I need support....

Stockings. With my first pregnancy I had a lot of problems with retaining water, and it caused some complications after birth. Now, at only a little over 5 weeks my legs and feet are already giving me trouble. I was hoping that, after weight loss from my RNY I wouldn't have the same problems. I feel like an old woman needing support, to be honest, but my doctor's office recommended getting a pair or two and trying them to see if that might help. So, anyone out there had to buy any for themselves or maybe know someone who has? I have no idea what brands might be best or where to go. I also have a job that is 8-10 hours a day on my feet, rarely sitting, so they are definitely needed. Thanks for the support!! (literally)

Carrie

I have no experience with these but know that some medical supply stores and special pharmacies carry these.  If your doctor is recommending them, you might see if they will write you a script so that they can be covered by your insurance.  My cousin had to wear them during her pregnancy and after due to blood clots in her legs and her insurance paid for them.

I agree with the previous post. You should get a prescription for them, otherwise they can run $50 and up a pair. You'll also need to get fitted for them. They want them so tight that if you're not measured, it can dig into your leg and hurt badly. I wore them before my surgery cause I had bad swelling in my ankles and got a pair without being properly fitted and I couldn't wear them, it dug into the top of my calf so bad, I had to take them off after about 15 minutes. After I got fitted they fit much better and could wear them for many hours.

I will say that I don't have any experience with support hose but I do with swelling/retaining water.  EAT PUMPKIN!!  I was miserable and couldn't find a small pumpkin to bake (they were all gianormous!) and got a can of pumpkin - mixed it with a packet of SF Vanilla Pudding and some 1% milk - swelling has gone down!!!  My mom is Korean and it's a thing they eat for it which has proven to work.  

Good luck!
Sandy

 Definitely try medical supply stores.  I have a pair that I wear because I have been having surgery on my varicose veins lately.  They are medical grade ones that are extra tight for swelling due to surgery.  They are awesome!  They did cost me $120, but well worth it.  You might be able to try a laser vein clinic near you to see if they will sell you them.  Mine go all the way up to my thighs and have a gripper band around so they don't roll down.

 I used to work for a physical therapy clinic and they had support hose there...they measure you to make sure you get the right size and what not...so that is also an option as far as where to get them.  They are pretty spendy, so definitely get a prescription for them so insurance will cover them.  


I think Sandy's naturopathic suggestion of pumpkin is also a great one...naturopathic is always a good way to go during pregnancy...the only problem is MOST medical doctors do not know much about naturopathic treatments, so they might not be able to help you regarding what is safe or not for during pregnancy.  I recommend trying to find a medical doctor that believes in both pharmacologic as well as naturopathic solutions.  That is a home run if you can find that!

Laura