Michael Hostettler shares his experience of holistic therapy for venous insufficiency and thrombosis
Michael Hostettler has been diagnosed with venous insufficiency and three thromboses in the last 20 years. In an interview with medical device manufacturer medi, he shares his experiences of treatment – including medical compression.
Mr Hostettler, when was the first time you were diagnosed with thrombosis?
„That was back in 2005. I had a rare cavernous sinus thrombosis and terrible pain in my genital area. However, the diagnosis was only made a week later with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. I was then given blood-thinning medication. I didn’t have any further problems until I had back surgery in 2011."
What type of thrombosis was diagnosed?
„After the aforementioned back operation, I developed nerve root inflammation, which meant I was confined to bed most of the time and could only go for short walks. I wasn't given any anticoagulant medication at the time. I suddenly felt pain on both sides of my calves down to the sole of my foot, similar to a severe muscle cramp - but none of the typical signs of thrombosis were visible, such as redness or overheating. My pain disappeared again the same evening when I went for a walk in the most beautiful snowy landscape. However, I felt quite weak and thought I was getting the flu or a cold. When my condition worsened the next day and I was completely drained of energy and had an accelerated pulse, I went to an emergency practice. The staff there immediately recognised the seriousness of the situation, took a chest X-ray and determined my D-dimers in the blood (= thrombogenic markers). Both indicated a pulmonary embolism and an ambulance took me to the nearest hospital."
Picture: © Michael Hostettler
How were you treated there?
„A computer tomography (CT) scan revealed a paracentral pulmonary embolism. I was injected with high-dose heparin in the morning and evening. Two years later, I got another lower leg thrombosis. I realised then that I would be dependent on therapy for the rest of my life.“
How did that make you feel?
„As I work as a medical study coordinator, I know a bit about medicine and was aware of the causes and dangers of thrombosis. For this reason, I wasn't blindsided and took the news relatively calmly. But it wasn't easy! During this time, my wife in particular had my back and gave me moral support. I'm very grateful for that!“
Venous insufficiency: compression stocking mediven cotton* brings relief
Have you been wearing your medical compression stockings every day since then?
„Until last year, I only wore them when I had to stand for long periods - from a medical point of view, it wasn't necessary. Over the years, however, a rubbery oedema formed on my lower leg, which I could press in. The dent sometimes only disappeared again after 30 minutes. In the summer of 2023 in particular, the condition worsened considerably, my skin became reddish-blue in colour and every injury, no matter how small, took an unusually long time to heal. I also had severe pain in my legs. Due to the emerging chronic venous insufficiency, my doctor advised me to wear the medical compression stockings every day from then on. Today I wear them out of conviction because I have found that they help me and alleviate my symptoms. I feel better, have no pain and my dents are hardly visible any more.“
Which medical compression do you wear?
„I wear round-knit thigh-high stockings from medi in compression class II. For shorter trousers, when the compression is visible, mediven cotton with 27 per cent pure organic cotton content is used because the material is not shiny. Otherwise, I choose mediven plus. Both qualities are very easy to wear - the comfort has convinced me!“
How do you feel about wearing medical compression as a man?
„For a long time, I didn’t talk openly about my chronic illness and the worries and fears that came with it. But I realized that being honest about my feelings and needs and talking about them can take the pressure off and make it easier to deal with the difficult situation. I am convinced that openness can clear up many misunderstandings in advance. Today, I am open about my chronic venous insufficiency: I have recently started waring shorts and medical compression garments in the summer when the weather is right. As a man, you often get strange looks, which can be a real confidence killer. For a woman, compression can also be seen as normal hosiery. But the encouragement and exchange with other sufferers on social media has reassured me to take the step forward and be confident about my condition and my medical compression. So far, only my supervisor has actually spoken to me about it.“
Picture: © Michael Hostettler
medi Tip: Also look around for local self-help groups and on social media (e.g. Facebook or Instagram) for groups or blogs from other patients.
What was his reaction?
„,Looks smart!‘ I was perplexed and didn’t know what to say in response. You always have to remember that: The situation is unfamiliar for everyone involved, and the other person is also unsure and wonders ‘Can I bring that up?’ But honest dialogue can only be achieved through curiosity and open communication. I can only advise all those affected to venture out of their comfort zone and be brave. Perhaps only show the medical compression to acquaintances at first and then gradually feel your way forward into the public eye. It doesn't have to be shorts and medical compression right away - both men and women can also roll up their trousers a little so that the compression is slightly protruding. The more people who are affected are open about their medical compression the more understanding can be built up overall.“
Thank you very much for the interview!
Diagnosis & treatment
Product tip
Product tip
Remarks:
* Intended purpose mediven® plus | mediven® forte:
Round-knitted medical compression stocking used for compression of the lower extremities, mainly for the treatment of disorders of the venous system.
