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We will be driving then flying for several hours. My mom is 80 and her legs retain water. I hear compression socks helps. Her legs are naturally thick so I need very wide socks. Where can I find them?
Why are you taking her on such a long trip? If she retains water, sitting for several hours will not be good. Giving her a diarectic will mean several bathroom stops. Do you know the cause of the swelling? Diabetes, Congestive heart failure?
When you buy compression socks the size is determined by the calf measurement at the thickest part. There are several types and can be bought on the internet which is the cheapest way to go. Those sold in stores run $20 a pair and more. There are ones with feet in them, others with the toes cut out and others that go to the ankle. They are very hard to get on so she will need help. My nephew opted for the ones with zippers. I would check with a doctor to see what is best. I was told by the Medical Supply Store that they are not covered by Medicare or in my State Medicaid.
PS, my nephew says that wearing his socks makes him go a lot.
JoAnn29 has an excellent point: if the long trip must take place, have your mom wear adult diapers for both the car and plane portions of the trip. At many points during the journey, it will be absolutely impossible for her to visit the bathroom no matter how urgently she needs one. If she would be embarrassed and protests wearing such an item, call them “travel underwear”.
My sister has the same problem (which is one of the reasons why she doesn't travel). She uses compression wraps instead of stockings because the tension can be adjusted at various points around the calf and ankle, and they are easier (and less painful) to put on.
Compression leg wraps are typically sold for those with lymphedema vs simple edema, but the principle is the same.
Most Medical Supply stores will have them If she goes to a Podiatrist they might also have them or they could be ordered. Her PCP could also order them as well. As a matter of fact you might want to discuss the trip with the doctor to 1) determine if there are any medications she could take to help relieve the water retention particularly for the flight. 2) if there might be a concern for developing DVT. (deep vein thrombosis, a potentially fatal condition)
You might want to order 2-3 pairs of shoes to try for size and measure foot/leg prior to ordering so they can best advise what size to get as I'm guessing these are costly and with the socks, no returns after having been on someone....
My Mom has lymphderma she likes Velcro sneakers from this link: https://www.silverts.com/antimicrobial-protection-extra-wide-shoes-for-women?___store=english&size=7108&color=6535&cur=usd&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrbiP9afz7gIVBj6tBh2B9AMHEAQYBSABEgLINPD_BwE
Medical supply companies may have her size. Since she has problems with edema (fluid retention in her legs), please consider adding other options to keep her from developing blood clots in her legs. If she can walk, have her do so frequently. If she can not walk, have her pump her feet up and down several times every hour. If she can get an aisle seat on the plane, she may be able to bend and straighten her legs as well. With edema, her doctor probably has her taking diuretics. It is easiest to take them early in the morning and allow her to pee the extra fluid off before getting on with the day. The problem is that most people complain of having a dry mouth or feeling thirsty. Allow her to suck on hard candy or chew gum to create moisture in her mouth without added water. People with impaired cognition or swallowing tend to do better with glycerin swabs for "dry mouth."
Good luck. My mother hasn't had a pair of shoes on her feet in two years. They're like two meatloaves, and nothing, even size EEEEEE width, would fit her.
She, too, has enormous calves, and I never found compression socks we could get on her. (They're very painful on really swollen legs and impossible to get on.) She wears hospital socks 24/7 and is in a wheelchair, so it doesn't matter too much.
I'd google Wide compression shoes and socks and see what comes up. Also might give men's sizing a try....medical supply places? Also look for an aid of some sort to get those babies on...it can be quite the work out. Might need to go with slippers. ANd remember: don't take your shoes off when in the air...feet swell and you might not be able to get them back on again! Would also suggest checking with airline to have a meet and assist set up so you can have a cart or wheelchair arranged for and see what you can do to assure you get a bulk head seat so she has less distance to walk once on board.
My DH buys his compression 'dress socks' online. I don't know the company, but he found them after very little searching. They are snug w/o being miserably tight. If you buys men's sizes, you'll find them easier to get on.
He puts them on first thing in the am and doesn't take them off until bedtime. He travels a lot and needs to have them for the inevitable swelling that occurs.
He is 6'5" tall and still has to get up and walk the length of the plane once or twice on long flights, to avoid DVT.
Honestly, a first class seat is his best friend. He can get up as much as he wants and he comes home a much happy camper. Trips over 3 hrs--we try to get him upgraded. I am a munchkin at 5'2" and can fit anywhere, although my time in first class sure makes me appreciate how much better I feel upon landing.
If you opt to get mom in shoes--DO NOT take them off during the flight. You'll never get them back on. Just loosen the velcro or laces.
Dh doesn't take water pills (yet!) and so that's not a problem. but with only 3 lavs on most planes, you will get some nasty looks from fellow passengers if you are spending a lot of time in there--I'd suggest a depends with a pad in it for emergencies.
Do you absolutely HAVE to take mom on this trip? If so, I wish you luck.
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
I agree that:
A.
I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information").
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APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink.
C.
APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site.
D.
If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records.
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This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year.
F.
You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
When you buy compression socks the size is determined by the calf measurement at the thickest part. There are several types and can be bought on the internet which is the cheapest way to go. Those sold in stores run $20 a pair and more. There are ones with feet in them, others with the toes cut out and others that go to the ankle. They are very hard to get on so she will need help. My nephew opted for the ones with zippers. I would check with a doctor to see what is best. I was told by the Medical Supply Store that they are not covered by Medicare or in my State Medicaid.
PS, my nephew says that wearing his socks makes him go a lot.
Compression leg wraps are typically sold for those with lymphedema vs simple edema, but the principle is the same.
If she goes to a Podiatrist they might also have them or they could be ordered.
Her PCP could also order them as well.
As a matter of fact you might want to discuss the trip with the doctor to 1) determine if there are any medications she could take to help relieve the water retention particularly for the flight. 2) if there might be a concern for developing DVT. (deep vein thrombosis, a potentially fatal condition)
She, too, has enormous calves, and I never found compression socks we could get on her. (They're very painful on really swollen legs and impossible to get on.) She wears hospital socks 24/7 and is in a wheelchair, so it doesn't matter too much.
He puts them on first thing in the am and doesn't take them off until bedtime. He travels a lot and needs to have them for the inevitable swelling that occurs.
He is 6'5" tall and still has to get up and walk the length of the plane once or twice on long flights, to avoid DVT.
Honestly, a first class seat is his best friend. He can get up as much as he wants and he comes home a much happy camper. Trips over 3 hrs--we try to get him upgraded. I am a munchkin at 5'2" and can fit anywhere, although my time in first class sure makes me appreciate how much better I feel upon landing.
If you opt to get mom in shoes--DO NOT take them off during the flight. You'll never get them back on. Just loosen the velcro or laces.
Dh doesn't take water pills (yet!) and so that's not a problem. but with only 3 lavs on most planes, you will get some nasty looks from fellow passengers if you are spending a lot of time in there--I'd suggest a depends with a pad in it for emergencies.
Do you absolutely HAVE to take mom on this trip? If so, I wish you luck.
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