X-Message-Number: 18420
Date: Sat, 26 Jan 2002 20:01:43 -0800
From: Kennita Watson <>
Subject: James' leg troubles

James Swayze wrote:
When I get back in bed after being up in my wheelchair I get the chills for a
couple hours. I figure this is from the blood that has cooled after having

pooled in my legs, from poor circulation and the legs being the lowest point for
gravity to pull the blood to without the offsetting aid of muscles to squeeze
the blood northward,
recirculating again with the rest of my body. Am I risking blood clot and the
dangers that incurs? I also get so sleepy with the chills but only now have put
the two together. I tend to try and power on regardless usually.
<end>

A catalog I get contains "anti embolism stockings"; it seems 
something like that could help with blood pooling in your 
legs.  

My first hit on a Google search netted
http://www.elitemedical.com/jobst.html:
"Anti Embolism Stockings THIGH High with Inspection Toe 18mmHg by Therafirm
THERAFIRM Anti- Embolism Stockings are designed for use primarily before or 
after surgery.  They should only be worn by the mobility- impaired or 
non-ambulatory patients. Clinically designed to increase blood velocity, 
reducing the incidence of venous stasis, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary 
embolisms. All styles are open-toe or inspection toe...Usually ships the 
next business day. THAETO20 Above item: $30.00  Web price: $26.95"

Sounds good to me -- am I in the right ballpark?  If you searched 
you might be able to find them cheaper, and you might be able to 
get a prescription for them, making them either insurance-coverable 
or tax-deductible.

On the other items you mention:  I think even rocking back and 
forth and side to side in your chair could help a little with 
the recirculation and muscle contraction.  And a blanket, 
especially an electric one, could help keep your blood warm, or 
help you get over chills in bed.

HTH.
-- 
May you live long and prosper,
Kennita
--
Kennita Watson          | Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;
     |   None but ourselves can free our minds.
http://www.kennita.com  |           -- Bob Marley, "Redemption Song"

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