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Q: I have a little girl (1 year old) who needs compression stockings. Can you tell me where you get your colourful socks from?
A: Medi UK (01432-373500) produce made to measure garments in a variety of colours (shown on the website) however there is a minimum circumference that they can produce. The product is called "Medi Elegance" and the range of colours are called "Trend Colours". These garments are circular-knit and therefore "stretchier" garments. To produce garments for children around the age of 1yr I have found that only Juzo (01382-826620) can manufacture graduated compression to date however they only do these are in flat-knit and look a little more robust. The colours offered at the moment are red (more of a burgundy) grey, navy blue, denim blue and black. Hope this helps you in finding appropriate stockings for your little girl.
Q: When can I get my picture on the website?
A: We would love to have your drawings or bit of information you think could help other children, for the website. Post these in to the address at the bottom of this page. Thanks
Q: My stockings are easier to put on but are tighter than the ones I had before although they are a bigger size, how does this happen?
A: Stockings come in different strengths and materials. Your nurse or therapist will give you the strength you need to control your lymphoedema.
The material can be different too, a bit like different bits of clothing – stretchy t-shirts and the thicker material of jeans. You may also be having a growth spurt so it is really important that you get your limbs measured regularly to make sure that they still fit!
Q: Do I wear my stockings in the swimming pool and in bed?
A: Swimming is great for lymphoedema. When you’re swimming, the water provides ‘pressure’ against the skin, like your stockings, so you don’t need to wear them while you’re swimming, but put them on again afterwards.
You should leave your stocking off overnight so that you can moisturize the skin and give the skin a rest. They work best when you’re up and active.
Q: Can I still play football even though I have lymphoedema in my leg?
A: You should be able to continue playing football if you just remember a few things: wear your compression sock underneath your football socks and shin pads. Try not to take too many knocks.. bruising may make the swelling worse for a while. You may find that your leg aches more if you’re running for a long time…try and have short rest periods if this happens. Keep some antiseptic wipes in your kit bag in case you get any grazes or cuts.
Q: Will the swelling get better?
A: Your lymphoedema can be well-controlled by just doing a few important things each day: keeping your skin in good condition, wearing your support socks or sleeves and exercising regularly. Lymphoedema will not go away completely but you should be able to do most things with your friends without any problem.
Q: Do I have to wear my sleeve for swimming?
A: Swimming is a great exercise for lymphoedema. When you push against the water, the pressure will work just like the sleeve, so you don’t need to wear your sleeve then.
To contact one of our team with any queries please use the following contact details:
Write:
Lymphoedema Sister,
St Giles Hospice,
Fisherwick Road,
Whittington,
Lichfield
Staffordshire,
WS14 9LH
Telephone:
01543 434563