To ask if anyone successfully got varicose vein treatment on NHS

[B3ck89]

Have just booked another appointment to see if I can be referred for having my varicose veins treated.
Have had them for around 7-8 years, never really had a huge issue with them since being pregnant with, he’s now 17 months.
They are quite bad and go all down my calf, they are horrendously itchy and can scratch them till they bleed (not good I know, but it’s unbearable especially once I’ve took my trousers off) they are now aching and feeling numb in places.
When I went on holiday when I was 14 weeks pregnant, a few hours after landing my whole leg right up to above my knee swelled to twice the size and was rock solid, I’m sure it was to do with the veins in my leg as my non veiny leg was absolutely fine. I panicked to say the least worrying about DVT. So scared to fly again in case it happens again.
It’s really affecting me, if they wasn’t so irritating and sore at times otherwise I would just save and go private but I don’t think I can take much more
My GP referred me last year but it got refused, and they are just getting worse so I have another appointment next month.
I know the NHS has a lot on their plate, and budgets don’t normally allow stuff like this.
Has anyone else had any success?

It depends where you live - you'll need to check the policy of your CCG. In my area they will fund it for severe cases.

I deal with applications for funding as part of my job. It is worth checking your policy and checking the application the GP submitted as the ones I receive are often poorly completed so are declined.

I think very few CCGs are now funding varicose vein surgery.

I had it done in 2013 but they initially rejected it. I think they took it on because it was a relatively simple case and my job as a teacher meant I was on my feet every day. I get the feeling that wouldn't happen now though.

Try to get a referral again to reassess and really make it clear how much it impacts your life.

Felford - where do I check that?

Thankyou all for replying, I’m really hoping it works this time. I can understand them saying no for cosmetic reasons, but I don’t want them removed for how they look I would happily wait to save the money.
I’m due to go on holiday next year and I’m so worried I could have problems flying

I tried unsuccessfully several times. I was told treatment would only be available if they ulcerated (and still not guaranteed). After a very, very painful bout of thrombophlebitis I decided I couldn't risk being in pain and off work and went private. I know it's not an option everyone has (I had to save for a year first), but it has been amazing.

My sister has had 3 operations on hers. The first when she was 25 and unknowingly in the early stages of pregnancy. She’s had them redone twice since. I think hers are fairly severe though.

I’m not in UK but I’ve had mine lasered and it was the best thing I ever did. It was partially covered under our healthcare system but the rest I had to pay. Best thing ever. Surely if yours are giving you that much grief it’s now a medical problem.?

Why do they refuse? Surely it's important to treat them !

@reytmardy

Budget cuts. Simples

I did a couple of years ago. GP said I had no chance but referred me so I could ask about best options and then go private.
Consultant referred me for a scan and agreed they were knackered so did them under nhs.
Maybe relevant but I also work for nhs and it was getting to the point where it was affecting my ability to do my job.

You wouldn’t if you lived here. My friend had to pay.

My friend had this done a couple of years ago on the NHS she was trying to loose weight and every time she ran they throbbed so much she couldn't run....that's what she told the doc anyway.

No, but I used Benenden health to get mine done, you need to be a member for 6 months and it covers pre existing conditions. It is only about £10 a month so really worth it. Mine are gone now with laser surgery and it is so, so much better. I'm so grateful for it. It only took about 8 weeks, as well.

I've got a leg of lumps and itchy bumps too OP, been to the GP twice - was given cream once (!) and the second time referred for support stockings - there was then a reason they couldn't provide them. I don't know why 🤷‍♀️
So no, no help here. I've had this leg like this for almost 10 years now. It's gross but nothing I can do. The NHS won't help me. I'm in the NW if it helps.

Nope sorry. Not a chance. I am saving up to have mine done but realistically I may never be able to afford it. Mine are a bad case and I have still been told no. There is no money for it on the NHS. Not where I am anyway.

If it is a struggle please consider using a mutual society and getting it done you don;t have to save up...mine cost around 4K but really was paid for and only had to pay ten pounds for 6 months to be eligible. It was set up for postal workers and compliments the NHS. We are all members now as it kicks in for stuff the NHS wont do of if the waiting list is over 6 months.

I had mine treated about 3 years ago and a friend who lives in same area had hers done the next year. Consultant also sorted a few veins that were cosmetically problematic at the same time (these were the result of previous unsuccessful varicose vein surgery)
I live in Scotland.

Has anyone had any luck to get treatment on NHS for varicose veins. I have been suffering with them for 10 years now. 6 years ago GP refered me to vascuar sureon and done ultrasound, found some problems but decided tk not do the surgery. Now Each time i visit GP they refuse to refer me to vascular surgeon for furter. Been wearing stockings for last 6 to 7 years no change at all. Varicose veins are getting worse around the ankle therefore unable to wear boots or anything going over my ankles :( any sugestions on what i could do. Not in the position to go private.

I know someone who had theirs done but they were a really severe case in both legs. He had to wait a long time even after referral before they agreed on the op (like 12 months) and then was made to wait another 12 months as he had 6 stone to lose before they’d put him under general anaesthetic.

Just make sure that you fully explain the impact on your life and health at your appointment. I hope they refer you OP.

My husband got them treated by the NHS although the procedure was carried out by a private hospital. The only reason he was treated was because of terrible eczema on his ankles which wasn't healing due to decreased blood flow and in danger of ulcerating.

I couldn't even get mine done under our private medical insurance. I too had the borderline DVT/thrombosis....you need to wear compression stockings on the plane.
But anyway, it's pointless getting them done until you've finished having children.