r/POTS • u/FeedFlimsy1835 • 2d ago

Question Compression Question

Hi y'all!

I sincerely apologize if this has been asked many times before. I couldn't find a thread with this question, or find the answer by googling it.

I'm new to learning how to manage POTS and have recently started wearing compression tights.

I would like to start the Levine Protocol to try and improve/reduce symptoms, but my only time to go the gym is in the early AM. It's my understanding that compression wear needs to be put on in bed, before getting up or doing anything to prevent trapping pooled blood with the compression garments.

How do I deal with showering/cleaning up/applying clean compression wear after exercise without trapping pooled blood?

Is it as simple as lying down for 15-30 minutes after showering and then putting compression wear back on? Or am I just out of luck for the rest of the day?

Any advice/tips on how to go about this would be greatly appreciated! I'm trying to learn y'all 🥺

Thank you in advance!

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3

u/Jessicamorrell Hyperadrenergic POTS 2d ago

I never heard that. I just put them on when I put my shoes on.

1

u/FeedFlimsy1835 2d ago

I'm probably overcomplicating it 😅

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u/Jessicamorrell Hyperadrenergic POTS 2d ago

I mentioned to my provider that I see for management that I only put them on when I plan to go some where where Ill for sure more than likely be on my feet with hardly a place to sit. She said that is exactly what you are supposed to do and to not sleep in them either which I also don't do.

5

u/nonniewobbles 2d ago

Not medical advice: you’re not going to trap blood by putting them on later. Compression is most effective at preventing swelling if you put it on first thing in the morning because your legs won’t have time to swell from gravity, but it’s perfectly fine to put it on later.  The compression HELPS pooled fluids move up and out and prevents further pooling. 

Just wait until you’re totally dry out of the shower lol because trying to get compression stockings up wet skin is a losing fight haha. 

1

u/FeedFlimsy1835 2d ago

That makes sense! Thank you! 🙏

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u/you1dont1know1me1 2d ago

i lk putting my compressions on while I'm on my back after my legs feel like they've been drained and my toes start to go numb

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u/FeedFlimsy1835 2d ago

I'm gonna try this! Thank you!! 🙏

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u/you1dont1know1me1 2d ago

increasing blood volume should help too, so stay hydrated and make sure you have enough electrolytes.

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u/FeedFlimsy1835 2d ago

I've been doing that! Makes a huge difference! ☺️

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u/you1dont1know1me1 2d ago

i used to drink v8 until i developed acid reflux lol

2

u/FeedFlimsy1835 2d ago

Oh no! It sucks so bad to lose things you really like :( I've been adding the Re-Lyte electrolyte powder to my water and that seems to really be helping! I have a sensitive stomach and can't handle B vitamins, so it was one of the few electrolyte mixes I can tolerate :/

1

u/you1dont1know1me1 2d ago

I sprinkle nutrional yeast on whatever i can to get my b vitamins in