I don't know the answer to your questions but I also had a perscription for compression socks. Similar cost. My perscription covered it. 100%. (I splurged on two pair) Ugly as sin.

Amazon is your friend with this! I bought my first pair with a script, never again! You can find some really cool ones too!

Another vote for Amazon, we bought several pairs for oldsters in the family 6 months ago.

May I suggest you buy at least two more pairs? You should let the pair you wear at least one, better yet two days before wearing it again. That is why I suggest you buy two more pairs.

Also, if they are not hard to get on, they can't compress much!

Moni

I had a friend who in addition to powdering her leg rolled the top down. Put her foot in the sock the rolled the rest up over her legs. Some are too tight to do this.

I've tried several that were cheaper and cuter than one I found at a medical supply store for $60+. I can't remember exactly how much one pair was but found the same ones on Amazon a lot cheaper. I just looked them up and they are $50.36 a pair now. Therafirm. I really like them. The cheaper ones were so uncomfortable.

My doc diagnosed me with varicose veins 10 or 12 years ago, when I was about 80.

I bought a couple of pair of compression socks, don't remember name of maker (think it possibly German) or specifications: sorry.

Bought from a drugstore-related health care supplies store, in the spring. Price was about $40.00 per pair, and my loyalty card with them, that usually gives one points, gave me about a 25% discount, that time, bringing the price down to about $30. I bought a third pair that autumn, same deal.

I wear them in a three-day rotation, washing that day's socks on removal prior to bed each night, using dish soap (that I haven't checked about whether appropriate). Haven't used powder. Good idea to install when not sweaty.

The store called a couple of years ago to ask how they were doing, I felt O.K., I guessed - how do I know when not?

They slide.

Mine give good compression: no hint of sliding. Took non-using that day socks in - they figured O. K.

Have missed very few days using those three pairs in rotation over 10 - 12 years or so. No complaints.

In the morning they are inside out, I slide right hand into sock, heel on top to just back of fingers, push outside hand into toes portion, push it into inside hand to spread foot portion out, grasp with inside thumb in middle.

Grasp tube of sock just above heel, pull out over hand, heel just inside foot portion.

Put two thumbs inside foot, heel equidistant between them, pull up over foot, index finger pushing against each thumb to get front of foot well covered, then up over heel.

They gave me latex gloves with pebble palms that I use holding in hand with pebble palms toward sock to equalize division at heel, side to side, and knit lines over foot.

Thumbs part way down inside sock top, toward rear part of thigh, press index finger on thumb to hold sock, pull upwards, keeping knit lines aligned and rocking hands front to back as moving up to equalize pressure around the leg.

To remove, slide index fingers down inside of sock on each side towards back of thigh, push down to a few inches above ankle, push top down over foot, leaving top of sock just back of toes. Index fingers down inside top, push down over heel. Grasp top of sock, each side on top of foot, pull off.

Wash sock inside out.

Toes and heels are not elasticized - and have developed a substantial number of holes, requiring a good bit of darning: I recommend keeping toenails clipped!

Good wishes as you proceed with this new adventure.

ole joyful

Oh my, so sorry you are going through this.

Ditto mdln: DID you have a test for deep vein clotting? BOTH legs?

Whenever I think of compression stockings I smile. I had to wear long ones after each hip replacement. My DH would 'help' me struggle to get them on -- even more 'impossible' when you have to keep the leg straight lest you disrupt the hip prosthesis. We would invariably disolve in hysterical laughter.

I checked on Amazon. If you search for Charmking Compression socks, you'll find what I bought. 3 pairs for less than $10 for small, 3 pairs in large for under $15.

With prices like that, there's no need to cling to something old with holes.

DH's doc recommended Jobst brand for his compression socks.

I have to echo the concern of mdln - the explanation give for the edema sounds a little suspect to me. Please follow up with your regular doctor asap.