Varicose Veins- Going to see doctor

[Jennywallpaper]

I have horrible lumpy green veins basically all over both of my legs, they are so bad you can see them through my trousers, so I've booked an appointment with my Gp tomorrow but I really don't know what to say or expect.
I'm just looking for a bit of advice from someone who's been through it and wondering what happened after you spoke to your go, also what did you tell them?
Just feeling a bit down about the whole thing, they really are terrible and make me feel so bad every time I look at them, I actually feel like crying at the sight of them!! I'm not even 30!
Sorry for rambling on!! Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you 😊

[RainbowBriteRules]

Hi, this won't be what you want to hear but I have the same issue. Have been a couple of times to the doctors - apparently my legs are 'very bad' but I cannot get them fixed on the NHS. There is no money in the system so it wasn't a surprise at all.

Does depend where you live though I think and also if you have any other complications. I had support stockings while I was pregnant but don't bother anymore as no convincing evidence that they work long term. If I ever win the lottery I'll get them fixed.

[Jennywallpaper]

@RainbowBriteRules thank you for replying! I'd love to win the lottery and then I could just get them removed, I know I'd never be able to afford it myself.
My DF went to his Doc recently as he had some to, and he was to get them scanned but something happened with the consultant so it's been put on hold, I think mine are worse than his so I'm hoping I'll at least get them checked out.
I don't think I can put up with them much longer

[RainbowBriteRules]

Yes, the guidelines are that they should scan you I think but I didn't push for it. Even if they had scanned me they wouldn't have done any subsequent treatment to fix them .

Definitely worth seeing GP to see what they say though.

[elephantoverthehill]

Definitely worth seeing the GP and you are quite young. If they are painful or affecting your quality of life, you may have a case............

[thehen]

Good luck at the doctor. In my experience the gpbsaid I didn't stand a chance of getting anything done unless they were ulcerated. I only had them scanned because I developed thrombophlebitis.
I've just had both legs lasered and stripped privately. Not pleasant and very expensive but I was so ashamed of my legs 😕

[Jennywallpaper]

@RainbowBriteRules what did you say when you went? I feel a bit silly going in and being like 'look at my veiny legs, please fix them' How I wish they would just disappear. Have yours gotten any worse over time?

[RainbowBriteRules]

Well I basically lifted up my trouser legs, showed them my veins, the doctor gasped (in a professional way!) and we went from there . Yes, they have got worse. You won't be silly to say that.

[Jennywallpaper]

@elephantoverthehill they are quite sore and I spend at lot of time on my feet for work, by the end of my shifts they are aching and they feel so warm and heavy.
@thehen I'm so ashamed too, I won't go swimming with my family and I hate the summer because I just can't face going out in public in shorts or a skirt, they are so bad you can even see the lumps from them through my trousers!

[RainbowBriteRules]

Mine are also sore etc. Short of proper complications they will not fix mine.

[Jennywallpaper]

@RainbowBriteRules thank you so much, you've really made me feel a lot better!! I feel like every time I look at my legs another one has appeared.

[RainbowBriteRules]

I try not to look these days . I've made my peace with it, sort of. Hopefully you will get better news.

[ibuiltahomeforyou]

I had my veins done three years ago (I was 30).

My NHS wouldn’t initially pay for it but eventually agreed.

Google any clinical trials on varicose veins and get yourself put on one - that was the advice a nurse friend gave me!

[Jennywallpaper]

Thanks @RainbowBriteRules I really hope so!!

[Jennywallpaper]

@ibuiltahomeforyou what are they like now? Do you think it has helped/was worth it? I'll have a look for trials, thank you

[Jennywallpaper]

So I'm being referred to the surgical clinic!!! So glad I'm getting something done, the doctor said my veins are stage 3 and that meets the criteria for referral so it's just a waiting game now to hear from the clinic. Thank you all so much for the support last night!!

[RainbowBriteRules]

Oh wow that is brilliant news

[Ahrightsoted]

I've just found this thread and read with interest. I too have horrendous veins, never wear anything other than jeans because I'm so ashamed by them. I have a couple of v bulgy ones and if I bang or even just kneel near them they pop and I end up with a large black bruise.
Can I be really forward and ask if u could put a pic on here or pm me your worst area. Just wondering if I really should see a doc

[Jennywallpaper]

Thanks @RainbowBriteRules just nervous for what's ahead now, the thought of the surgery is quite scary but I really hope it will be worth it!!

@Ahrightsoted I don't know if I'm brave enough to post a picture but I'll see how I feel tonight when I get home or maybe I'll find one online that's similar it would definitely be worth going anyway just to see what they say.

[Sidge]

Glad you’re getting referred. I know they won’t do varicose vein strips routinely any more.

In the meantime have you tried wearing proper support hosiery? Compression tights or stockings can provide some support and pain relief.

[MOIST]

I've just had my leg veins removed with the NHS. The GP said they wouldn't even accept the referral but turns out they did, and after scanning them there wasn't any quibble about it. Turns out they were completely knackered. Which is why they hurt so much.
I've had thigh and calf stripped, some foam in a different thigh one and multiple ones in my lower leg poked out.
It's not been too bad but 2 weeks later it protests if I've been bouncing around like normal and gets guide swollen. I'm still ever so bruised still. But getting there.

[Ahrightsoted]

I totally understand your fears Jenny, I'm not brave enough to post my legs on here. But if you find a pic that's similar to yours that would be great. Just so I could get an idea of what they consider bad.
Don't want to be laughed out of the docs

[Xennialish]

Had mine done too about 8 years ago and they are just starting to come back now, on my thigh though which is kind of better visually but uncomfortable. So glad I was able to get it done. Be aware that the scan goes up to groin even if your veins don’t so don’t wear neon lacy undies like me if that sort of thing bothers you!

[Vintagebeads]

I had mine done 3 years ago in one leg.
I went in as a day patient had them done and let out in the afternoon.
Walking really helps the healinghealing once your up and about after the GA,I walked a little to start and built up,I did heal really well.
My other leg needs doing now but it isn't bad enough yet I know,but its across my knee and sore.
I had great comfort afterwards from support stockings I think I had to wear it for a good month after and the first few days I wore it in bed(drs orders)I was measured for it so it didn't slip when I walked.
Lots of luck I found the consultant very sympathetic to the pain.
When I went back after a two weeks to get them checked,I saw one of the registrars who was very young male and as it turned out stupid,he turned around and told me I was bikini ready....I nearly died.I only wish I had put him back in his box.

[Jennywallpaper]

@MOIST how long did it take for you to get seen after going to the doc? Glad your feeling better, I hope your recovery doesn't take to long!

@Xennialish ha I don't think I even own any lacy pants anymore so no worries of that happening, maybe when I get these legs sorted I'll feel like wearing something a big nicer again.

@Ahrightsoted I found a picture on google I'll try and post it, mine are worse in my opinion but this will give you an idea.

[Aldilogue]

My legs used to look like yours and I got them lasered 3 years ago. Changed my life, no regrets at all. I'm in Oz and had to pay about $6000 all up. Total cost was $13000 however Medicare ( which is our healthcare system) paid $7000 because they were considered a problem just not cosmetic. If you get the opportunity definitely do it, is great to wear shorts again.