Day 1 - at home

At Hamburg we had lots of time so walked through the airport ourselves. I booked wheelchair assistance at Heathrow - easy online if you have a BA account. I was met from the plane and wheeled to an electric cart. I did tell the man I thought I could walk to the cart but he insisted. The cart drove us from the plane to the arrivals hall so we didn't have a long immigration queue to stand in, nor to have to catch the internal train from the B gate we arrived at, back to the main terminal 5 building.

I recommend the electric cart to save so much walking. I thought I was ok but would have been tired.

In the cars to and from the airport (Hamburg and UK) I asked to have the seat in front put as far forward as possible to maximise my foot room and leg comfort.


When I arrived home at the end of day 1 we cut the padding off and washed my compression. I didn't have a night shower but wanted to clean my garment. We hand washed it, then rolled it in a clean towel then hairdryer on cool shot (and a tiny bit of warm on the stubborn waist elastic!). I still had to put it on a bit damp. That was ok as it dried quickly.

The garment I have is a brand called ETO, number 536  in their range - leggings with an open groin section and not covering feet. It has hooks and eyes in front to do up. This makes it great to undo and remove on the top for using the loo but I think manipulating the fastenings could be difficult with say arthritis in your hands.

I'm seeing what I think is minor feet swelling in the day - slight marks from my slippers - so I'm wishing I had over foot coverage for reassurance.  At the same time though I do love seeing my toenails!