Venous Insufficiency

conlt · ‎03-16-2010

Does anyone have Venous Insufficiency and had it treated? I have to have 4 veins in each leg done. They close off the malfunctioning veins and then you develop collateral circulation. Wondering if anyone has had this procedure done and how it went for you.

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

@conlt In the mid-1990's I had veins stripped because that was the procedure offered to me then when antibiotics we tried didn't relieve the pain. I was in my 50's and standing many hours a day on unforgiving floors. I remember that the hardest part of that procedure was a few days of stiffness, but not great pain.

It's 25 years later and I once again have issues. I'm not inclined to try surgery now so I've taken doctors' recommendation to wear support hose to control the inflammation/pain. I don't know anyone who has had more recent medical procedures - I would asume my experience really doesn't match what you are dealing with now.

My wish for you is relief from pain and discomfort for many years.

msgb · ‎08-30-2010

I had a very large DVT in 1999 on blood thinners for quite some time. The clot "sludge" as the doctor calls it ,never went away and has adhered to different parts of the vein. I have chronic vein insufficiency. There is no procedure that can take it away.
I wasn't even married a year when the DVT was diagnosed.

I am assuming that the procedure that you are going to have done is on the superficial veins and not the deep veins. I know of some who have had the procedure as it was the superficial veins for them and they are quite satisfied with the outcome.

I wish you well in your outcome.

Scooby Doo · ‎03-14-2010

I looked into this twice. It's the small veins in my lower legs that give me trouble, but I do have some large veins in the upper calf. I went to two different clinics. The first one said that the procedure would help me. The second (at the University Hosp) said that the procedure would do nothing for my lower veins.

My friend had some veins done a couple of months ago and she still has leg pain. She said it didn't help her.

My PCP also said that there is a pinched nerve in my back that causes leg pain so I probably won't be relieved.

In the meantime I try to not sit or stand for long periods of time which helps.

Bookplate · ‎08-19-2011

Yes, on one leg a few years ago. I had it evaluated and treated because I had ankle swelling. The treatment was laser, I think. It took two treatments to correct but afterwards and since I have had absolutely no swelling. No pain involved. You just have to wear a long compression stocking after the surgery (outpatient) and for several days.

conlt · ‎03-16-2010

Thank you everyone for your replies. As a RN, I remember taking care of those patients who had vein stripping. That was a big deal with long wounds.

The procedures that I will be having simply close the vein, either by injection or laser. I have to have both, depending on the vein.

I am hoping it helps the swelling and prevents me from having a venous stasis ulcer down the road. I am 65 and as a RN, I also know what Venous Stasis Ulcers are like.

The procedures are so much different than they were years ago. Thank God for that.

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

Thank heavens, no. I had my veins tested last July at my yearly physical.

hannahbanana2 · ‎03-09-2010

@conit Can you tel me more about this condition? From what I've already researched, I think I may have this. What are your symptoms?

Thanks,

Hannah

conlt · ‎03-16-2010

@hannahbanana2 Swelling in my lower legs.Discoloration in my left lower leg. Kind of a slight reddish, tan. Varicose veins in my lower legs. I am at risk for eventually developing an ulcer on my legs.

The vein procedure seals of the malfunctioning veins, and you develop collateral circulation to your legs.

Compression stockings help. I use compression stockings for Costco, or Bombas. You can get them kind of stylish these days.