.Schaum, I was a surgical floor nurse for 17 years so know plenty about compression stockings. In your case your Dr is probably talking about regular compression stockings whose weave is tighter at the bottom and varies as it goes up the calf, thus pushing the pooled blood (most likely from faulty valves) back towards the heart. More serious problems require Jobst stockings in which many measurements are taken from your ankle on up your lower leg so you have a personalized fit;these stockings are heavy duty. You can get TEDS hose at Walmart or The Medicine Chest or a medical supply shop(I think there is still one over on 441 south of 466). The latter two will be more expensive but have a better selection. You probably just need knee high hose. Before you get out of bed in the morning, put them on with your legs up in the air. This way the valves are open & the blood hasn't pooled yet. Take them off when you go to bed. Swelling can also be due to lymphatic problems as your Dr stated. I assume you have a follow-up appt so he can see if the hose have worked. If they haven't then you might need a Doppler Study to check the blood flow in your legs. This is just my experience, so please follow up with your doctor. Good luck! ******** MEASURE YOUR CALF FIRST AS THIS IS HOW THE HOSIERY ARE SIZED****