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" Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=18420