"If I'm not wearing the circaid® juxtalite®*, I don't feel properly dressed!"
She was known to wear long trousers all the year, because Effi Bayerschmidt was always hiding her legs - even in summer. The reason: her varicose veins (varicosis). The now 76-year-old pensioner has been suffering from vein problems since her youth. Despite numerous sclerotherapies and various vein surgeries, the disease progressed further. The skin became more and more sensitive, so that she could no longer cope with the proven medical compression stockings. Compression all day long? Ms.Bayerschmidt could hardly imagine that. Only circaid® juxtalite® helped her. The adjustable compression device is pleasant to wear on Ms. Bayerschmidt’s sensitive skin, gives her a firm, secure feeling and is perfectly integrated into her everyday life - because circaid® juxtalite®* is easy to apply and can be removed independently.
Ms. Bayerschmidt, can you remember what the initial stages of your disease looked like?
"My venous disease already occurred in my youth, at the age of 15. At that time, my varicose veins had been treated with zinc paste bandages which, however, were very rigid and caused me problems when walking. Therefore, I quit the therapy and made no further efforts until my doctor asked me about my leg health during my pregnancy. Because of their limited function, the veins had already started to change, which was also visible: they were already very winding and knot-like thickened under the skin. However, I only started to have a real interest in good-looking legs again after the birth of my children. I had a sclerotherapy for the first time and my veins were then surgically removed –six times in total, most recently in 1999."
When did you first get in touch with modern medical compression products?
"After the first sclerotherapy I received a prescription for medical compression tights. I had problems taking the stockings off - especially in the sensitive areas. Without the help of my husband it was difficult for me. Also, I felt not quite comfortable with the stockings. The consequence? I stopped wearing them. I was 59 at the time, just before retirement. At that time I thought that all the everyday movement that now replaced my 8-hour day at the office would be good for my leg health and I could manage without the stockings. But instead I got bigger and bigger red discolourations on my legs.”
Afterwards, how long did you refrain from therapy with medical compression stockings and when did the situation change?
"I have to admit it was for a very long time – for about 10 to 15 years I didn’t wear compression! It was my new General Practitioner who made sure that I took care of my leg health again. When she saw the red, discoloured skin on my legs for the first time, she immediately referred me to a vein specialist, as my venous disease had progressed further. She enhanced the importance of permanent compression - preferably combined with exercise - and the right skin care. I was advised that I should always keep my skin well cleaned and cared for so that it remains soft and without tearing. Also very important: I should be careful not to bump or injure my leg, as otherwise my sensitive skin could easily be damaged. That was of course my biggest concern!"
What did the treatment look like after your appointment with the phlebologist?
"The doctor at the vein clinic has prescribed medical compression stockings for me, as at the beginning of my medical history. But again, I could not cope with the stockings. That's why I decided not to use compression stockings - although I knew how important they were."
You then received circaid® juxtalite®*. How are you getting along with the adjustable compression device?
"Very well! I never thought I would feel so comfortable with compression. Donning is super easy and fast. A big advantage for me, I am not dependent on anyone. As I said, my husband had to help me with my first medical compression stockings. Since he now needs help himself and my mobility has decreased with age, I am glad to be able to don and remove circaid® juxtalite®* on my own. With the included measurement card I can control the prescribed compression pressure and readjust it if necessary. To do this, I put my leg up and place the card on the lines. Removing the garment is also very simple. For example, when my chiropodist comes by, I simply take off the compression and then apply it again.”
How does your daily routine with compression look like?
"At first I could not imagine wearing the compression all day long. Now I apply the compression garment immediately in the morning after going to the bathroom around 7 or 8 a.m. and continue wearing circaid® juxtalite®* throughout the day until I go to bed around 10 or 10:30 p.m."
With circaid® juxtalite®*, do you also feel comfortable in the painful areas?
"Definitely! Even on the sensitive, red areas of the skin I no longer feel any pain. In fact, it's now like this: if I am not wearing the circaid® juxtalite®*, I don't feel properly dressed. circaid® juxtalite®* gives me a feeling of safety and stability - and I notice the pleasant pressure of the compression. I don't need to be afraid that I will bump my leg and cause an injury! And I feel a thousand times more comfortable when I am wearing the compression.”
Ms. Bayerschmidt, thank you very much for the interview!
Diagnosis & treatment
The human body
Highlights
Remarks:
Intended purpose
* The compression system is designed to provide compression to the lower leg for patients with venous disorders. The device consists of a series of juxtapositioned, inelastic bands extending from the central portion of the garment. The wrap contours the leg and is designed to cover from just above the ankle bone to just below the knee.
