Varicose veins

[icelollycraving]

Has anyone got them?
Mine are awful, I have had some health concerns recently but it seems the varicose veins are the problem. Nhs don't do anything.
Anyone got any tips or advice please.

[itsnothingoriginal]

Yes I have them all the way up my right leg and they're getting worse by the day! Horrid aren't they.

I am going back to GP as they've started to itch and swell again. I was prescribed Hirudoid cream which seemed to reduce the swelling - was quite good. Might be worth a try? Have you asked about surgery then? I know is quite hard to get referred these days.

[Preminstreltension]

I had my worst one removed by laser therapy about 5 years ago. It's now back and as bad as ever

[icelollycraving]

They are bloody hideous!
The GP said they do not refer at all & as much as I'd like rid I don't have the funds.
I wondered if there was any vitamins or supplements are of any help.

[HellKitty]

Horse Chestnut is meant to be good for them. At least it's an excuse to buy Baededas (sp) bubble bath!

I managed to get a referral to a surgeon ten years ago. He then bollocked me and told him he doesn't do 'cosmetic' operations. Wanker. They're as itchy as ever and I'm going to have to go private.

[augustusglupe]

Hi OP, had mine done 10 days ago. Had the EVLT (laser) It was private though and I was also told that the NHS don't even consider it anymore for cosmetic reasons.
Mine have been quite bad for a few years, it was affecting my confidence, so I went for it... though I was bloody scared!!
It was ok, not the walk in the park the publicity surrounding the procedure says, but doable.
Obviously it's early days, but so far, I'm glad I did it.

[icelollycraving]

Oooh,brave! Were yours scattered or all over. Mine is starting to resemble the district line.

[augustusglupe]

Yes, kind of. I had my right leg stripped....God that phrase makes me want to pass out around 12 years ago and about 4 years ago they came back worse and on both legs. I've been thinking about it for years.
If ever you do decide to go ahead OP I'd say just research the the surgeon well, especially if having one of the new, non invasive treatments.
The bloke that did mine really knows his stuff and he's got a good back up team. Had an odd pain with mine this week, he saw me within hours, as it turned out it was just part of the healing process, but he was great.
Hope you get yours done too one day...I don't care if I never see another maxi dress or Capri pant

[crispandfruity]

My DH had a really bad vv on one of his legs. It affected his circulation (caused blood pooling in his foot etc) which resulted in tissue breakdown and venous ulcers.

He got referred and had the vein lasered out a couple of months ago.

Itchyness and skin changes should NOT be ignored or minimised. Has your GP suggested pressure garments/stockings? While DH was waiting for his leg to be done they really helped.

[icelollycraving]

I don't get itching but I have got issues with circulation. In the morning my feet,ankles & knees are sore & lack mobility. Whilst sympathetic the GP said there's nothing that really helps although losing weight would be beneficial generally. After sleeping or sitting for a length of time,I feel discomfort.
My legs have always been quite nice comparatively until the last couple of years.

[crispandfruity]

Interesting, mornings were always the most uncomfortable for DH. They are so horrid aren't they? I think it's ridiculous that they aren't taken more seriously and treated at an early stage.

If you see any sort of pigment change to your ankles/feet or develop itchy skin you really need to push for treatment. Venous ulcers are hideously uncomfortable.

[BlinkingHeck]

I have them in both legs, I am 36.
I hate the fact I have to wear trousers or long skirts in the summer. I am seriously considering paying for them to be done if I can't get them done by the NHS. They are very painful as well as unsightly.

[gailforce1]

augustusglupe How long ago did you have yours dine and do you mind me asking where?
I have one in my left leg that is so painful I can no longer drive a geared car but will have to pay and go privately.

[augustusglupe]

Hi gail only had mine done 12 days ago, so it's early days. Have gone from baby steps to now walking 2 miles a day in less than 2 weeks. I do have a lot of bruising but it's getting better by the day and so far I'm really glad I went ahead with it. Don't want to out myself so I can PM you hospital/consultant details if you like.

[Ohwhatfuckeryisthis]

Me too! Hereditary little fuckers. Worse in one leg than the other. They itch sometimes, but don't hurt. My mum had both legs done (vertical scar down shin) but they still plagued her. I had a referral too who told me they wouldn't operate unless they ruptured. I do wear support tights when I remember, but in the summer?