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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to even bother asking my doc if i can have a painful varicose vein dealt with

44 replies

InTheWhiteRoom · 11/03/2015 13:02

I am really embarrassed asking about this Blush

I am only 35 :( but I never get my legs out anymore as since my last pregnancy (dc3 and sixth pregnancy) one of my legs has quite a few varicose veins

they HURT nearly all the time esp as my job involves standing most of the time. so after work they hurt even more. they also sometimes really itch and its so hard not to scratch as that makes them hurt more

and they look fooking horrible, I have quite nice legs, long and slim and good skin otherwise so it pisses me off that in summer I am stuck in jeans and leggings all the while

I have a gp appt in a few days but worried he will laugh me out the surgery. and there is no way I can afford private treatment as cost thousands I think. has anyone ever managed to get treatment on the nhs? or is it not even worth asking?

OP posts:
MehsMum · 11/03/2015 13:06

No, he won't laugh.

I have a friend in his 60s who has had varicose veins for years and has had numerous trips to the GP with them (I get updates when dog walking...). My DM suffered with them for years and if I'd known then what I know now I'd have taken her to the GP myself!

Definitely ask about treatment. Not sure if the NHS provides it, but you can't lose by asking.

LegsForever · 11/03/2015 13:17

Please do talk to the doctor about it. 10 years ago I was in your situation and had an operation on the NHS. Now at 43 I get my legs out confidently every Summer and am free from pain, even when standing for long periods. I had to wear support tights or pop socks under my trousers all the bloody time, and now I am free to have bare feet! Seize the day OP, you are still so young.

BohemianRaptor · 11/03/2015 13:21

Of course YANBU. A friend of mine in her 30's just had hers removed on the NHS.

Pishedorf · 11/03/2015 13:24

It will depend on your local guidelines. Where I work, it's classed as a procedure of low clinical priority now and is no longer funded on the NHS. It's only offered in very specific circumstances.

It's always worth a chat to the GP though, your local area may have different commissioning guidelines.

Original poster
InTheWhiteRoom · 11/03/2015 13:27

that's what I thought pishedorf

as its not life threatening or properly debilitating or anything

will deffo ask, I just hate going to the doctors as they intimidate me and also don't want to look entitled or anything

but yeah like you say legs I am only 35, if I was 75 I would prob just live with it. and it makes my work difficult so hopefully they would take that into consideration

OP posts:
Pantone363 · 11/03/2015 13:27

My DM had hers removed on the NHS.

Don't play down the pain factor that's what the GP will be interested in, they won't refer you if they think you are just conscious of how they look.

toots111 · 11/03/2015 13:27

I know someone who is 40 and just had theirs done on the NHS. One leg at a time. Looks loads better. He is in London.

Pantone363 · 11/03/2015 13:31

Also google any home DIY remedies they may suggest and tell them you've already done them. Don't be intimidated by them. I'd say

"I'm here about some varicose veins, they've gotten very painful in the last six months and make work quite difficult after x amount of time. I am unable to sit down at work so they are progressively getting worse. I've tried x, y and z for x amount of time but it isn't making any difference. What would your suggestions be now?"

airforsharon · 11/03/2015 13:32

YANBU and definitely ask your GP.

It does depend on your area and their guidelines, but I had a huge - ankle to upper thigh - vein injected last year to remove it. It was ugly and uncomfortable (it appeared after a twin pregnancy). As yours is causing you pain, itching etc then you should be a good candidate for removal - especially as you are young, have many years ahead of you and veins can, over time, get worse.

LegsForever · 11/03/2015 13:37

Just to add, I agree with Pantone's advice. Emphasise the pain and effects on your work. I put off doing anything at first, thinking I would just have to live with it, but the GP was much more sympathetic than I had expected.

Shedding · 11/03/2015 13:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ScrambledSmegs · 11/03/2015 13:43

There are other treatments apart from removal, although I'm not sure if they're available on the NHS. There's ablation using radio frequency, and microfoam, both of which clear the blocked vein. The ablation procedure then seals it I think. There's probably more.

Not sure if either of these procedures are available on the NHS now, athough I know of someone who had it done in Spain some years ago and the results were amazing.

Lonecatwithkitten · 11/03/2015 13:43

Do go and see your GP. But don't assume having them remove now will be the solution for ever. I had bilateral groin to calf strips 8 years ago at the age of 35. Now despite doing everything right one leg is as bad as it ever was burning and itching, not to mention horrible and ugly.

SoonToBeMrsB · 11/03/2015 13:52

I'm 24 and my doctor referred me to the hospital for my varicose vein as I've lost weight and it has gotten worse, especially when I exercise as it gets hot and itchy and sore. I've been for a consultation and I've had the scans done, I now just need to lose a further two stone and then I'll get a surgery date.

I can't wait - my leg looks like tapioca in a string bag and I'm getting married in a knee length dress next summer Sad

Original poster
InTheWhiteRoom · 11/03/2015 14:24

oh god I did not know that the bastards can come back lonecat and sorry to hear yours did :(

and yeah soontobe mines like that when I exercise, good luck with your weight loss

I am surprised I have them tbh as I am skinny, less than 8 stone wet through and barely gained anything in my pregnancies so I don't get it Confused

thanks for the advice people keep the positive stories coming (well positive and otherwise lol)

OP posts:
Original poster
InTheWhiteRoom · 11/03/2015 14:27

Oh god why the fuck have mn put this on dotd Blush

name changes again

OP posts:
IStopped · 11/03/2015 14:38

YANBU, if they are painful then surely you need them removing.

I'd like to correct you on the thought that you would put up with them if you were 75. Confused - you could easily live another 25 years and just because you are old doesn't mean you should put up with pain or feel like you can't show your legs.

Original poster
InTheWhiteRoom · 11/03/2015 16:07

yeah you are right there istopped

and if they do agree remove them then I WILL be wearing mini skirts at 75 :D

OP posts:
FabULouse · 11/03/2015 16:17

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Original poster
InTheWhiteRoom · 11/03/2015 16:31

eeek it sounds horrible

although rather have that than the horrid veins

OP posts:
IStopped · 11/03/2015 16:43

....and if they do agree remove them then I WILL be wearing mini skirts at 75 :D

Grin
Lonecatwithkitten · 11/03/2015 18:38

Do your parents have them? Whilst pregnancy, having a standing job and weight can make then worse. It is genetics that are the reason you get them in the first place.

My Dad has had two sets of surgeries and his mum bled out on the kitchen floor from a rupture varicose veinHmm.
To be frank having only gained about 5 years total vein free I am not rushing to have a second surgery.

Original poster
InTheWhiteRoom · 11/03/2015 18:40

omg your poor dad and gran :(

yes my parents have them. should I tell that to the gp?

that's interesting re genetics, I never thought! duh

OP posts:
NobodyLivesHere · 11/03/2015 18:42

Definitely go. My sister had an operation on hers at 26 or so.

Lyndie · 11/03/2015 18:43

It depends on the NHS trust you live in. The majority will not treat painful varicose veins, and reserve treatment for those with recurrent phlebitis or those who have had a significant bleed.

This is a change in recent years so yes, your Gran may have had them treated 10 years ago but not anymore unfortunately.

Private providers do payment plans if you don't qualify for NHS treatment.