compression stockings and summer?

Hello Wonderful YLFers,

I am hoping somebody can give me some advice here. I am facing down the fact that I still need to be wearing prescription compression hosiery following pregnancy/childbirth and I am just not sure how to manage through a hot summer. I thought there might be some wisdom here. I am still hopeful that once the baby is weaned the problem will resolve. The problem is in my upper leg, so I wear thigh-highs. I made it through last summer only because I was in the northern latitudes of Germany and the summer was mild. We have since moved to New York and I am awaiting the hot, humid beast of summer here, and wilting just thinking about it. I am used to the German climate now and just today being in the sun in the 70's felt hot! I want to be able to wear shorts, skirts, and dresses because I just can't deal with the heat. I am currently full-time at home with two young children and need to be outside a lot. I can't hide in air conditioning!

I currently have tights from the brand "medi", which I got in Germany. I have only one leg worth of nude color at the moment because I scraped my knee in the other one. I need to buy some more but I was wondering if anyone has some advice about it. The nude one I have is pretty heavy duty. I don't really mind looking weird in it, but I just thought there might be some ladies out there with experience and advice on this topic. I appreciate it!

Finally, just not to be too anonymous because it has been a long time since I have been able to be active on the forum, I am including pictures from the last year.

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9 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

Long time no see, Scarlet! You look well! What an adorable mum and babe! Is it the same child in both pictures, taken at different times, or two children?

I don't know much about compression stockings, but is it possible to get some that only go down to your knees, like spanx?

Scarlet

Hi Aziraphale, I recall you loathe the heat much like I, if I am not mistaken Two children, although they are two of a kind. Found a photo with both. Usually I am not in the photos as I am the family photographer.

I wish there were spanxies, but it's graduated compression to get the blood back up from the foot.

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I do have trouble with heat...I deeply sympathize. What will happen if you don't wear the stockings? Will you need vein surgery?

Maybe you can spend most of the New York summer inside air conditioned art galleries and movie theatres? Or only come out at night, like a vampire? (Lol. As if that would work with two small kids!).

It's great to see you. Your children are beautiful.

L'Abeille

Not sure if they come in thigh-highs or would suit you, but you can now get compression stockings made of half smartwool and half bamboo, which should be much cooler than the other stuff. The ones I have seen tend to come in funky colours and prints.

SandyG

There's a post about wearing compression stockings in summer heat on http://blog.brightlifedirect.com. It gives different fabrications and levels of compression.

Our summers are hot and I like to wear ExOfficio 'Sol' scarves that actually help you keep cool around the face, neck and decollage. A good sunproof, lightweight hat works well, too. Enjoy NYC and your little ones as you chase them around.

Diana

I have no useful information re: compression stockings, but I just wanted to say hi, Scarlet! It's so good to see you! And welcome to the East Coast. I'm excited because now there's a chance we might get to meet in person. =)

You look great and your kids are adorable!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You and your boys look great, Scarlet. FUN to see you again.

Stay in a/c with the hose?

Eliza

Great to see you and your adorable little ones. Compression in the summer is a challenge. Have you tried speaking with an expert at a medical supply site or store or at the prescribing Dr's office? They may have recommended fabrics for warm, humid climates.

I also found googling yielded some blogs, vendors and articles that could be helpful. I am thinking that dresses skirts, and culottes could work. Cropped, lightweight linen pants might serve you well if you can be at peace with their wrinkles. Shorter shorts could be a nuisance if the upper band of the hose might show.

I have not vetted the link below in any way, but shared it in case it is useful.

http://blog.brightlifedirect.c.....more/1195/

Good luck with finding the best of the options.

Aziraphale, yeah, maybe I should really look into some passes for indoor activities. The theory is that wearing the stockings prevent the issue from progressing to something that would be permanently uncomfortable or require surgery.

L'Abeille, good to know in any case. Maybe in the future I will want socks for plane rides, etc.

Sandy, thanks I searched around that site and found some good information. Also, I hadn't heard of Sol clothing before.

Diana, aw, thanks. Yes, I do hope for a big meet-up at some point now that I have a chance to attend!

Angie, I like how you can be so practical.

Eliza, Thanks for this super thoughtful reply! That link is very helpful. Yes, you are right, if I wear anything too short the band can show. Such a bore

barbaraq

Active Member

I so sympathize! I have inherited my family curse of varicose veins, which I can deal with in the winter with mostly black opaque compression socks, but in the summer it is sheer hell. Today in Seattle it reached 84F and I could not wait to get home and tear the damn socks off! Puffy ankles here I come.

There is a brand called Mediven Soft and Sheer that is supposed to be the best in sheer coverage. I am pleased with my 2 pair but they cost a fortune. How much more fun it would be to spend the money on fun and pretty summer sandals!

My doctor advises against vein surgery because he says it does not last; new veins pop out over time, and because I may need those veins in the future in case of a blood clot. I am much older than you, so maybe this is not an issue for you.

anne

Hi Scarlett. You have my empathy - I wore compression stockings on one leg while pregnant with DD3 who was born midsummer. I don't really have any further advice to add though, and hope this links people put in the thread are useful

rachylou

Hi Scarlet! I guess I'd try to compensate by wearing cotton voile everything else... Make the rest of my clothing as light and airy as possible...

barbaraq, oh it's hard isn't it? Ah, I have been wondering about the Mediven Soft and Sheer. It sounds like despite the fact that they are much thinner you are getting by with two pairs. I was concerned about their longevity, since at that price you don't want to be buying them too often.

Hi Anne, Oof, I always wonder how people manage pregnancy in high summer, and stockings on top of it. I also really only need one leg, so I may just sport the one leg look I did that a couple times last summer because sometimes it's just too hot and air conditioning is not common in Germany. I figure it's a medical look and people can accept it in a casual situation.

Hi Rachylou, you make me smile like always. Yes, that is good advice. Light and airy. Just saying it makes me imagine a fresh ocean breeze...

Suz

Scarlet, alas I have no answers for you, but I wanted to wave and say you and your children look wonderful and it is great to see you!

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