It is recommended that they only be used for 6 months before re-newing so I suggest you have a look at the "use by" date before going to a lot of trouble. I have heaps of trouble with mine not staying up but have found the glue that Jobst produces to keep them up has solved the problem. A roll -on bottle costs about $22 in this country and it is called "It Stays". You should be able to buy it from the place you buy the stockings or the chemist/drug store. You don't need to use much. I use about 3 bottles per year.