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Help!! EVLT

Posted , 3 users are following.

nina86662
nina86662

My mum has had serious varicose vein issues for the past 10 years, over the years the legs have got worse, she now has dark black brusing marks at both ankles rising up the legs, ulcers, keeps getting infections and can barely walk now. She's been offered to have EVLT but is worried sick about it - can someone tell me if it is completely worth/safe/accurate having done and if anyone else had it done at the hospital in Kent? My mum is also late 50's - will this affect anything or cause any complications? 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • ptolemy
    ptolemy nina86662

    Posted

    I had VNUS Closure recently which is very similar but uses radio frequency rather than laser to destroy the vein. It is much better than having the veins stripped under a general anaesthetic in my opinion. EVLT is under local anaesthetic. In my case the whole thing took about twenty minutes and I had sclerotherapy as well as the closure, as I had some wiggly veins to be destroyed too. I had a tiny hole where they put the wire into the vein and no pain as such. I was a bit bruised afterwards. I was swimming the following week and I am older than your mother! If she can get EVLT on the NHS that is really good news. 
    • nina86662
      nina86662 ptolemy

      Posted

      No she has been offered the treatment privately but is a bit aprehensive about the whole thing - what if it doesn't work, will she still have problems afterwards and what are the consequences are her main concerns. Thats amazing that you have been swiming a week later! I'm guessing the procedure is different for everyone?
    • ptolemy
      ptolemy nina86662

      Posted

      I was really worried about the unknown as well. The success rate is very high, much higher than the vein stripping under general apparently. I had my appointment at 2.30pm and I was home by 5.00pm. I only had one leg done though. In fact I could have driven home afterwards although I did get a friend to drive me just in case. I drove the next day though. I did have my leg wrapped up for a while. I had the procedure on the Monday and swam the following Monday. The important thing is to get someone who does lots of EVLT procedures, not someone who is learning! I went privately, it is very difficult to get the NHS to fund varicose veins it seems. Has your mother seen anyone yet? I saw the vascular surgeon and he did an ultra sound to check the veins, like you have when you are pregnant, so pain free. It is quite fun to watch. He then said I could decide whether I wanted to go ahead or not. If your mother wants to ask me questions just let me know. 
    • nina86662
      nina86662 ptolemy

      Posted

      Did you have to wait ages for an appointment date? My mother has just been given a date, 6 weeks away which is a long time when shes in agony. Can you recommend any tips or tricks for the mean time to help with pain? Support tights and painkillers seem to be doing zero.
    • ptolemy
      ptolemy nina86662

      Posted

      I took a while to see the consultant initially it was over Easter and I think he was away? He did an ultrasound to see where the bad veins were. He then said he could do the operation and explained it to me. I probably had to book about three weeks ahead to get the operation. I always think that is a good thing though, as if they can do it immediately it means no one goes to them!! I never have discovered how to improve the pain apart from brandy and putting my feet up. 
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