Living with Varicose Veins: A Patient’s Story of Hope and Relief
Varicose veins affect millions of people worldwide. These twisted, swollen veins can be painful and unsightly, but there is hope for relief. Thanks to recent advancements in vascular medicine, we can now treat varicose veins and underlying venous insufficiency through safe, in-office, minimally invasive treatments, such as sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation, and more.
Vein Treatment Clinic specializes in minimally invasive varicose vein treatments that usually conclude within an hour and involve no downtime. You don’t have to live with varicose veins. In this article, we describe what it’s like to live with varicose veins and explore how our board-certified vein doctors can provide relief using safe, minimally invasive vein treatments.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins occur when the veins become enlarged and twisted, usually in the legs. They are often blue or purple and can be painful or uncomfortable. Varicose veins are more common in women than in men and tend to run in families.
Living with varicose veins can be challenging. Patients often experience symptoms like:
- Pain and discomfort: Varicose veins can cause aching, throbbing, and a heavy feeling in the legs. These symptoms can make it difficult to stand or walk for extended periods.
- Swelling: The affected legs may swell, particularly at the end of the day.
- Itching and burning: Varicose veins can lead to itching and burning sensations on the skin.
- Skin changes: In severe cases, the skin around varicose veins may become discolored and develop ulcers, which are non-healing wounds that can get infected.
- Aesthetic concerns: Many patients are self-conscious about the appearance of varicose veins, which can affect their self-esteem and confidence.
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What Is it Like to Live With Varicose Veins?
Imagine waking up one morning and noticing something unusual on your legs. At first, it’s just a faint, bluish line under your skin, barely noticeable. You might think it’s a temporary issue, but as time goes by, you realize it’s not going away. This is the beginning of varicose veins.
The First Signs and Symptoms
Over time, you may start noticing subtle signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, the root cause of most vein problems. It might be a mild ache or discomfort in your legs, especially after a long day of standing or sitting. Occasionally, you notice your legs swelling slightly, or there’s a feeling of heaviness that you can’t quite explain.
The Symptoms Gradually Worsen
As time passes, these symptoms worsen. You find yourself avoiding activities that require prolonged standing or walking. Those once-enjoyable hikes or shopping trips now feel like a daunting task. You start to skip the occasional family outing because you’re afraid of the pain and discomfort that will follow. You may also notice spider veins and bulging rope-like veins protruding from your skin’s surface, which may cause discomfort and self-consciousness.
Eventually, you may stop wearing shorts or dresses that reveal your legs or find excuses to avoid going to the beach, an activity that brought you such joy, because you’re self-conscious of the appearance of your legs. As you start isolating yourself and avoiding social events due to discomfort, pain, and self-consciousness, you may find that you’re just not as happy anymore. Your isolation may even lead to anxiety and mental health concerns.
You Try to Find Relief
Determined to regain your quality of life, you try to find relief from varicose veins. You start by making numerous lifestyle changes. You incorporate regular exercise into your routine, hoping it will improve blood circulation. You invest in compression stockings, which offer some temporary relief by providing external support to your veins. You elevate your legs whenever possible, seeking relief from the relentless discomfort.
You prioritize foods that promote vein health. You drink more water, hoping it will reduce inflammation and strengthen your blood vessels. You even make an effort to shed a few pounds since excess weight can worsen your condition. While these changes provide temporary relief and some improvement in your symptoms, they do not offer a long-lasting solution. The varicose veins persist, and you begin to feel frustrated and discouraged.
You Finally Consult Vein Doctors
One day, while browsing the internet in search of answers, you come across stories of individuals who have successfully found relief from varicose veins. They share their experiences of visiting a vein doctor who offered minimally invasive vein treatments. This motivates you to take action. You realize the only way to treat varicose veins is to seek the help of a vein specialist who can provide a more targeted and effective solution,
Your first visit to the vein doctor is a turning point in your struggle with varicose veins. The doctor listens attentively as you describe your symptoms and examines your legs. Through a series of diagnostic tests, the vein doctor identifies the underlying issue: venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency is a condition where the valves in your veins fail to function correctly, causing blood to flow backward and pool in the veins. This leads to the enlargement and twisting characteristic of varicose veins.
Minimally Invasive Vein Treatments
With a clear understanding of your condition, the vein doctor discusses minimally invasive vein treatments tailored to your needs. These treatments are groundbreaking in their effectiveness and convenience. Your vein doctor may recommend treatments like endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, VenaSeal, ambulatory phlebectomy, and sclerotherapy.
You’re initially concerned about the risks or having to take time off work. But your vein doctor assures you that these vein treatments are performed as in-office procedures under local anesthesia and involve no downtime. Most of these treatments conclude within an hour and allow you to resume most of your daily activities immediately. Your vein doctor discusses your options and finally curates a personalized treatment plan.
Most vein treatments are performed in the office. The vein doctor administers local anesthesia so you feel no pain and makes a small incision to insert a catheter or inject a special solution into the targeted veins. Regardless of the treatment used, the process is over within 30 to 60 minutes, after which you can get into your car and drive back to work. You’re asked to wear compression stockings for a few weeks, but you can mostly get back to your daily life.
The Journey to Relief Continues
As you undergo minimally invasive treatments, you begin to experience a significant reduction in pain and discomfort. Your legs feel lighter, and you regain the confidence to participate in activities you had previously avoided. The swelling subsides, and you can finally appreciate the beauty of your legs without the unsightly bulging veins. As you continue your treatments and follow-up appointments with the vein doctor, you finally feel confident again.
What Are My Minimally Invasive Varicose Vein Treatment Options?
- Endovenous Laser Ablation: EVLA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to seal off the affected vein. A thin laser fiber is inserted into the vein through a small incision. The laser emits controlled energy, causing the vein to collapse and seal shut. Blood flow is then redirected to healthier veins.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: RFA is similar to EVLA but uses radiofrequency energy instead of laser energy. A catheter with a radiofrequency tip is inserted into the damaged vein. The radiofrequency energy heats and seals the vein, ultimately leading to its closure. Blood circulation is rerouted to healthier veins.
- VenaSeal: VenaSeal is a newer treatment that involves injecting a medical adhesive directly into the damaged vein. The adhesive seals the vein shut, and blood flow is rerouted to healthier veins. VenaSeal eliminates the need for thermal energy (heat) or multiple injections.
- ClariVein: ClariVein combines mechanical and chemical methods to treat varicose veins. A catheter with a rotating tip is inserted into the affected vein. Simultaneously, a special medicine is infused into the vein, causing it to spasm and seal shut.
- Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Phlebectomy is a procedure to physically remove surface varicose veins through tiny incisions. The surgeon uses a hook-like instrument to grasp and remove the affected vein segments. This is reserved for larger, superficial varicose veins.
- Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure for smaller varicose veins and spider veins. A specialized solution (sclerosant) is injected directly into the damaged vein. The solution irritates the vein’s lining, causing it to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. Multiple sessions may be required for optimal results.
You Don’t Have to Live With Varicose Veins: Schedule Your Consultation Today
Living with varicose veins can be uncomfortable and affect your daily life. The board-certified vein doctors at Vein Treatment Clinic can help you find lasting relief. Our team offers a range of minimally invasive vein treatments to provide you with effective results and a quick recovery. Our thorough assessments and personalized treatment plans guarantee that you receive the care that’s right for you.
We understand the financial aspect of healthcare can be concerning, which is why we offer free insurance verification. With state-of-the-art offices located in New York, Long Island, New Jersey, California, and Maryland, scheduling your consultation with our experienced vein specialists is easy and convenient. Take the first step towards healthier, pain-free legs by contacting your nearest vein treatment clinic today.
