I have vericose veins and recently got a blood clot in one of them.It can be hard for me to be on my legs like I used to and I need to wear support stockings when I know I'm going to walk alot.Any one else suffer at WDW with the veins and what do you wear in the hot temps.I just don't want to walk around in full support stockings sweating all day.My doctor said I can wear something more like the footless spanx stockings if they make ones that are a little more supportive than a regular pantyhose.This way I can wear capri's and you won't see them.I don't need the full compression stockings yet,just something to help prevent it from acting up
Vericose veins and stockings at WDW
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cabanafrau
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I've never seen anyone post anything about that on the board here. If you don't get responses, maybe try the disabilities boards & more folks there could help you out.
Just in case, I'm sending you some pixie dust in case that's a cure or at least keeps it from acting up anywhere on Disney property.
Just in case, I'm sending you some pixie dust in case that's a cure or at least keeps it from acting up anywhere on Disney property.
My wife (39yrs) got DVT (deep vein thrombosis) in the first day of our last trip to WDW (last July, 25 days)... needless to say we were not prepared (stockings, Lovenox/Warfarin, etc). She had to use stockings all the time. Weather was not exactly a problem, but to make her "comfortable" we bought 6 sets.
The bright side, excluding the first 5 days (due the anxiety), we had a typical Disney vacation
If needed, there is the "Celebration Health" (Florida Hospital) at Celebration Place, where you can find an specialized clinic for anticoagulation. The team there is simply wonderful.
Cool-Beans
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Check with your doctor and WEAR what he recommends, even if it is ugly. You won't literally die from embarrassment, but you could from a pulmonary embolism or stroke.
And don't forget to keep hydrated.
And don't forget to keep hydrated.
My Mom wears them all day every day. She says the heat doesn't make any difference, but she's had them for years now, so may just be really used to it. Just make sure you get off your feet for a while. It took a while to convince her, but we finally got a wheelchair for her, and that made her legs quite a bit better.
Have a great trip!
Have a great trip!
BusyMomto3
Mouseketeer
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I have the same problem. I wear my knee high support JOBST stockings without fail. I will pay for the rest of the trip if I don't. I have worn the flesh colored ones with shorts, but most of the time I wear light cotton/linen pants and have not had a problem with the heat. I am used to these stockings. My surgeon asked me once if I love my stockings, and I asked exactly what he meant, and said "because you are married to them". In other words, you will wear them for the rest of your life. I'm only 37, and have been dealing with these legs and the veins since I was 26. Good luck to you and do what your doctor recommends. You will thank him later. Nobody cares about what you look like at Disney. Look how others dress. Grown men in mouse ears................hahahahahaha Nobody will even notice your stockings.
Redbudlover
DIS Veteran
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Please could I encourage you to try using an ECV for yhour upcoming trip? I used one two years ago for a trip I took a few months after suffering from a herniated disc and the difference in my trip was so remarkable! I had a wonderful trip, no aching back and - a big bonus - no swollen aching feet that had plagued me on past visits. It was wonderful.
Since then I have been working out like crazy to prevent another herniated disc and so am in good shape for all that walking and standing, but I urge you to consider an ECV. I found it fun and a miracle for enjoying WDW without pain....
Since then I have been working out like crazy to prevent another herniated disc and so am in good shape for all that walking and standing, but I urge you to consider an ECV. I found it fun and a miracle for enjoying WDW without pain....
/
disneydreamin-gang
DIS Veteran
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My thought was also to rent an EVC. My mother also has varicose viens and she used one the last time we went. It was a blessing to all of us. She rode and her legs did not swell, and she enjoyed her trip because she was not as tired as if she walked.
My DH will also use one in 2008. He has 3 ruptured discs and walking is torture.
My DH will also use one in 2008. He has 3 ruptured discs and walking is torture.
BeadyLady
<font color=magenta>Survivor<br><font color=darkor
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I've been using a knee high support stocking on the left leg since 2001, I don't even know it is there - unless it rides up under my foot. so, in the summer I use the footless version. DVT - whadda gonna do? My bigger problem is sitting on the plane on the right side of the plane so I can hang the leg out. I so use flip flops all summer! well - the better ones. 
oh on plane - lift toes then heels then toes then heels - moves blood around!
and i gotta wear a sleeve on my arm - who is gonna look at your leg?
oh on plane - lift toes then heels then toes then heels - moves blood around!
and i gotta wear a sleeve on my arm - who is gonna look at your leg?
- Joined
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- 36,347
If you have had a blood clot, you don't want to be sitting in either a wheelchair or an ECV all day.
Sitting in one place without moving around is a good way to get a blood clot. (Restricted activity is one of the risk factors for getting a DVT). You need to vary your position, so if you do get a wheelchair or ECV, walk for a while then ride, then walk again. Some people use the ECV or wheelchair to get from one 'land' to the next at WDW and then park it and walk around once they are in that 'land'.
Websites with DVT information (deep vein thrombosis) usually suggest getting up and walking at least a little every 30 minutes to prevent a blood clot.
FAQs from Vascular Disease Foundation.
Prevent DVT.org; this is a website/organization set up by Melaine Bloom, whose DH (David Bloom) was a reporter who died of a DVT while covering the war.
I would encourage you to wear the stockings - no matter how they look. No one at WDW is likely to see you again or even notice that you are wearing them. My MIL has worn support stockings for years and wears them at WDW without problem. She has probably worn them long enough that she doesn't notice them being hot, but she has said she would rather be a little hot than get a DVT.
Sitting in one place without moving around is a good way to get a blood clot. (Restricted activity is one of the risk factors for getting a DVT). You need to vary your position, so if you do get a wheelchair or ECV, walk for a while then ride, then walk again. Some people use the ECV or wheelchair to get from one 'land' to the next at WDW and then park it and walk around once they are in that 'land'.
Websites with DVT information (deep vein thrombosis) usually suggest getting up and walking at least a little every 30 minutes to prevent a blood clot.
FAQs from Vascular Disease Foundation.
Prevent DVT.org; this is a website/organization set up by Melaine Bloom, whose DH (David Bloom) was a reporter who died of a DVT while covering the war.
I would encourage you to wear the stockings - no matter how they look. No one at WDW is likely to see you again or even notice that you are wearing them. My MIL has worn support stockings for years and wears them at WDW without problem. She has probably worn them long enough that she doesn't notice them being hot, but she has said she would rather be a little hot than get a DVT.
Cool-Beans
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Fun Facts to Know and Tell:
When your heart pumps out blood, it travels through the tubes in your bod, basically one long whoosh. It pumps out into arteries, which get smaller and are called arterioles, even smaller capillaries (where it drops off oxygen and picks up waste), then the tubes get bigger - venules, and even bigger, veins. Artery, arteriole, capillary, venule, vein.
On the way out of the heart, the blood has little problem going forth to do its duty, 'cause it got a nice shove from the old ticker. But by the time it gets to the venules and veins, it isn't moving quite as easily, especially if it has to go against gravity to get back to the heart, like it does in the legs.
So, God gave the veins a little help. They've got little stoppers, valves that let blood through but prevent it from flowing backwards.
You might be able to see these on the top of your hand or foot. But that sometimes isn't enough, so the muscle acts as a sort of pump, massaging the blood upward.
If you remain inactive, especially for long periods, the muscle won't be as big a help in massaging that blood and pushing it back up to the heart.
When the blood hangs out in one spot for too long, it starts to "pool." It can create a little clump, called a thrombus. If a piece of that clump breaks off, we call it an embolus. Danger, Will Robinson! Emboli are bad. They suck. Little pieces can break off and continue on their way.
Since veins keep getting bigger as you go toward the heart, the embolus doesn't cause many problems. But when blood gets back to the heart, the heart sends it to the lungs before sending it out to the rest of the body. Normally, the blood goes to the lungs through arteries and arterioles, drops off the waste it picked up in the capillaries (you breathe it out) and picks up oxygen (you breathe it in), then goes back to the heart through venules and veins.
BUT, if there is an embolus, when it gets to the lungs it can wreak havoc. That's when things start getting smaller, the embolus gets stuck. Clogs everything up. And as anyone who has ever had a clogged pipe knows, that is bad, bad, bad.
That's why you so often hear of people dying from a "pulmonary embolism." It probably didn't START there, it is just that it doesn't cause a problem until it gets there.
So, staying off of your feet and not letting the muscles help get that blood moving isn't always a good thing.
If you have had a DVT (deep vein thrombosis), you should always follow the advice your doctor gives you. At some points they'll want you lying flat and not massaging your leg because they don't want the thromus to break off and send an embolus on its way. But if you don't have one - its been cleared up, they may want you up and moving every day so that the blood doesn't pool and cause another thrombus.
Do what your doctor says! DVTs aren't always a big deal, but if you ignore your doctor's advice, the results can be serious.
So, wear the knee-socks. If you doctor says you can walk a lot, walk. If he tells you to rent the ECV, rent it. Don't follow internet advice, follow the doc's!
And make sure you stay hydrated. When there isn't enough liquid, the blood can get, for lack of a better word, "thicker." Lots of other reasons you need water, too (especially in the heat). But that's as good a one as any!
Now you know...and knowing is half the battle!
When your heart pumps out blood, it travels through the tubes in your bod, basically one long whoosh. It pumps out into arteries, which get smaller and are called arterioles, even smaller capillaries (where it drops off oxygen and picks up waste), then the tubes get bigger - venules, and even bigger, veins. Artery, arteriole, capillary, venule, vein.
On the way out of the heart, the blood has little problem going forth to do its duty, 'cause it got a nice shove from the old ticker. But by the time it gets to the venules and veins, it isn't moving quite as easily, especially if it has to go against gravity to get back to the heart, like it does in the legs.
So, God gave the veins a little help. They've got little stoppers, valves that let blood through but prevent it from flowing backwards.
You might be able to see these on the top of your hand or foot. But that sometimes isn't enough, so the muscle acts as a sort of pump, massaging the blood upward. If you remain inactive, especially for long periods, the muscle won't be as big a help in massaging that blood and pushing it back up to the heart.
When the blood hangs out in one spot for too long, it starts to "pool." It can create a little clump, called a thrombus. If a piece of that clump breaks off, we call it an embolus. Danger, Will Robinson! Emboli are bad. They suck. Little pieces can break off and continue on their way. Since veins keep getting bigger as you go toward the heart, the embolus doesn't cause many problems. But when blood gets back to the heart, the heart sends it to the lungs before sending it out to the rest of the body. Normally, the blood goes to the lungs through arteries and arterioles, drops off the waste it picked up in the capillaries (you breathe it out) and picks up oxygen (you breathe it in), then goes back to the heart through venules and veins.
BUT, if there is an embolus, when it gets to the lungs it can wreak havoc. That's when things start getting smaller, the embolus gets stuck. Clogs everything up. And as anyone who has ever had a clogged pipe knows, that is bad, bad, bad.
That's why you so often hear of people dying from a "pulmonary embolism." It probably didn't START there, it is just that it doesn't cause a problem until it gets there.
So, staying off of your feet and not letting the muscles help get that blood moving isn't always a good thing.
If you have had a DVT (deep vein thrombosis), you should always follow the advice your doctor gives you. At some points they'll want you lying flat and not massaging your leg because they don't want the thromus to break off and send an embolus on its way. But if you don't have one - its been cleared up, they may want you up and moving every day so that the blood doesn't pool and cause another thrombus.
Do what your doctor says! DVTs aren't always a big deal, but if you ignore your doctor's advice, the results can be serious.
So, wear the knee-socks. If you doctor says you can walk a lot, walk. If he tells you to rent the ECV, rent it. Don't follow internet advice, follow the doc's!
And make sure you stay hydrated. When there isn't enough liquid, the blood can get, for lack of a better word, "thicker." Lots of other reasons you need water, too (especially in the heat). But that's as good a one as any!
Now you know...and knowing is half the battle!
vickiea
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2007
- Messages
- 357
I would wear whatever your doc recommends, especially with a blood clot. Take frequent rests where you can put your feet up - literally to allow the blood to flow easier for 5-10 minutes - a wheelchair would allow you to do this between lands.
I have just finished scoltherapy and echoscolotherapy treatment for my varicose veins (both legs) so when we head to WDW in Oct, I will not need to wear my stockings - or hopefully ever again
But if my docotor suggests it before I go I will do so.
I suffered through a few weeks of 35 degree weather with my legs in stockings and tensors from ankle to thigh - they didn't add too much to the heat - but my legs got itchy. My doc said if my legs get too hot in the stockings use an ice pack around them for a while - so maybe take ziploc bags you can fill with ice to alleivate this.
Also I would look into getting the vein treatment if you can at a later date - it is worth the cost IMO.
Vickie
I have just finished scoltherapy and echoscolotherapy treatment for my varicose veins (both legs) so when we head to WDW in Oct, I will not need to wear my stockings - or hopefully ever again
But if my docotor suggests it before I go I will do so. I suffered through a few weeks of 35 degree weather with my legs in stockings and tensors from ankle to thigh - they didn't add too much to the heat - but my legs got itchy. My doc said if my legs get too hot in the stockings use an ice pack around them for a while - so maybe take ziploc bags you can fill with ice to alleivate this.
Also I would look into getting the vein treatment if you can at a later date - it is worth the cost IMO.
Vickie
I have had much testing done and I have regular blood flow in all the deep veins.This clot is purly in a surface vein they call it a superficial clot and while painful it is not dangerous.Basically when I was pregnant I got the vericose veins and some areas that are a raised bump.My doctor says it is like sticking your finger into plastic wrap-it leaves a bubbled up area and that area can easily fill up with blood.They drain it with a needle and said it takes about 6 weeks to fully go away.It has been feeling better unless i am on it alot.I usually wear a thigh high type stocking on the one leg but it rolls down all the time and is a pain.The clot is about 2 inches above the knee so I need something high up but I hate the feel of stockings on my tummy-they always seem to roll or I feel like they are too tight.I am a size 14 with most of my weight in my belly so they never seem to fit right.I figured others have delt with the veins at WDW and have stockings they find comfy.My doctor said I didn't have to wear the medical grade compression stockings he even told me that the footless tights the girls wear at Hooters are good for your legs but I forgot what brand he said and I don't think they come in my size!Anyway I don't need the ecv doc said i'm good for walking and flying just do some prevension and to wear good supportive shoes-no flip flops or sandals.The good thing is I think now my insurance company will pay for the treatment to remove them since he said once you get one you tend to keep getting them.So maybe I can wear shorts sometime again in my life !!
disneyjunebug
Three greatest guys in the world: Bill Nye, Micke
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- Mar 7, 2007
- Messages
- 641
The best advice I can tell you is that you are on vacation and 99.9% of all the people have never met you and will never meet you again, so don't worry about what you look like!
If you are worried about the heat, Gold Bond Powder is a life saver for me! I have to wear a Knee brace on one leg and an ankle brace on the other and Gold bond is my lifesaver!
I am thinking about getting an EVC this time. I really do well if I have a stroller to push (stability, stability) and having a nice hot tub to come home to in the evenings. But riding around all day sounds like I will have a much better time. And DS could ride on my lap, I guess (he's 4).
If you are worried about the heat, Gold Bond Powder is a life saver for me! I have to wear a Knee brace on one leg and an ankle brace on the other and Gold bond is my lifesaver!
I am thinking about getting an EVC this time. I really do well if I have a stroller to push (stability, stability) and having a nice hot tub to come home to in the evenings. But riding around all day sounds like I will have a much better time. And DS could ride on my lap, I guess (he's 4).
Aristomommy
<font color=deeppink>We were in the “wild animals”
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I went to WDW 9 months after massive DVTs. I had my Jobst compression sock on my affected leg and did fine. i have various colors (none very attractive ) and wore the skin color ones with capri pants. I went on long walks and treadmill before the trip to see what my tolerance was. i had to take a break mid day which was fine since my kids needed a nap. You may choose a leisurely pace to enjoy your trip.
) and wore the skin color ones with capri pants. I went on long walks and treadmill before the trip to see what my tolerance was. i had to take a break mid day which was fine since my kids needed a nap. You may choose a leisurely pace to enjoy your trip.
- Joined
- Aug 23, 1999
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I wonder if Assets at Target would be what your doctor had in mind? This is the size chart.
If they have a size that fits you, just do a search for "Assets" on Target's website to see all the different styles and see if one would work.
Kohls carries a similar product, but I can't think of the name of it.
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- Aug 23, 1999
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- 36,347
I posted some links on page one to some good sites about DVTs that can help you.
BeadyLady
<font color=magenta>Survivor<br><font color=darkor
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When I got the DVT - it was pain! so pins & needles - might be due to heat? Check out the sites Sue points us to on page one - very helpful stuff!
Cool-Beans
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Pins and needles could be about a million different things. I'd call the doctor.
I know I'm always saying, "Call the doctor," but I really think that it's the best way to go.
Maybe I should just stay off of these threads.
I know I'm always saying, "Call the doctor," but I really think that it's the best way to go.
Maybe I should just stay off of these threads.
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