings start to bunch be my knee. Patience is required when slowly readjusting the stockings.
I am very excited about my new toeless stockings. I probably would not have selected them in the winter. The toeless option allows me to wear sandals or flip-flops with pants and feel like I am some what normal.
During my current 3 straight day stint of not removing my stockings, I wear socks when I am at home. I am only wearing a stocking on the leg that was treated. Since I obviously can't change the stocking yet, I don't want them to get it dirty by stepping on food that a cute baby has thrown on the floor. I am looking forward to Saturday when I can remove this stocking and put on a clean one. Stockings are sold in pairs. I was advised to hand wash compression stockings in regular detergent, not Woolite, to retain the tightness. Of course, I then have to hang them to dry.
For the postoperative treatment of EVCA, compression stockings must be worn for 3 straight days (treatment was Tuesday afternoon- so Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday). Saturday morning I can begin removing my stocking to shower and sleep. That will be my new routine for 2 additional weeks.
Time for bed. The drowsiness side effect is starting to kick in.
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