varicose vein treatments injections etc...anyone have experience good or bad..thanks

A couple years ago I had the following treatments for varicose veins of various sizes in both legs, some of which were large, lumpy and very painful:

EndoVenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)

The Endovenous Laser Treatment (or Ablation) procedure is performed in the doctor's office under local anesthesia. This procedure closes the abnormal saphenous veins. These are the same veins that were previously treated with surgical stripping

With ultrasound guidance, a thin laser fiber is inserted into the vein through a tiny incision in the calf and advanced to the top of the vein. After placement of local anesthetic around the vein, the laser is activated, which delivers heat to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse and seal shut. The vein will then disappear over 6-12 months.
Patients are able and required to walk immediately after the procedure, and most patients return to work the next day. Following treatment, patients wear prescription-strength compression stockings for three weeks.
In some cases, other treatments, including ambulatory phlebectomy and endovenous chemical ablation, are used in combination with endovenous laser ablation to achieve the best possible results.

Endovenous Chemical Ablation*

Also known as ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, endovenous chemical ablation is another treatment method for the elimination of varicose veins. This procedure targets and eliminates varicose veins that are hidden from the naked eye and only seen by ultrasound.
Here, a chemical irritant, called a sclerosant, is injected into the vein while the doctor observes the injection process on the ultrasound screen. The sclerosant damages the lining of the vein wall collapses the vein and eventually leads to the body reabsorbing the destroyed vein. The sclerosant can come in a liquid or foam form.
Patients are required to walk immediately after the procedure and return to your normal activity that same day. Following treatment, patients wear prescription-strength compression stockings for three weeks.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory Phlebectomy, Micro-phlebectomy, or “hook” phlebectomy, is a micro-extraction procedure used to remove bulging varicose veins, both large and small, that are close to the surface through very small (1/16 – 1/8 inch) micro-incisions. The micro-incisions are so small that they seldom require a stitch. Once healed, they are rarely visible.
Bruising will occur and will take a few weeks to go away. A compression stocking is worn for 3 weeks after the procedure.


The procedures are all done in the doctor's office (a certified varicose vein specialist) and were not really painful at all. Mildly uncomfortable a couple of times, but no more. I had a good, easy recovery -- actually you just go on about your business and it all heals up just fine. He did one leg at a time, a few days apart.

The procedures were covered by my Medicare Advantage plan and I had a total out-of-pocket cost of $100. This covered the ultrasound scans on my legs and the procedures.

It really wasn't a big deal at all. My only caveat is to be sure you find a doctor who really knows what he is doing with vascular stuff. The doctor who did mine is certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.
 
Thank you for putting that together for me and putting me somewhat at ease ..I am getting older and this is part of it apparently ...that doesn't mean I have to like or to accept it ..so fix it and keep rolling with my exercise program-- finding a doctor is always always the challenge-- all are not created equal--Thank you so much......appreciate it...
 
more...mine seems to bother me more at times than other times...must be normal ..it is rather recent anyway but something I want to address sooner rather than later--

Would seem that given the time and proper supplements, diet, exercise, etc, that new blood routes would develop to compensate for the loss of blood supply by shutting down a vein etc. does that go along with your understanding.?? and again ...still, thank you.
 
paxtonstafford said:
more...mine seems to bother me more at times than other times...must be normal ..it is rather recent anyway but something I want to address sooner rather than later--

Would seem that given the time and proper supplements, diet, exercise, etc, that new blood routes would develop to compensate for the loss of blood supply by shutting down a vein etc. does that go along with your understanding.?? and again ...still, thank you.
Click to expand...

Yes. That what I was told (about the new blood routes). I haven't had any trouble with the old ones recurring, though I do think I see a couple new ones coming on. I wouldn't have bothered to do it for cosmetic purposes like some people do, but in my case they were worried about possible clots forming, especially in the very large one on my inner thigh.

The information I posted was from my doc's website. I think it all sounds kinda scary, but it really wasn't a big deal (and I am the Great Chickenheart). For me, the worst part of the whole thing was lying on one side because I have a screwed up shoulder (but they figured out a bunch of rolled up towels and so on to take most of the pressure off).

Years ago, surgery for varicose veins was a very big deal, but not so anymore. You really should check into it if they are hurting. You don't want clots.

The doc I saw was recommended by my PCP, but I bet you could search the net for a good one in your area that your insurance would cover.
 
.

Several years ago, one of my friends who is a nurse had some of her leg veins stripped and it caused major complications. I don't know exactly what happened, but years later she still complains that the quack doctor ruined her legs.
 
Thanks again, once again all doctors are not created equal--I recently went to a new one closer to me to see if I could find a go to guy in case I needed one--I provided two years of previous blood work and several pages of other stuff....I wanted an older doctor not yet burnt out and engaged -wanted to be there -and Liked his work and patients..

.b.s. ...he never looked at my info I know from all the dumb questions he asked that were covered previously by my reg doctor...this guy was a burn out for sure...he is done....lot of them are like that-- hard to find mature experienced and still have the fire.
 
Thank you gs ex

jaminhealth said:
I don't have varicose veins but spider veins on inside of knees, and they are getting lighter and lighter from many years of taking grape seed extract.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/grape-seed-extract-for-chronic-venous-insufficiency-89458

Don't know if this is of help to you or not. But it's a great antioxidant which addresses so many issues..
Click to expand...


yes this and other stuff works for some people and others not...and other supplements also...using some stuff called dermend---seems to be helping it is collagen booster more or less....thanks will add it to my already three shelves of stuff....something is working I am getting old and not much problem- usual stupid stuff. but work at it walk stretches etc...Thank you.
 
paxtonstafford said:
looking for some treatment that will be satisfactory just above and adjacent to the knee inside.
Click to expand...
FYI--ALL---[FONT=&quot]Follow up varicose veins--

on a suggestion for bruising on the backs of my hands and explained to me the cause -thinning of the skin because of age related collagen dissipation-[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]“dermend”, 20 bucks a pop—supposed to encourage collagen growth -seemingly it must-used so far for the last month-on hands and varicose veins…result no more bruising- and varicose veins seem to be a non issue…go figure

—but also take a collagen and rutin supplement every night…

anyway I am a very pleased boy—


[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I am never never up for any kind of medial procedure …FYI[/FONT]
 
Have you considered laser treatment? It's medical but non-surgical and causes the veins to disappear. It's ususally done by a dermatologist. The Cutera excel v is the one I've heard the most about.
 
No--still trying to assess my need etc.--was bothering me-- but applying "dermend" and taking collagen supplements and very much improved to point that I am really impressed. Since thinning of the skin is a major contributor it seems. Meanwhile my vein clinic uses cardiologists to do it instead of vascular surgeons? ---so, trying to flush that! also...like "why"? This appears to be a major vein to me not knowing much about it but inside of knee just above and across the knee ..seems like it might be a major deal and have some thing to do with my femoral artery...(don't know and not sure I want to...squimeeish)

For some reason --I hate this gory stuff) to me, also seems consultation- then wear support for three monthes then do the deed...

The idea of killing a major blood supply in my leg is pretty unappealing to me --not sure how that cannot have dire conseqences...--

But thank you I will for sure research your suggestion along with all other info from Dr. Internet--aside the from the 90% crap Dr. Internet puts out ...(similar to regular Dr.'s) You can find the correct info, if persistent and committed-Thank you very much- it is incredibly appreciated by me....
 
At first look Dr. Internet indicates that perhaps the Cutera deal is for smaller spider veins etc. but will persist- again, thank you-
 
I don't know if you looked at the grape seed ex info and venous insufficiency but the spider veins on my knee areas are very faint...and I've had them for maybe 30 yrs.
 
paxtonstafford said:
No--still trying to assess my need etc.--was bothering me-- but applying "dermend" and taking collagen supplements and very much improved to point that I am really impressed. Since thinning of the skin is a major contributor it seems. Meanwhile my vein clinic uses cardiologists to do it instead of vascular surgeons? ---so, trying to flush that! also...like "why"? This appears to be a major vein to me not knowing much about it but inside of knee just above and across the knee ..seems like it might be a major deal and have some thing to do with my femoral artery...(don't know and not sure I want to...squimeeish)

For some reason --I hate this gory stuff) to me, also seems consultation- then wear support for three monthes then do the deed...

The idea of killing a major blood supply in my leg is pretty unappealing to me --not sure how that cannot have dire conseqences...--

But thank you I will for sure research your suggestion along with all other info from Dr. Internet--aside the from the 90% crap Dr. Internet puts out ...(similar to regular Dr.'s) You can find the correct info, if persistent and committed-Thank you very much- it is incredibly appreciated by me....
Click to expand...

I've never heard of cardiologists doing this stuff-- here it is always a vascular surgeon. It makes no sense that cardiologists are doing this -- first off, most cardiologists are not surgeons anyway; maybe these guys are cardiovascular surgeons?

Are you considering doing this because of the appearance of the veins? I woudn't have bothered if I had been only concerned about that. Mine were painful and in danger of clots forming, which can break loose and travel to the lungs or brain, both of which are frequently fatal.
 
st lukes hospital in kansas city huge-- many facilties- them and kansas university med center best in the region.---so don't know? look em up ...st lukes on the plaza vein clinic..

mine starting to be mildly uncomfortable..so like you..were painful and in danger of clots forming, which can break loose and travel to the lungs or brain, both of which are frequently fatal.

want to fix em if that is the foolproof remedy-
thank you very much for the info...seems like the lazer might be for smaller cosmetic stuff but have not researched it completly yet but will....thanks again-
 
I don't know what is foolproof on anything..... I know that the Grape Seed Extract I've been taking for 25 yrs soon is known to work to reduce vein issues. I have had some spider veins on the inside of my 81 yr old legs and they are not getting worse. And since my daughter has been using HGH Homeopathic Gel her varcoise venins are reducing. Antioxidants are important for inflammation and circulation thru our whole body.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/grape-seed-extract-for-chronic-venous-insufficiency-89458

Good luck on whatever you end up doing.
 
I've had large, bulging varicose veins on both legs for the past 12 years. Left leg is worse than the right. I wrap both legs in an ace bandage which allows me to customize the compression & is much easier than those compression socks. I would consider treating them if they caused a lot of pain frequently.
When I first got them, my legs did ache sometimes, especially when trying to sleep. I started a walking & elliptical program at least 3 times/week. So far, no other treatment necessary.

A friend a few years younger than me had the treatment twice. He said whatever procedure you have is not permanent & has to be repeated. And each removed or destroyed vein means other veins having a heavier load.
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top