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Embarrassing Bodies, 1:10am Friday 17th February 2012 on Channel 4. Catch up for free on 4oD »

Video

About 20% of us suffer from varicose veins, blood vessels just beneath the skin that have widened and twisted due to defections in the valves. Particularly bad cases can lead to ulcerations making the problem even more embarrassing. Luckily for her patient Dr Pixie has the answer.

Patient Name: Pauline Carroll
Condition: Thread Veins
Specialist: Dr Brian Newman, Vascular Surgeon
Location: Dr Newman’s Clinic
Length of Treatment: approx 15 minutes

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im a 67y old and have a runny nose ive had it for 2 or 3y now can any thing be done it keeps me awake at night and i am very tired all the next day





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Absolute disgrace that you can't get your veins treated on the national health. This is the first that I have heard this.





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I also have varicose veins and spider veins that have become rather unsightly and are causing me distress. I went to my GP and was also told this treatment was no longer available and that I would have to go private but I just do not have the money for this I think it is abso disgusting!! The NHS are wasting money on alcoholics, drug users and quit smoking campaigns but won't help the many of us with this horrible problem. I refuse to wear skirts, shorts or even cropped trouser as im so embarrassed and it affects my affectionate relationship with my partner as I would rather he not saw my legs and try to cover them or even just turn out the lights!!! Not a healthy way to live :( Maybe we should all start a campaign and maybe the guys a the Embarrasing Bodies can help us. I have thought to appeal but it seems some of you have already tried this with no effect but maybe if we all did it together we could become a stronger voice.

I had varicose veins removed about 4 years ago now, I am now 25 but they are coming back, I also received a letter to say the NHS will no longer treat them, I can't afford to pay to go private :(, I don't understand why they will do boob jobs but not this, mine used to hurt aswell so it's not just cosmetic. I'm just praying they don't get really bad again, maybe I should start wearing those stockings..sexy!





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after having my son in 2008 ive got a large varicose vein in my left leg and have now got loads of thread veins around my ankle,i also cant afford to go privite,it gets me down and has stopped me doing my hobby,i no someone who had a boob job done on the nhs cos her small boobs made her feel concious,,my leg hurts and stops me doing day to day things yet they wont treat it!i wish someone could help,

I am 23 years old and my veins became enlarged after an operation on my arm 4 years ago. I now have 3 noticable lumps on the inside of my right leg. I have been looking into reatments and have found a few things that i am now trying. Th first is a cream called Dr.Organic Royal jelly leg and vein cream from Holland and Barrett and the second is a tablet called Venavien Plus which i also got off the internet. the pill says that it reduces pain and swelling from varicose veins. Hope this helps others suffering from the problem





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awesome thanks, Have the reduced the appearence of them at all???

I'm 24 and perfectly healthy My first major varicose vein popped up after I was hit on my inner leg which bruised massively. Now they're all down my right leg and people notice them in summer, they potrude so much so you can even see them through my tights! I'm on my feet all day at work and my legs ache and itch. It's so depressing, I don't think they should wait until there's signs of an ulcer. My brother has them so so badly his leg looks like it's one big bag of worms!!! I wish there was another way I could get them removed which doesn't cost £3000!!! They treat back problems on the NHS, they don't wait until you're imobile do they! (couldnt think of a better example clearly!) There's got to be a way????





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hi, i have had varicose veins since i was 19. i have them in both legs and when my daughter aged 5 (now13) asked me why i had worms in my legs it was the worst day in my life as that comment has never gone away and my veins are even bigger now. i suffer with excema allover which is even worse on my legs. i havent worn a skirt without tights for over 8years and i struggle with any form of exercise other than walking or working as the added pressure to my veins makes my legs swell and they get as hot as a furnace. the doctors have referred me to no avail and have even told me i can be signed off work indefinately. i am slightly obese(size 18) but due to not being able to exercise without making the symptoms worse i am in a catch 22 situation and while i cannot offer you any guidance or help it makes me feel a bit more comfortable knowing that i am not the only one out there who struggles with this. regards caroline

I have Varicos vains and I want some help please can you help me . Thank You





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Well i'm only 22 and I have them from the side of my ankle, behind one knee and up the inner thigh, and a big bulging vein on my labia as well. I hate summer as I can't wear skirts or dresses that are knee lengh because of the embarrassing problem that is only getting publicity as an older people's problem, which is not true! I've had them since i was 12 or 13... im so upset about them.





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I also have sever varicouse veins the doctor only says wear support stockings....yeah you try in the middle of summer..im only 38 and like you Carrie i DONT wear dresses or skirts and as for swimming...forget it.I feel ugly and its made my confidence all but dissapear and depression...But so far i cant afford to pay private to get any thing done.. I hope you see your not alone..I just wish someone would help me.... :(

hi my son is 6 he has had a vein come up on his leg about 2 years ago it has got bigger and bigger it started about size of a 50p now it goes from his ankle bone up passed his knee he has had check scans blood test which all said something different vasico blood clot birthmark broken values al to be told not really sure some days his leg is really painful has anyone else out there had this prob thank you





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Hi, I am only 13 and already developing varicose veins. What can I do to stop them? Everyone says you get them when you are older so why do I have them? I have tried to find a bit about them and they say it can be caused by being overweight, I am not. What are the other causes, please help. Thankyou





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hi. i got my first signs of them at 14. it can be hereditary i'm afraid or just your general make-up. i've had mine stripped twice now and i'm quiet a lot older than you now ..35. carrying extra weight doesn't help and sitting still doing nothing isn't great either. unless hun they are really painful like mine were i'd say accept the fact that no two people are the same.we're lucky it's the only thing wrong with us. make a quic app with your doc and they'll help with cover up make up or talk through your options..... i always find false tan a huge plus!!! good luck hun.

i am single mum have not hada date since i have to cover up myi only 47 legs all the time not dated for 13 years





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