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Options available for varicose veins

Posted , 4 users are following.

em_02488
em_02488

I'm a 36 year old mum of 5... 8 years ago after our 4th child I needed an operation to strip varicose veins on both legs as they were problematic.. Living abroad flights are needed to visit family etc.

We went on to have our 5th child 4 years ago and over the last year they have returned twice as bad as before. They are painful and very ugly.... Starting from my ankles right up to the back of my knees. I'm a fit person, train every day and not over weight. What options do I have other than heading down the surgery route again!! It's starting to effect me as I want to not feel conscious living in a warm country and wanting to spend time with our children in swim wear and shorts!!!! Help !!!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Skipper317
    Skipper317 em_02488

    Posted

    Have you looked at the other options, ie laser, sclerotherapy etc? From what I could discover when I started looking, the options are either to have them removed or to collapse them so they no longer show. Having them removed is the most invasive (as you will be aware), some of the other options are carried out under local only.
  • Skipper317
    Skipper317 em_02488

    Posted

    Just seen this: The first line treatments, which should be used for any patient they're suitable for, are now endothermal ablation or endovenous laser treatment of one of the long leg veins called the long saphenous vein. A probe is passed up the vein, under ultrasound control, and heat from radiowaves or laser are used to close off the vein. If this procedure isn't suitable, foam can be injected into the vein to seal it off.
  • ptolemy
    ptolemy em_02488

    Posted

    Skipper37 has outlined the alternatives to stripping the vein under a general. The ones mentioned are under a local can be done virtually anywhere and theoretically you can drive home afterwards, although that is probably not recommended. The procedure takes less than an hour. Once the vein has been destroyed the body converts it to fibrous tissue so you are not walking around with an empty vein for the rest of your life! The important thing if you have it done is to ensure that the person doing it is good at it and has had lots of practise.
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