Wellness

[Grammy75]

I have been fighting these painful things for months. Last weekend we went on a little trip, drove a lot. On Monday my right calf was swollen and stayed that way all week. I would keep it elevated as much as possible. That seemed to help with the swelling. The swelling is almost gone. Is this typical for varicose veins?

[millieshops]

Not typical, but not unheard of either. Sounds as if you have a bit of cellulitis which I remember my doctor telling me came from the failure of the value in my lower leg to return blood and clear up infections. That was extremely painful and I ended up needing medical care. Sounds as if your resting and elevating your leg helped you, but I'd ask a doctor for sure if the condition reoccurs.

My varicosities look ugly, but I have absolutely no pain from them at this time. I'm not doing treatment, but I'm well over 70, so cosmetically I'm just no terribly concerned.

[Perkup]

Through the years (80 of them) people have told me over and over not to sit with my legs crossed. Of course, I paid no attention. Crossed my right leg over the left. Now I have one very uncomfortable varicose vein on the outside of my right knee - just where I kept the pressure on through the years. HUGE MISTAKE!!

Does it hurt?? Not all the time, but once in a while. And more often when I sleep on my right side with pressure on the outside of my right leg. I don't think I've had any swelling!

If you're still young enough to change your habits - change this one. DO NOT CROSS YOUR LEGS!! You'll likely pay for it later!

[Shelbelle]

You may consider trying an OTC supplement that contains Diosmin excellent for VV.

[Grammy75]

Thanks ladies! My leg is still tender so I'm trying to be careful. I think I will check with my doctor to be safe. In the past, when a vein would pop, my leg would be sore for a few days. I've never had swelling before, that's was has scared me.

[gazelle77]

I wear compression stockings. They look like knee high socks. They come in all colors and patterns. No one would know they are compression socks!

[debcakes]

On 6/1/2014 Grammy75 said: Thanks ladies! My leg is still tender so I'm trying to be careful. I think I will check with my doctor to be safe. In the past, when a vein would pop, my leg would be sore for a few days. I've never had swelling before, that's was has scared me.

Yes, please check with your DR. I have bad veins but have never had anything like that happen.

[Grammy75]

Update; I went to see my doctor today. She was somewhat concerned about the swelling in my calf. She scheduled a Doppler for me tomorrow, checking for a blood clot.

[adoreqvc]

It would be most advantageous if your physician also refers you to see a Vascular Surgeon immediately, if she hasn't already done that.

Checking for a blood clot is very important as well as having an electrocardiogram to rule out abnormalities in the heart which can result when the blood flow from the veins no longer directs the proper blood flow to the heart, and throughout the body.

Also extremely important is a full leg evaluation by a Vascular Surgeon who can medically correctly access your leg issues, and resolve them with your best interests in mind.

The Vascular Surgeon would perform various tests which are not painful to reveal any leg/vein abnormalities. If that is the case a painless surgery under IV sedation is performed called vnus closure which is performed by a very tiny needle which injects heat that properly seals the non operational vein in that leg. Then the vein eventually is absorbed by the body, but at the time of the surgery the proper blood flow re-directs to other healthy leg veins.

For the swelling called edema compression stockings are usually prescribed, and they do help with minimizing the swelling and leg pain.

Also sleeping on an elevated leg pillow at night is essential, and the stockings are placed on your legs before you leave the bed.

My beloved departed Mother used to wear the thigh high compression stockings and they helped a lot. She also had excessive edema contributed by the major leg vein which became non operational in its daily leg function. That caused her intense leg pain, severe cramping, and extensive leg and foot swelling. The vnus closure surgery and compression stockings, along with the leg elevation pillow really helped her very much.

You may also receive a prescription for water pills as I know my Mother was prescribed Lasix.

I highly recommend your requesting a referral to a Vascular Surgeon if you still have not seen one, so every test required is performed on your behalf as soon as possible, and also try not to eat anything with salt or sugar, since they do help retain swelling in the limbs. A lighter more nature enriched diet would be most beneficial since it is also easier to digest and does not have sodium and sugar which is so evident in all processed foods these days.

My Mom's Vascular Surgeon said these problems are common when people age and for the most part can be resolved with the cooperation of the patient, surgery if recommended, compression stocking, leg elevation, and losing weight. I know the Surgeon stated all the above helps before and after surgery, or just in general when surgery is not medically recommended.

I wish you well Grammy75, hope this information I provided helps a bit, and please know you will be held in daily prayers, and also kindly post your final results.

[Grammy75]

Thank you adoreqvc. I appreciate all the good information you shared. I had not thought about my diet. I do eat pretty healthy, but do eat some sweets. I do try to keep my leg elevated when sitting down, I think that helps some. I guess I will have to break down and wear the compression hose, it's just so hot here. My leg was clear, no blood clots. My doctor is contacting a vascular doctor, just waiting to hear from her. Your prayers are greatly appreciated!