New to the Forums.

[Adia]

Hello all
I am new to the forums. I stumbled across this site while i was searching for some info. I have been living with primary LE in both feet and ankles for 10 years now. I have been very lucky with my lack of knowledge for a long time and not a doctor around that knew enough to do anything, that my LE has not progressed worse than it has. I have had my ups and downs. I have gone from a size 8 shoe to a 9 and 1/2 wide. I don't normally wear any compression garments, after attempting to i found the pain in my knees and hips too bad to continue with that. I am very active, I love to hike, and go camping, I have 2 kids that keep me extremely busy, and work a job in sales so I rarely get to sit down. I also watch my diet. I have never been concerned with weight, but a lot of salt intake makes the swelling worse for me. I have also found that ( and i know it sounds crazy) but toe socks ( made by a company named INJINJI) work GREAT. They are performance socks so tight to give good compression, and with the swelling of my feet i had noticed i would get blisters between my toes, the socks keep toes from rubbing and keep them nice and dry. they also work really well over compression stockings if you get them toe less. Well I guess that is me. I hope everyone is well and hope to chat more with folks here on the boards.
take care
Adia

[patoco]

Hi Adia

Super welcome to our family here!!!!!

If you haven't gotten a referral to a certified lymphedema therapist, that might be your best bet at this time. Then you can get the CDT treatment and be fitted for either a compression garment or to learn exactly how to wrap your legs with the short stretch bandages. You didn't mention whether or not the compression garment you tried was off the shelf or custom made.

I can tall you for sure, I hate those off the shelf stockings. I've never found any that really helped and they can and do cause lots of pain and even more swelling.

You really have a couple great things going for you. Your weight being within the normal range and your exercise. Walking is actually a great exercise - I use to love doing it too (still do, but unable now).

Thanks for the sox tip too, that may well help some others who read your post. Believe it or not, but sox really are a concern to us - how they fit, protect etc. So having an extra option is great.

Look forward to your participation and if you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to drop a post.

Pat

[Adia]

I have a specialist....not that great i must say. The compression stockings were custom, but after 2 days the pain in my knees and hips was unbearable. It has been a battle with socks and shoes for that matter, I have found that I have to be VERY picky about shoes, because i got tired of buying new shoes so often, but I have found some good ones for now.....New Balance--they offer MANY MANY sizes, and i got a pair of trail runners not too long ago that seem to be holding up great, also the top is mostly mesh so there is room to swell without having to move up a size.
thanks for the words of encouragement.
well i am off to work for the day.
thanks again
adia