Varicose veins here I come!!

[It's Alisa]

Ok nurses,

I've just recently started nursing, and at the age of 24, have my very first (of many I'm assuming) VARICOSE VEIN!! ahhhhhh...

Anyway, so does anybody have any secrets to keep them at bay? I've heard there are certain stockings for them, but don't know exactly what they are...so any tips?

[vashtee, RN]

Compression stockings/knee socks. You can get them at a uniform store. They prevent blood from pooling up in the extremities.

[Sassybottom]

I have a female friend who works in the OR and she swears by these 3 for $50 socks she found on line. She says her energy levels have improved and her feet don't feel tired. These socks also claim to prevent varicose veins. She is a thrifty gal and I know she wouldn't splurge on these socks if they weren't worth it.

She has also tried TED stockings but said they were super uncomfortable and itchy.

One of my old nursing instructors swore by support hose - although that seems like it would get hot. Actually, I am usually cold on my unit ... maybe I should try that out ...

[HealthyRN]

I wore the JOBS knee-high compression stockings when I did ER nursing. They really did prevent my legs from feeling so tired at the end of the day. Make sure that you elevate your legs when you come home from work. Also, keep active and work out on your days off.

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

Jobst stockings rock. They're not cheap, but they rock.

[It's Alisa]

thanks for all your great advice guys! off to buy stockings I go.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

i had to have custom made jobst compression stockings after phlebectomies were done on varicosities on my right leg. when i went in to be measured for them, i saw that there were also jobst off the rack compression stockings that anyone could buy. it would be a good idea to invest the money on them. you can read about these stockings on their website. it was a general surgeon who did the surgery and ordered them for me.

my veins showed up at the same age as you. they eventually ruptured and bled which is why some of them had to be removed. then, i developed stasis ulcers and edema in that leg because of the resulting poor circulation secondary to the removal of the varicosities.

get the stockings and wear them when you are up and ambulatory in order to prevent the veins from getting out of control.

[LovingNurse, BSN, RN]

The Jobst stockings are nice. I had varicose veins at your age, started sclerotherapy but didn't keep up with it. By the time I went back for more injections I was told my veins were too bad. One doc was willing to try, but I got ulcers from them.

Take care of your legs now - you won't regret it.