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Conditions

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins (Photo from Wellcome Trust)

Your legs might look an aerial view of a flesh-coloured mountain range, but varicose veins are a very common condition. Rare in people under 20, but more common with age and pregnancy, women tend to be more affected than men, with approximately 30% of women developing varicose veins in their life time, compared to only 15% of men. Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins, which are usually blue or dark purple in colour and lumpy, bulging, or twisted in appearance. They occur when blood collects in veins with damaged or weakened valves, which usually work to prevent blood destined for the heart from travelling backwards. It’s a bit like the directional arrows that usher IKEA customers through the store. If everyone just buys their £7 uplighter and moves on, all runs smoothly. But if the system breaks down and a few bargain-hunting renegades push their trolley against the flow, then we’ll see multiple clogs forming! Always an unpleasant sight.

What the Men in White Coats Say

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Hi my name is amraiz I have been diagnosed with varicose veins on my leg I had them in both but the docter had the vein removed but he only did one leg and I went back to the doctors and they said they can't do it now because my the blood flow is not stable to operate on .I went back to my doctor twice just to see if he changed his mind but he said he still coudent do it ,my legs get swollen everyday and they throb most of the time I can't take the pain no more I was wondering could you offer me help or advise please





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i have varicose veins on my two legs and when my period working on me it goes big and i am scared to go to the doctors with it because i smoke and on the pill too. put my granny had them to when she was alive i am a bit scared now..





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I am 22 and i have alot of varicous viens i have had them since i was about 15 and when i got pregnant they got really bad and they stick out now they are painful when i stand for to long or excercise to much im also very concious of them i cant where anything that shows my legs i have tried the stockings but have not found them anygood i have been to my doctor a few times and they said i would have to go private to get them removed i have seen someone private but the cost is up to £4000 i am unable to pay this is there anything else i can do or anyone that can help. Please.





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I have varicose veins is hereditary. I go to GP several time , they give me socks , but I have lot a pain and aesthretic look very bad. I standing all day in my work. How much and where surgery can be done?





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I am diagnosed as phlebitis / varicose veins! There is no concensus, agreement... Back of R.leg. Swollen, knotted, discoloured. Aches, burns, keeps me awake. I have compression stockings (having been RRx knee highes!) Stockings help slightly, but not advised for night time. I do have a cconsultation with a variscose surgeon, but am telling him that I will not accept stripping - can have bad side effects and will prob grow back again. A different procedure is the endovenous laser technique, but, can also fill in and there is a third method (forget name). But, not stripping - which also takes a long time to recover from. (Can google up: can also check out Medical News Today and of course PubMed (PubMedding - an accepted 'verb'). Hope this helps someone. P.S. Excellent TV programme - a real help to very many people. Congratulations.





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Found my note reference the other procedure for varicose veins: "Foam injections for varicose veins better for patients and cheaper, study finds" Science Daily. Sept 29 2011 (ex Imperial College London). So. Stripping - long recovery and vein 'problems' can come back Endovenous laser technique - again, vein problems not necessarily cured Foam injections - easy, cheap and cheerful - good studies as to efficacy. Otherwise, compression stockings - not knee highs! Can purchase reasonably priced compression light, medium or strong over the counter or the best, are specialised 'compression stockings' expensive though should be available on prescription, which are efficacious - and, as pointed out by another poster, no surgery! Hope this helps someone.

ive been suffering for a while with a throbbing pain in my right leg (calf) it stops me from sleeping as i have to keep moving my leg around ,the vein is a blue/green in colour and causes so much discomfort if exercising or resting,ive been to my GP who states that no vein sugery can be done on the NHS now after a few months ago she prescribed me with anti-inflammotry cream instead of sending me to be asessed ,as you can imagine im very frustrated with this problem and would be greatful if you could maybe advise me with what i should do to help live with this varicose vein .





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i am 17 wk and 5 days preg with painful varicose veins in my vaginal lips, i need some support pants i think but not sure. Any ideas for help?





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hiya im a 32 year old woman, ive had varcus legs for some years, on the back of my legs they look like grapes, on the odd days they do hurt me and itch like made, i went 2 my gp 2 get them looked at and they wont do anything as it classed as cosmetic surgery and i really cant afford to pay and get them done, it makes me really unhapppy as i cant wear skirts or shorts, please help, many thanx





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I have suffered with varicose veins since I was about 20 yrs. I saw my GP in early 70 who referred to a consultant. He was willing to operate but there was a waiting list of 3 yrs. When asked if surgery would cure the problem he replied no…I made a decision no to go through surgery his comments were “wise decision”. After about 5 yrs my condition had worsened, my ankles were ok in the morning after all night sleep. Through out the day walking and sitting around did not help. My ankle started swelling and I could feel swelling in my shoes. Once again I was referred to a consultant. This time I saw a different one, a young man about 30–35 yrs in age. He examined my heart, blood pressure etc and after some questions and answers. He diagnosed that I was suffering with varicose veins and prescribe me two pairs of “Open toe Compression Stockings”. I have to ware them during the day take them off during the night. It has been about 40 yrs since my swelling and pain have gone without surgery. I suggest to suffers out there to pay a visit to GP and discuss suitability of “Stockings” which are available on prescriptions. It has worked 4 me……I am 60 yrs and male.





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I've had painful lumpy visna since I was 15. I'm a healthy eater, relatively fit but they continue to get worse. I've had them stripped twice but they came back after having children. I never let anyone see my legs, would love to swim, sunbathe or enjoy a normal relationship but they are too embarrassing. They also really ache and my feet are always freezing. I can't afford to have them treated privately.





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Content supplied by NHS Choices

Varicose veins are dark purple or blue in colour, and are usually twisted and bulging in appearance. Some people with varicose veins will not experience any pain or discomfort, while others are more severely affected. Read More »

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