too much compression?

[walkingwounded]

I have been dealing with lymphedema of the lower left leg for ~8 months now. I am currently wearing 2 layers of thigh-high 30-40 compression stockings on this leg. Lately, it seems to be feeling worse, i.e. feels more swollen, particularly around the ankle and arch of my foot... Should I add another layer of compression? That would be A LOT of compression. What about compression wraps/bandages? I feel like I need some combination of wraps and compression stockings to sort of customize the compression therapy for myself. It seems like treating this condition is both an art and a science!

Also, are stockings or compression wraps recommended for nighttime, i.e. wearing during sleep?

Could somone please provide me with a link to a vendor of wraps/bandages?

It is as though the compression gradient of stockings in general does not adequately correspond to the abnormalities in my lymphatic system. I make this comment based purely on how my legs feel, i.e. swelling and congestion in some spots but not in others... weird, I know. Lymphedema sure is.

[bigfoot]

Hi Walkingwounded,

As for your inquiry about compression bandage vendors, I get mine, plus the cotton, tape, stockings, etc. from www.lymphedemaproducts.com and let them know you're a first time buyer from their site and you'll get a discount. Also, they frequently have sales/specials.

I'm also curious about the question of whether it's ok to wear the stockings at night (I have knee hi, toeless 20-30 compression). I have done it before, along with toe wraps (the gauze ones), but not sure if it's really ok or not to wear the stockings at night. What I usually do though is wrap my foot to knee in the bandages-3 total plus toe wrap, grey foam on the top of my foot just under the toes and, cotton under the bandages.

Hope this helps.
best,
bigfoot

[minnick]

Hi, just experienced a treatment at PT for lower leg lymphedema. It was a thigh high stocking attached to a pump which manipulated the leg beginning at the foot and massaged up to the thigh in a rhythm. I did have significant swelling reduction with the use of the pump at three times per week. I wear a 30-40 compression stocking on left leg and wear compression pants for pelvic swelling.
When I was first diagnosed the PT had a custom garment made for nighttime wear, quilted fabric made in a stocking form with the channels of quilt heading up the leg to carry fluid. I don't wear it now because swelling in lower leg in calf is negliable.
Check with PT who specializes in treatment for lymphedema for the pump type treatment. Good luck, stocking are hot huh!