Many years ago, I developed a DVT clot (deep vein thrombosis) behind my left knee. I don't know how it happened, but it did. After a while, the clot hardened/petrified. It's going nowhere, so I'm safe from the normal dangers associated with DVT conditions.
However, the blood vessels in my left calf did a self-seeking "repair" of the damage. A small capillary system took over to replace the larger vessel that had been blocked, resulting in a swelling of the left leg from the knee down. The docs ordered compression hose for me for both legs, and I'm never seen without them during my waking hours.
What started out with a higher compression at the beginning has been reduced to 15-20, down from 20-30 (mmHg, the measure of degree of the compression). I chose the closed-toe model because I didn't want to mess with wearing thin socks underneath the compression hose and I didn't want the feel of the open-toed sock sliding around in my shoe.
Last summer, one of my sons reported that his 6-year old son pulled up his white athletic socks as high as he could get them on his legs and said, "I want to wear my socks like G-Pop's!" So I guess the look has been accepted. ;-)
I used to feel self-conscious during the summers when I wore shorts, but that feeling didn't last long. Thank goodness I don't care about my appearance (or I'd be stressing out 24/7).
Good health to you, Blue!
