I'm a quadriplegic with limited use of my legs and just started wearing compression stockings a few weeks ago?

mnw, as a quadriparetic there is going to be very limited use of the muscles of the legs. This is the reason for the fluid in the ankles. There are very few options available to you. You can use gradient hose but that would only help if they were applied when the swelling was at its lowest point. It would then help to keep the fluid out or at least reduced. What I would suggest is that at night or sometime during the day you have compression pump sleeves put on. The graduated type would be the best but any pumping system would be helpful. Once you have used that for a half to a full hour or so then have the compression hose applied. This would be the best way to control the problem. If you have the insurance that would cover products such a T.E.D. stockings get those. They are specifically measured for you and would be graded appropriately.

Hi! :)

Were you fitted for TED stockings? They should be put on when you are laying down, or else they won't work correctly; however, getting the correct size is vital. Your physician can fit you and order them for you, so I encourage you to talk to your physician about this. The stockings need to be AT LEAST 20-30mm/HG (pressure).

I would recommend elevating your legs at intervals throughout the day. Your legs should be elevated above your heart, to ensure that your venous return is increased. So, if you lay down, prop a couple pillows under your legs. Do not keep them elevated for anymore that 20 or 30 minute intervals.

Also, having someone assist with ROM of your lower legs (range of motion) will also help with circulation.

Do not give up on the stockings, they can work wonders!

I sincerely hope this helps! :)

****I am sorry, I just realized you said it's impossible for you to transfer out of it into a recliner. I don't think a recliner would do you much good anyway since they do not allow you to raise your legs above heart level.

If elevating you legs helps the bloodflow then maybe you should get a wheelchair with elevating legrest. Most of the wheelchairs on the market, and all of the reclining wheelchairs have this option. I work for a place that sells wheelchairs. You may also just be able to order new front rigging for your existing wheelchair. The link below shows some of the reclining chairs available but the elevating legrest are available for most brands. http://www.medicalproductsdirect.com/recwheel.html

I have three suggestions.

First, call your wheelchair provider. I have a power wheelchair which allows me to raise my legs independently. You should not need to transfer into a recliner to simply raise your legs.

Second, immediately after my accident, they fitted my legs with some sort of contraption which would squeeze my legs to prevent blood pooling in my legs. You might ask your doctor about this.

Third, in addition to posting your question here, I suggest that you post it on a Yahoo news group which focuses on quadriplegics. I highly recommend this newsgroup to quadriplegics, and to those who care for quadriplegics.

Here is a link to information about the newsgroup:

http://www.makoa.org/quadlist.htm

i think you should try a different stocking if it doesn't work try to ask a doctor for help because if it gets cold or hot it will be bad for you since it is hard for you to transfer out of it i wish the best of luck to you i hope this helped out^.^