We will soon leave on our longest trip EVER to Japan and support hose have been recommended by my doctor for myself and my husband...although neither of us has ever worn them. She is 35/40 and says she always wears them when she flies. We are early 60's. Anyone have experience with this issue? Appreciate your comments very much!

My doctor suggested support hose vs. compression stockings (felt they were too tight and uncomfortable). I did the support pantyhose and they're ok tho not a lot of fun.

No, support hose are not a lot of fun but beats having swollen ankles and legs and, in my husband's case (76) not being able to get his shoes back on after security checks! I now travel with a shoe horn in my purse! With all the talk of thromboses - if your doctor recommends something you would be foolish to ignore it.

Bonjour Em,

My mother (68) who suffers from bad circulation wore them last March and arrived in Japan with her feet less swollen than mine ... She said it felt a little like wearing chainmail stocking, comfort and fashion wise, but she wouldn't dream travelling again so far away without them.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I'm going to give the compression knee highs with open toes a try. Wish I could find support hose, thigh high, with no waistband. We fly soon. Again, thanks all!!

Try www.footsmart.com. (I receive this catalog in the mail.) In the support hose section, there is a chart which shows which level of support is needed for whichever problem you are trying to deal with (spider veins vs. circulation problems etc). The Jobst brand is one kind prescribed by doctors. Though a friend (a resident) says that the Footsmart knee highs - moderate - may be all one needs. She notes that if you are using these socks to prevent swelling, you need to put the socks in the morning (right when you get out of bed), BEFORE any swelling of the leg.

What will be more effective that anything in preventing DVTs is getting up every hour or so and walking around during your flight. And keep hydrated.

Double check with your doctor and see if there is a particular brand of support hose she recommends. Also ask her exactly why she wears those socks. And if you do have poor circulation or have a family history of DVTs, make sure to talk to her about ways to prevent ..

Thanks pegg for the great web site info as well as the other points in your message. My doc has prescribed these for the prevention of DVTs and she wears them for the same reason. I'm going with the knee highs and will put them on when I wake up so my legs don't swell. Appreciate the time you spent to help me. We fly this weekend...can't wait!!