I had the procedure done in early Feb and am really glad I did it. Results have been phenomenal. I am a real ninny when it comes to needles, catheters, etc.( yes,I know, I'm a vet and can poke needles into animals all day, but loathe being on the receiving end...
) but this was very tolerable.
Be forewarned that you may have to go through several months of exams, pictures, wearing compression hose, to ensure insurance coverage. If they can prove that you've tried conservative therapy AND the veins are a medical problem (vs only cosmetic) then insurance usually covers it. Really research this and be sure it is in network, etc. as I'm now battling insurance over coverage...which SUCKS! And, the procedure was a lot more than I had anticipated. I really wish the dr.'s office would sit you down and say "here is how much the procedure and every office visit is, and here is how much your insurance is willing to pay" so one could anticipate how much is going to be our responsibility.
Ok, insurance rant aside
, my procedure went very smoothly. The catheter placement and infusion of local anesthetic was the most uncomfortable but it was definitely manageable. The actual laser portion is quick and you don't feel any of that at all. Your leg is wrapped for 2 days -- I agree with the previous poster in that most of my pain came about 5 days later and was more like a constant burn-like pain. It was annoying but not especially life altering, BUT I could not run during this time. You are supposed to wear the support hose for 2 weeks which was VERY annoying, but necessary to keep veins compressed while they scar down. I'd recommend get the kind that go completely up the thigh and then have a strap that velcros around your waist. This keeps them from falling down constantly.
I had the laser treatment and phlebectomy. After the laser treatment, they made tiny nick incisions over the areas of the bulging vein (which for me was below my knee and around behind my knee) and basically took what looked like a knitting hook and pulled them out. I have about 4-5 tiny incisions along the veins where they did this. I think this procedure was the main reason my outcome was so positive - yes the laser is important to scar down the largest vein that is non-functional (saphenous) but I think the phlebectomy was as important, in my experience.
I really didn't run for about 3 weeks. Upper body work is fine. I was just too sensitive to go beat my legs up on the pavement. It was a minor "blip" in my workouts, but worth it in the long run really.
It's been a little over 3 months and I have NO bulging veins and the incisions are only slightly noticeable. I've even had sclerotherapy done on the tiny spider veins since then and am happy with that as well (insurance does NOT cover this).
I would encourage you to research the insurance aspects. Also, get it done in the fall or winter. You don't want to be wearing compression stockings under shorts
!
The way I look at it is this -- I really am self conscious about my legs. They are stocky German legs. I am willing to do what it takes to make me feel better about them. This really has helped.
Sorry for being so windy - hope it helps!
Heidi
