Varicose veins

[2PedalsTez]

I am sure this subject has been covered before, but has anyone had an experience of treatments for this?
I have got them on the inside of my thigh/knee area and it's beginning to p**s me off! I go through spells of getting an ache from the area, which isn't helped by my job (which involves me standing for about 90% of my day)
I am sure I read that certain treatments can leave problems after with pain or mobility issues(?), so I want to avoid anything that could affect my enjoyment of cycling!

I know my next stop will be the quack, but would be handy to have an idea before hand.

 

[albion]

Any way you can stand less or have some sort of perch in your job.More cycling and plenty of spinning no doubt helps with less cycling maybe making it worse.

And tap dance while no one is looking!

 

[2PedalsTez]

And tap dance while no one is looking!

Will I have to do jazz hands as well? That could be the breaker

 

[vickster]

I believe treatment involves tying off the veins (don't know if there is a lot else - google, NHS direct for details?)

One thing though - treatment is generally considered cosmetic by the NHS and so the ops aren't routinely offered - private (maybe) or self pay being the options

Have you tried compression stockings while standing (flight sock type things)?

 

[accountantpete]

I had mine done about 20 years ago - it's just a matter of cutting out some of the vein that is damaged and involves an op under general anaesthetic and an overnight stay to make sure there are no complications.

When I had mine done the GP was sceptical and reckoned that the VV's would return but to date there have been no problems and no pain. I'd ask the Consultant what they recommend.

 

[2PedalsTez]

Thanks for that..
I shall have a look for the compression wear to help me whilst at work, but a trip to the doc is inevitable.

 

[accountantpete]

One thing though - treatment is generally considered cosmetic by the NHS and so the ops aren't routinely offered - private (maybe) or self pay being the options

Emphasise the pain and the standing if you see the Doc.

 

[Beebo]

i had mine done via a company BUPA policy. ( I appreciate not everyone is this lucky)

Mine were done about 7 years ago, they would ache loads, especially if I stood in the same place. They were glued. They inject glue into the vein, this is less invasive than stripping the vein out which they used to do. just a local anaesthetic, I was in and out in a couple of hours with a stocking on for a week.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Could be worse, you could be George Hincapie

 

[waggoner]

Wow,,,something i was going to ask,,

I've got to go into hospital next month to have mine operated on/removed. Mine stick out all the way down my leg, with my calf slighty swelled up and brown spots where the veins are leaking!!

I've had them since late teens,,put it down to working in a shop and standing up for about 9-10 hours a day,,but they have got worse over the years so doctor said about having the taken out. On the Nhs.

It involves making a cut at the top of the leg and tying the vein off, then making cuts all the way down the leg and pulling the vein out!!

Should be in and out of hospital in about 5 hours, then 3 weeks off work!! Its something like 3 out of 10 people get them!!

I was wondering how long it will keep me off my bike after the operation????

But yes,,standing for too long seems to be a cause,,compression bandage helps, but its only short term,,once the vavles are knackered thats about it..