Compression

Compression hose have become a big, important part of my life. I have nasty, painful varicose veins that start at my ancles and go all the way up my legs. Unless you have experienced them, you have no idea just how painful they can be. They make standing unbearable. I only have them during pregnancy and I must say they are one of the worst parts of pregnancy. I would endure labor once a week to have relief from the varicose veins. I discovered compression hose. They help a rememndous amount. On days where I just don't wear them, I am in pain and so tired. The blood is able to pool in my veins and so when I wear the hose, it doesn't allow the blood to pool, pushing it right back up to my heart and giving me more energy. I don't know how true that is, but I do know that I have much more energy when I wear them. And I don't hurt. Two problems to compression hose. I'm not sure which one is worse. First, I am pregnanct in the summer, all summer. Compression hose are think. They take a good five minutes to put on. And, the bending and stretching and trying to reach my toes to put on the hose on is so difficult with a big, huge round belly. I don't bend very well and so it is hard to put the hose on. I can't ask for help because they are so hard to put on. The first few times it took me a good ten minutes to put the suckers on. And the second bad part about compression hose is the cost. These hot constrictors run about $100/pair. Ouch. For a pair of hose. But, the benefit is worth it. So, I may not look to pretty wearing my shorts with hose. I may be hot, but I'm off the couch and I'm not in pain. And in a few months I will have a sweet baby and the varicose veins should dissappear. And I can say "adios" to the compression hose.

Note: this is not a picture of me.