Endovenous Laser Treatment of the Saphenous Vein (EVLT).
My new worst enemy. I can admit that I feel completely deceived. Completely blindsided. Maybe it's just a momentary/minute amount of pain and suffering to be endured for the long haul. Maybe not.
See, the reality, the varicose veins of mine, weren't painful. Ugly, yes. Painful, no.
I could have never imagined the procedure or the aftermath of the brief procedure. My first recommendation for anyone considering treatment DO NOT SCHEDULE DURING THE SUMMER (and fortunately for me, I didn't - mere coincidence). Second suggestion, DO NOT PLAN ANYTHING FOR SEVERAL DAYS TO A WEEK AFTERWARD (unless of course you have like to walk around with a tight ace bandage on your leg and sport a stocking for the week after - again fortunately I'm Ok with nothing in the schedule and that I can wear pants!).
The procedure was very quick. As described in my written material, "Endovenous laser treatment is a minimally invasive option for treating the saphenous vein reflux (leaky valves). The first stage of your procedure will involve numbing the skin and then inserting a thin catheter (plastic tube fed up your diseased saphenous vein, (the superficial vein along the inside of your calf and/or thigh)."...More numbing..."The laser catheter is then slowly pulled back while delivering energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse and seal shut."
Long story short, the numbing process took the longest of the procedure, with the actual laser treatment lasting about 90 seconds. From the time I checked in at the desk to walking out, it was less than 25 minutes. I'm not a fan of needles, so I was fortunate that I couldn't see the IV, which the doctor claimed would be the most painful part. He lied.
Then when numbing the upper thigh, he informed me that I would feel a slight series of pokes. He lied again. I thought of RUR and his smile and pushed hard on my rib cage with each extreme jab that repetitively went into the thigh down to the knee. Poke my...! Maybe it was more painful for me due to the muscles in my thigh. Who knows, but it hurt.
Then there was the use of the laser. He warned that I may smell or taste something. MAY? He lied, yet again.
Smell or taste was the clearly under exaggerated! He did joke that it would only last a few weeks, which it did subside shortly after the laser treatment was complete. The smell...burning rubber.
The taste? I have never in my life smoked a cigarette. When I was young, I wanted to. I would sit in my mom's car when she ran into the store and push in the push lighter. I would burn her cigarettes that were in the ashtray. I would hold them in my hands. I would lift the partial cigarettes toward my lips, never coming closer than my chin. I couldn't do it. I wouldn't do it. I don't know why. Now, I despise the smell of cigarettes. I can't stand the smell of smoke lingering in my hair and my clothes and my being from going out on the town. I hate that I wreak of an ashtray after home calls of smokers. I'm glad that I've never tried a cigarette. So the taste you ask? Cigarette ashes.
I can't tell you how or why I know this. For those brief minutes of reality, which seemed like thousands of seconds of hell, in the back of my throat, I tasted cigarette ash. I felt like I was licking the ashes from an ashtray. It was disgusting and appalling and anything but surreal.
After the doctor was done, I was informed that I have to wear the ace bandage for five days. If it happens to fall off (maybe with some assistance of my own) in three or four days, that's OK. Then I have to wear my "chap stocking" for a week to prevent blood clots. Ibuprofen was recommended (400-600mg) for pain, especially since day 2-3 can be the most severe.
I used to think that I had a high pain tolerance. I was wrong. I've been popping ibuprofen like candy every 5-6 hours at 1000mg each. My upper thigh is beyond swollen and I feel like I'm a 500# sumo wrestler. The pain is more intense than the feeling of a "slight muscle pull" that I might feel.
If nothing else, I want the truth. I can handle it. But what I hate the most, deceit. Tell me that if I want to be varicose vein free it will hurt like hell for up to two weeks. Tell me that I'll taste cigarette ash for longer than I ever want to admit. Tell me that I can't workout for a week and showering will be a challenge. Tell me that I'll be in discomfort and that while I can work, I won't want to. Tell me that my inner thigh will feel worse than bad razor burn and a pulled muscle combined. Tell me that vanity may be painful. Then and only then would I expect the worse and understand what I'm walking into. Don't sugarcoat the truth.
Would I do this again? My answer today, NO.
58 comments:
I WOULD NEVER DO THIS IF I KNEW THE TRUTH EITHER
Keep on you check ups. I had the EVLT done on both legs. A couple of years later the veins on both legs reopened. Now I have new bigger veins in my thighs and permanent bruising. This is more than just a cosmetic procedure. Hopefully the discomfort of your procedure is well worth it in the long run.
Thanks for writing about this. I've heard about 90% of good things about this procedure, and have to admit that these are the first few bad responses I've heard about. Good to know though. I didn't know about the possibility of the vein re-opening, and being even LARGER. Do you have to go back and have the procedure redone? That's just so much money.
I'm 32 and about to have this done, but am reading all I can about it. I have a few blue veins, and my legs feel sore when I sit, but I was told it will only get worse with time. My fear is the future. I thought having it done before kids would be good, since child-bearing brings it on hard core.
Thanks!
I was 35. I still can't say that I will jump on board to do it again. The veins are not visibly any different and would need touch up if I wanted to clear up the spiders.
For me it was just a matter of not being truly informed. However, what I was told was that if I planned on having more children, TO WAIT - as it can bring it on hard core, but it could make treatment more futile and likely need to be done again. Personally, once was more than enough!
Best of luck!
You are spot on !! I just finished up the fifth of what I was told six treatments..(now I find out eight) and you are right on the mark with your comments.. I told my sister I know what licking an ashtray would taste like. The pain is very annoying and I wish they told me it lasts for weeks. My lower left leg is numb in parts which I hope goes away...
I'm as cynical as all of you since having my treatment 3 weeks ago - I had bulging veins in my right calf and quite thick spider veins behind my left knee. I had EVLT on my right leg and foam sclerotherapy on my left. I was left limping for a few days after the EVLT, which, might I add, was a MILLION times more painful and just gross than the leaflets suggested. The feeling of tightness they describe that might appear on the 5th day lasted for 2 and a half weeks and really hurt - I haven't felt able to exercise since.
My varicose veins as yet still look the same, except they don't bulge as much. There's no sign of them fading away on their own, and I've noticed a long vein not far under the skin down the front of my thigh that wasn't there before and I'm worried that it's going to turn into a varicose vein as the veins left over struggle to cope with the sudden burden of carrying blood that the old vein used to carry. Also, the vein on the other leg I had the foam sclerotherapy injection on actually looks worse before it gets better - which I've read happens as the vein gets tough and gets reabsorbed, but it just looks like other veins in the leg are looking more prominent, like the sclerotherapy has somehow irritated other veins which are now starting to appear and branch out. Anyone else had a similar experience? I'm a bit worried about veins reopening or growing back in other places...
I am a 44 yr old female. I had EVLT of the saphenous vein and ambulatory phlebectomy (removal of varicose veins. I went in for a consult on 6/1 and got booked for 6/17. I was told I would be fine for our beach vacation on 6/26. They had a scheduling issue so I needed to push it up to 6/9. Thank goodness! My leg has about 20 little scabs from the vein removal, and where I had the EVLT I just had the stitches removed and a huge about 5 x 7 bruise - that is fading but still there. But starting yesterday it really started to hurt in my inner thigh. I don't want to take the prescription stuff - I have 2 kids and it makes me goofy. Ibuprofin and Tylenol don't seem to do help much though. I sure hope this pain goes away soon. It hurts with every step I take. I also agree that the procedure was more painful and unpleasant than I was told. Plus, he said my anatomy was wierd and he had trouble finding my saphenous vein (he's been doing this 30 years, so he is definately experienced). Not sure how much poking and needling he did to me looking for it. Anyway - I agree w/ Ms. Independent NOT to do it in the summer, and don't do it if you have a vacation or event coming up anytime soon. I hope and pray that in the end my leg will look better/normal...but for now it looks worse than it did with the veins. Had I known it would look and feel this bad, I would have waited until the fall to do this. We are having a huge swim party next month - I just hope the brusing, scabs, incisions, etc. are all gone by then, but most of all I hope the pain is gone!!!
I just had this done...and I also am experiencing a lot of pain...i just had it done from under my knee to my ankle....the big varicose vein still shows. I am having pain too...it hurts something awful. I wonder if this is something the doctors all want to experiment with and we're all their victims in a way. I hope this is safe long-term. Mine took an hour, it hurt like hell I was in tears although they didn't know that since I was face down. I wonder too about the newer veins I already see forming. SIgh.
My dr. said "think of this procedure as being like a trip to the dentist." Yeah...maybe if you're talking about getting your wisdom teeth ripped out. I was NOT prepared for the pain of the 20+ injections to get my numb. My dr. made me feel like I shouldn't be hurting. I have had four children, so I think my pain tolerance is pretty high. This procedure hurt like heck! I'm on the second week post-procedure and my leg is green and black and blue. I have scabs all over, plus a nice hole where one refuses to scab properly. I walk with a limp b/c it hurts so much. I start working in two weeks. I can only hope it will be much better by then. I will not be doing this procedure on the other leg!!
I had this treatment back in march as i read that it was less invasive, you can return to work rhe next day, minimal scarring and virtually painless. Well none of the above were true! I had vein stripping a few years ago and that was far less painful than this! I had to have 2 weeks off work, i now have very visible scarring and my veins are still very visible with a few extra ones.
A complete waste of time!
Its great that you've highlighted some of the myth's and facts about Varicose Veins. These kinds of articles provide fantastic initial ideas surrounding an often overlooked condition, and can lead to an initial almost self diagnosis that, if nothing else, may prompt the individual to seek further professional medical advice.
Great stuff.
I just had EVLA, which is the same as EVLT. The actual procedure was very painful and I clinched my fists and passed out after a few minutes of moaning in a pool of sweat and crying in pain. I've delivered 5 babies, two of them at home and this pain was almost as bad as a childbirth. I even took a Valium beforehand to calm my nerves. Then you taste and smell smoke as they are burning your veins. It feels like they are pouring warm water on your legs as the needle comes out but that's actually your blood being spilt. I probably lost 1/2 pint, which is far less than the 2.5 gallons I lost in my last labor and delivery!
For recovery, I'm taking very high doses of oral arnica 1M then I will switch to Arnica 200c in a few days. The arnica helps tremendously with the bruising. I dont have that much bruising on day 3, even though my doctor said i had a very large varicose vein with 2 branches that were almost to ulcer. I was injected about 30 times and a couple WAY up in my groin that hit nerves and made me jump on the operating table.
The arnica lotion is much lower in dose than the oral Arnica so I'm not using the lotion. I'm also taking ibuprofen 400mg with breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is supposed to help with the inflammation. I took ibuprophen with a back injury and it actually helped reduce the swelling. Surprising how it does that.
I'm also walking 20 minutes twice a day. It hurts so much to walk and move and I'm limping around like an old woman. But I'm doing it anyways. I just take a few extra ibuprophen before I walk. I hear it is supposed to help with recovery and prevent blood clots. My first 20 minute walk was two houses away and back. I was that slow walking!
reading these comments I feel a lot better. It is one week today since my procedure. I had EVLT. I must say the procedure itself was pain free because of light sedation I was given. However, I didn't expect the level of pain I experienced and am continuing to experience on day 7. Lots of bruising ranging from light mustard to dark eggplant, which I can deal with, but extreme pain on inner thigh both inky muscles and topically (as others have said like razor burn) is really bringing me down. My doctor said my reaction is unusual and most feel onlly minor discomfort . Funny because I'm in excellent health and exercise routinely. Inhope to be able to return soon to biking, tennis and dancing. Anynadvice? I take advice about 4 x a day and use hot compresses. Walking is painful but I force myself
OMG! Its two weeks today from the first of the eight veins I had EVLT and sclero done! I am so exhausted! I am still very uncomfortable. I am told that all bruising and discoloration willl be gone by vacation 12/13! We will see! I went in for cosmetic sclero and US showed reflux and so on... I wish I was informed. I wish I would of seen this blog! All other info was positive, minimal pain etc. Any questions? I will be honest... I will check frequent. :) I will survive!!!
I'm 6 days post EVLT. I had to do it as on bad days, I could barely walk due to the pain and heaviness of my leg. The procedure was easy and quick. They gave me Xanax so I was a little out of it. The first few days I felt very sore. Yesterday I walked for 15 minutes on the treadmill at the gym, and today.. OH MY today the pain is ten times worse. I'm taking 3 motrin, then tylenol a few hours later, then 3 motrin to take the edge off. I really hope this gets better and is successful. I am too young to be hobbling around like an old lady.
I had mine done last Thursday and today is Monday. I can honestly say I have felt no pain or discomfort post surgery. Yes, I am bruised from mid-calf to mid-thigh but on a pain level from 1 tp 10 I would say i am at 1.
I came home from the surgery in a huge bandage but had that removed the following day and I wore support stockings for two days after that.
As far as I can tell my bulging veins have disappeared although I will reserve judgement on the outcome until all signs of brusing has gone.
Research your surgeon well. Mine was recommended through a friend and I would definately recommend him again.
I have recently had EVLT.My first leg last month, no complications and relatively pain-free. Second one last week, similar experience however after 1 week half of my foot became numb. This is worrying me. Anyone out there had the same? Did the feeling come back completely?
PS I found that wearing good support stockings helped with the recovery.
Well, I am day 6 post EVLT. I needed to have it done because I had a clot in one of my veins . Cosmetically, my legs don't look that bad. My saphenous vein was totally shot, valves werenot working. I work in an office that does the EVLT. Procedure. I am so glad that I read all the comments because I thought I was being a big baby. Last night was horrible. I don't know what I did because I was in pain. The Advil is killing my stomach so I tried not to take it but had to in order to sleep. The end of a work day takes it's toll. I do think that they down play the post treatment issues. My follow up is tomorrow and I will voice my post op opinion. If I have the leg done, I will plan better, shorter work days.
I had EVLT in both legs and it has been 8 weeks. My knee is swollen, it's difficult to walk, and at night I feel like someone is pulling my hamstrings as hard as they can. I had very little pain at first. The misery is 7-8weeks later. My dr. acted like this would be a walk in the park. I beg to differ.
So how is your result now ? I just had mine done on Friday.
I am scheduled to have EVLT done next Wed and after reading all these comments, I am having second thoughts...I've had stripping and VNUS closure done yrs past and know how painful stripping can be. My dr is saying this procedure is easy, no scarring, no pain and now I am nervous...I think I will cancel my appt for next wk and live w/this tiredness espec'ly in my right leg...any thoughts?
I am a 40 yr old male, overall in good health. For years, 10 plus or even closer to 15 yrs, I've had swelling in my lower left leg, which over time got progressively worse. It was painful at times and always an irritation. After several useless visits to doctors I finally got referred to a vein specialist. After an ultrasound, with many "oh wow"s from the doc, I found my GSV was enlarged to 14-15mm from a normal 4-5mm.
10 days ago I had EVLA done on the GSV, as well as several micro phlebectomies on my calf. Also, to minimize risk of complications, he made an incision at the groin and tied off the top of the vein at the junction, as in his opinion the heat required is to great to be that close to other veins, arteries, etc. I was asleep for the procedure so didn't smell taste etc anything.
So far I'm very happy. Pain is minimal, I'd class it as annoying discomfort at worst really. My leg feels 100% better already. I do feel some tightness and a pulling sensation as the vein shrinks and does but I wouldn't trade it for the swelling and severe discomfort as before.
Anyway, long story but I'm a happy patient at this point. Recovery is going well and shows no sign of issues.
Please please research your physician. I have been doing these procedures for 12 years now. I am the RVT, not the doctor. But I have seen some good ones and some not so good ones. I personally have had the procedure done,and had no pain at all. If it is done correctly, AT MOST, you will feel a little discomfort the second week out, but not enough to be called painful. So research the doctor, ask around, get a second opinion.
I just had EVLT done 3 days ago on my upper leg and if I had the chance to go back, I wouldn't have done it. I WISH I had seen this blog and these comments before I had it done. I was also led to believe it was virtually painless but THEY LIED!! I am supposed to get my lower leg done in 10 days and I just don't think I can go through that again.
Informative post! EVLT is best treatment for Varicose Vein Treatment. I might have to suggest this treatment to my sister. She's been look at solutions for her Varicose Veins.view more http://www.usaveinclinics.com/
I also had this procedure done on my right gsv for cosmetic reasons. In the 3 months since, I have had nothing but pain and discomfort, which was not a problem before. And the real kicker is that I now have sooooo many more spider and blue veins than before. I think this procedure can be good for the right person and under the right circumstances...I was completely mislead and feel so stupid for allowing someone to do this to me. I have been struggling with depression and anxiety as a result. I feel like I am watching my leg fall apart before my eyes. Please be careful before you agree to this procedure. Do your homework and get multiple oppinions. Before this procedure I had a minor cosmetic issue, now I have a much bigger cosmetic problem and and health problems to boot.
I have done the EVLT. Feeling happy. Thanks to Dr. Abhilash
Dr. Abhilash
EVLT Procedure is best. I have undergone EVLT Procedure in Hyderabad.
EVLT Procedure in Hyderabad
I was supposed to do both legs but now after reading all these comments I am having second thoughts. I don't have any varicose veins only lots of spider veins and the doctor said I have them due to a leaky open vein that's bad in both legs. He wants to do the EVLT and then get all the spider veins with either laser or injection.
I see what you are saying, some people are more prone to getting spider veins from trauma to the skin. I am supposed to get this EV LT procedure but now I'm having second thoughts. Prior to this I had injections done to remove spiders and now I have so many
I had my left leg done in two procedures. Upper thigh and then lower leg. I was very tender and sore along the inside of my thigh, but that is subsiding. I walk and stand for the most part of my work day. After work I remove support stocking, elevate my leg in my recliner and it's like my Achilles tendon just kills me when I try to walk. The next morning it's not as bad, then after 8-10 hours at work the pain comes right back. It feels as if the skin above my heel is going to rip apart. Day 7 post evlt.
I had EVLT almost two and a half years ago. Would I do it again? No. I went in for consultation to remove the 'varicose' veins, unsightly protrusions, and of course they sold me the bill of goods on the veins. It IS true, the veins don't work. However, what they don't tell you is that while the EVLT basically closes off those non working veins, it really does almost nothing to correct the visual part of the bulging veins. Instead of the hassle of all these weeks of treatments and thousands of dollars (or copays) skip it all and go get a sclerotherapy foam treatment for all of $200-300 per leg and THAT gets rids of the veins after a few wks. Usually takes one or two treatments.
Worst of my issues with all of this is that when they did the EVLT the dr was more concerned in talking about his weekend escapades instead of instructing the new nurse and she pulled out the sheath (tripped over it) that protects the vein while the laser is going so I feel this FIRE like a knife in my leg and then my leg starts convulsing uncontrollably, almost kicked the dr in the face, he's telling me "It's not so bad" I'm telling him, ".. I ain't doing that, my leg is going on its own walk" Then he goes pale when he sees the sheath on the floor. Ok, you might have a little numbness but it will resolve in time.
Resolve in time. Let me tell you something. It did, sort of, resolve in time. Turned out they lasered my sural nerve in half about an inch from the knee (behind knee) and I had semi permanent numbness in the back right part of my leg, right side of heel, ankle, and right side of foot and underneath to the ball and right two toes all on right leg. So weird to run on your foot and only feel half, strange sensation, made me want to run sideways. They said it grows back (the nerve) at a rate of about one inch per month. It took around 15 months for me to get most of the feeling back. The worst was at about 6-8 months, I would get this ice cold water feeling on the side followed by the feeling that someone was holding a hot scalding blade against the side of my foot and toe that would last around 15 - 20 seconds. This was constant for 3 or 4 months. It happened anytime anything touched that area of my foot.
Gradually, it got better. Today I hardly notice it but I do still have a slight numb sensation right below the ankle and along the very side of my foot.
Get the sclerotherapy!
Good post!! I had undergone EVLT procedure treatment by Dr. Abhilash at http://www.interventionsinradiology.com/. It was a great treatment & i'm completely cured now.
Wish I had found this blog months ago! I had endovenous laser ablation done on my left leg in two spots: Behind the knee to the ankle and on inner thigh from knee to groin. This was 3 months ago. I am not in severe pain but I have tenderness all the time in the inner thigh area. Every time I call the doctor's office, they tell me it is normal because the vein is collapsing and that process can take 3-12 months. The tenderness is constant and once in awhile, it feels like pin pricks. I just want to know if this is normal 3 months post procedure. I thought all discomfort would be gone within 2-4 weeks.
It is 8 months after my procedure...I can't tell you how disappointed and mislead I feel. Is there anyone who has had evlt type procedures that can comment on their long-term experience. I think we can all agree it is pretty awful in the short term, but beyond the initial pain and trauma, I'd love to hear thoughts on the results after some time has passed. Thanks!
I am 7 weeks out from an ELVT on my left leg ( greater S) and it wasn't the best experience! I have already had a thermal ablation on my greater S on my right leg 4 years ago and I had a wonderful experience and no long- lasting side effects! BUT, this time, yikes! My vein wouldn't open and they had to dilate it and then I ended up with a hematoma that wasn't diagnosed until 2 weeks later! It was very painful and I still have sensitivity on my inner thigh! All I can recommend is do your research and ask a lot of questions! Btw- I had both procedures dine at 2 completely different offices.
I had EVLT 4 years ago, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't regret it. It did remove the swollen vein that it was supposed to, but it has caused numerous other problems. I immediately developed lymphedema, and now have custom compression garments and exercises to help drain my leg. It is swollen permanently. I am now prone to cellulitis. A third of my lower leg is numb and tingly, which in and of itself isn't that bad, but I will get an itch, and can't feel it when I scratch. Then last year I had to go permanently on blood thinners after discovering the last 5 of the 8 blood clots I developed from this. During the vein mapping, they found evidence of a blood clot I apparently had at some point. Developed 3 right after the procedure. No pain though, which I guess I should be thankful for. Not touching my left leg unless it gets to the point where I can't stand the pain, which is supposed to develop at some point. Do your research.
I don't understand why so many doctors are pushing for this procedure. I saw a total of 3 general practice drs and 2 vascular surgeons and 1 interventional radiologist. All recommended this horrible procedure to ensure wonderful cosmetic results. I have never regretted something more. I have had nothing but problems and pain, and my leg looks awful. I suspect I have developed mild lymphedema as a result and I am mentally a wreck. I hate that I did this to myself and I am miserable. Please don't do this. In a few years I fully expect them to announce that we have all done something horrible to ourselves and the side effects will be tremendous. My life is a real struggle now all thanks to evlt.
I had EVLT on my greater saphenous vein and stripping of buldging veins on my outer thigh and below my knee 2 weeks ago in my left leg. My pain was getting to the point where I could not sit at my desk job without extreme pinching and burning so my goal was not so much cosmetic as pain control. I took 3 days off work, then worked 2 half days on Thursday and Friday. The 2nd week I worked my full 40 hour schedule. Amazing! I have had some discomfort but nothing like the pain I have had for the past year. I can even sleep on my left side withoug my leg falling asleep. Mind you I have felt tired and can tell I need to give my body time and rest to heal. I am sorry so many have had bad experiences. I am so far, very glad I went through with my procedure.
I feel so much better reading this as I thought my pain threshold must be tiny! I had EVLT two weeks ago and had loads of pain and real issues in my inner thigh. Burning, hard lump, hot, red and so painful. I went back after a week and was told it was normal and was then given UGS sclerotherapy and micro-scelerotheapy. I have just taken off the stocking after two full weeks The sclerotherapy has left lots of ugly bruises but pain is minimal but my inner thigh is still really sore from EVLT unless I have compression on it. Has anyone else found a compression bandage helps? I can't take any more ibuprofen - it is killing my stomach :(
Had EVLT done on dec 5 was told I would be back to normal activities within 2 days .... LIE... I have a high tolerance for pain and even the doctor and nurses performing noticed this saying I was a trooper cause I never flinched .. I swear there were bout 50 needle sticks and then when they started laser( before he said if I felt pain or heat to scream) I did it was so painful.. So then more needle sticks I was deadened from ankle to up let behind knee upto inner thigh right leg.. It took 3 times to completely deaden.. Procedure didn't take 20 minutes after that whole leg was wrapped .. I felt pretty good due to the Xanax and leg numb.. Was told don't drive but go walk around and then rest leg in four hour intervals.. I walked till pain bout killed me.. Needless to say I felt like baby I had to take the pain meds sleep in couch leg elevated for a week couldn't work or exercise .. Bruising was minimal no scarring but the pain up my leg and now almost month post op I have numbness all way up leg and foot still swells.. After 1o days got to stop wearing wrap and go to just stocking called doctor bout pain being horrible they said just alternate Tylenol and Motrin which don't really cut the pain. Have to limp around like an old cripple person and not walk much, have been so disappointed over bein mislead, not sure bout having other leg done, since I went for month check up on dec 31 nurse said I will need to come back for more testing and see doc cause healing should be done by now.. Still can't sleep I feel worse than I did.. Try going on a cruise to the Bahamas limping and pain in leg that is swelled up cause I couldn't wear stocking on the beach, guess it's back to waiting on more test I hope this gets better soon
Feb.18, 2016
Had both legs done last week. 1 on Tuesday and 1 on Wednesday. 4 hour drive home with no issues. Starting week 2 of thigh high compression stockings, so glad to take them off at night. It did hurt more then I was expecting but not much. I know from my ultrasound that my main vein was great it was the tributaries that branch off that were the issue. So far so good. Walking daily. I teach dance so my retires have been coupes but everything is getting easier every day. I can kick 90degrees as of last night so I predict to be back to normal soon. I was told to not workout for 2 weeks as and no hot showers or baths for a month so that the veins would stay shut.
Perhaps those above have poor main veins and that is why they have them back or they didn't allow them to heal. Also, weight gain will cause veins to show up. If the above that had poor results did not listen or research the procedure first or found a better DR. perhaps they would have better luck if they had. Everything I have seen says to not to anything physical for at least 2 weeks. Compression stockings daily till pain gone and to walk. Seems to me that they got the procedure done and just tried to go back to daily life asap without allowing the veins to seal up. You can't. I have holes from my crotch to my mid-calf, you can't go back to a daily routine after that. You have to let things heal.
One thing I can tell you is my legs feel so much lighter it is amazing. I can't wait to see what they feel like in a month or so.
I had both legs done within a week of each other a month ago. One leg was heavy and painful and I had restless leg syndrome (which they say comes from having these bad veins) I did not have any cosmetic issues with mine. I am still in pain- my thighs both have spots painful to the touch as well as what the call the "pulling sensation" on the inside. I also still have painful spots on my calves where they put the catheters in. Like most on this blog, I am not a sissy about pain and the pain is not debilitating. What annoys me is that they did not tell me what to expect. They said I could go back to work the day after each procedure and there would be "minor discomfort" for a week or so. If they had told me the truth, I could have arranged to take some time off work. As it was, I felt like a weenie for not being able to work.
Ultimately, I think my "bad" leg feels better and the coloring looks better. (before the procedure it had a dusky coloring down by my foot). I should not have done the procedure on my other leg that was not bothering me. Oh well, hopefully by next month it will all be over...
I'm 38 and just had EVLA on both of my legs yesterday. All I can say is how many pricks with the needle do they do like 200 or something. Youch
I don't deal with pain very well and was shaking throughout the procedure.
The worst part of it during the procedure was when they had to put the catheter into the vein in the calf area. They couldn't get it to go through the vein properly so he had to push and shove it through. I think I was hanging onto the edge really hard at that time.
Gotta love the adrenaline solution they use to get the vein to secure the catheter. Omg I've never had my heart race like that before. So at this stage I'm feeling pretty uncomfortable. I can't wait to see how I go over the next week. I have been walking today twice for about 20 minutes. I'm a bit annoyed that I can't resume my gym sessions for 4 weeks so they say.
Good luck to everyone else that has this procedure done. Hopefully it will be better soon.
I'll update in a week. Bec.
I just had my procedure two days ago. The shots hurt...don't let them tell you different. My issue was that the Dr. could not get the catheter to go up the vein...he struggled for 20 minutes to do so...and even had to pull out the catheter to make a new location...he said this rarely happens...he said it should have only taken 2 mins to put the thing in. Oh man did it hurt!!!! They act like you should be feeling just fine...NOT! I am suppose to do two more veins but it ain't happenin'. Right now I've got a golf ball size swelling in my groin area from a shot or something, not sure...I'm black and blue and am not thrilled at all with the whole thing.
Here is what they don't tell you: Nerve damage...not numbness, but excruciating pain, an increase in both spider and reticular veins, swelling of the leg, soft tissue damage, permanent scarring and discoloration are all normal and acceptable side effects. The purpose of the procedure is to close your saphenous vein and if that is the result then it is considered successfull...who cares about your pain and cosmetic side effects. Be careful...doctors are either unaware or intentionally misleading regarding the true nature of this procedure. If I could go back, I would NEVER have done this to myself.
I had to have my procedures done in three parts, May 17,20, and 24. I felt all the needle sticks, he said it was rhe medicine going in, I'm not sur about that. I'm in so much pain, and it's worse when I go to bed, I pray this helps me because I can't do this againš¬
EVLT in both legs + some blocking off of 4 in one and leg and 6 in another of stems or something that will lead eventually into VV - I am going in 2016 June 28th for right leg and 29th for left leg - Costly - About 7k total - Dr Whitely clinic in bond street - Different professor doing my work - Wants to do it over two days as it can be a bit labouring and painful for me - So been warned of that - Also been warned they will pad out the leg with fluid to MISS the nerve to minimise any possible numbing !
This will be followed up with some foam treatment at least 8 weeks after to finish off the both legs - There gauranttee is to say the viens will not return - There will be bruising - Tightness - uncomfortable - Two days per leg of bandages - Remove and wear stockings for 4 more days remove and get back to normal - Walk every 30 mins for 10 mins throughout recovery
I have taken the rest of the week off so have 5 days before i drive to work on the 6th day
I notice these posts kind of get a bit less painful as the years go on - 2010 posts sound very bad - 2016 bit better - And one positive post
I have very bulging veins from groin to Ankle - I was told that this will take away ALL the bulging veins - Left will some scarring , some dark colouring that is actually already there
My veins were marked up as 4 out of 6 - 6 being blisters
I am led to believe this is the quick and least risky way to go
I want to get both legs done at same time - Quickly - Not be under - This is only local
I HOPE its only a week of pain and discomfort
But now at 43 with bulgies in my front of my calf 22mm vein size - I have no choice
Leaving them is not an option - In 5 years its blister time
I will give an honest and full update on the 1st July 2016
Hope they dont smash that nerve ! numb legs and feet - How awful.. :0/
shitting myself to be honest
Speak soon
GR
Had this treatment on 06/06/16, and cannot understand what people are complaining about. (yes I am well aware individual results may vary) The procedure lasted 90 minutes from start to finish. Other than a few small pricks from the numbing fluid, absolutely no pain or discomfort of any kind (smell/taste included), the only discharge requirement was to wear a compression stocking for a week until the review and 2 Ibuprofen morning and night for 7 days to reduce any swelling. Walked out and went back to work and resumed my Gym activities next day. Despite being advised that I might get some pain after days 2-3, I have had none. My experience has been fantastic when compared to my friend who had the normal Vein Stripping surgery, he had 3 days in Hospital with 7/10 pain high on Morphine for pain control off work for 4 weeks. Give me EVLT every time. With the vein stripping surgery, the vein regrows over time with the potential for the same problem occur again.
When properly performed EVLT destroys the vein which is then absorbed by the body's natural defence system and therefore the original problem cannot reoccur.
Anonymous June 07, 2016, you are very fortunate that you have had good results. I have not. Have actually ended up in ER twice due to inflammation of the primary injection site. Dr. Wanted to do both legs. Thank goodness I didn't agree. Leg that was done worse than before procedure. Will absolutely not consider having other leg done.
Will never do this again. I was told the procedure was painless and could return to work the next day. I'm a nurse, I am on my feet walking 8 hours a day. No time to sit. The next day post procedure I had a hematoma from inside part of knee to halfway around back of knee. It was the width of a baseball and from the knee to my groin on the inner part of thigh was swollen, red, warm with different areas that had palpable clots. I could not lean one leg on the other, the pain was huge. I could not return to work for 2 weeks and my primary care docter had to help me recover and help me with the pain because the surgeons office wouldn't do anything. I do not recommend circulatory centers this is where I had it done. I had the procedure to relieve pain, it took 2 years for the area to quit hurting and being tender. There was defiant nerve pain. I will not ever have this procedure again. I would rather have vein stripping and be knocked out in surgery.
I had EVLT done 2 years ago and wish I had never had it done.
The pain I am in now is so so much worse than before.
I had it done not because of vanity reasons but due to pain in some veins..
If I knew I would be in so much pain I would never have done it.
I collapsed as I was getting dressed after recovery and ended up being wheeled out in a chair !
I suffered many months of horrible chemical tastes in my mouth.
I've tried many types of pain relief..none of which work..I have even had a spinal pain nerve block..again this didn't work.. my next action is to have a nerve pain block direct into the vein itself. I only hope this works...
2 years of excruciatingly painful side effects was not worth it.
I also had weird creeping sensations down the front of my ankle..it's like water running down my leg.
My pain is intolerable.
Think very carefully before you have this done.
I'm sorry you are experiencing what sounds like the same as me. I am so depressed with my pain and don't know what to do...
I hope you are able to find some pain relief .xx
EVLT is the best treatment for the vein care.
I also want the Truth! Had EVLT on Rt leg, next day had to return & doctor Drew Out Several large syringes oF Blood. A few more days I had to go back for more of the same. After several trips and tons of injections I had to return 5 weeks later cause I could not withstand the 9.5 out of 10 pain level and the inability to walk, and this time she withdrew Blood in Massive syringes for almost Two hours.
That was 4 days ago & I still have the 9.5 pain level and can’t walk without pain getting past the 10 level.
I have asked if something could be really wrong and I cannot get a straight answer other than “It Happens”! BULLSHIT!! If it happens why can’t she tell me who & when? I’m getting worried because I know this is not normal.. I’ve looked up my symptoms online, asked questions but the answers I get are ridiculous and I can tell that the doctor answering my questions is more worried about getting the doctor in trouble than they are in giving me sound advice on what to do... I’m not looking to sue my doctor !!! I just want to walk again without dying in pain.. has anyone had a situation like this or know anyone who has??
I’m seriously thinking of amputation if I can not get this fixed.. please answer if you can help me,
Thank you and God Bless
I’m seeing some here are having really bad pain but others are complaining of bruising and soreness. I can’t begin to explain how much this hurts, and walking isn’t an option. But I cannot find anything here or elsewhere that tells you what happens if doctor made an error? I had Sclero done 10 years ago on this same leg, same Horrific vein. This time the vein would swell so bad it looked like a Sailors knot rope wrapped around behind my knee, around my calf several times down to the top of my foot.. but I never felt any pain the first go round, this time after 5 weeks post procedure I’m seriously considering amputation because I cannot live in this kind of pain. What’s worse about this Horrific Pain is Due to Severe Spine problems I already Take 60mg oF E.Release Morphine 4 Times a Day... And I still feel pain from my leg at a 9.5 on the 1-10 Pain Scale..
is your pain close to what mine is?
Update: on 1-31-19, I had to go back cause I just couldn’t take the pain any longer. ( when I say pain, I’m not referring to tightness, pulling, soreness,or discomfort. I’m talking about the pain you get after having a Tooth pulled & getting a dry socket afterwords.. but it is from your knee to your toes. Excruciating Pain!
Jan 31-19 I spent 2.5 hours straight of my Doctor removing more Trapped Blood from this simple procedure that was supposed to help stop the pain I was having to begin with.
It’s 2-5-19 & I still cannot Walk.
My doctor got frustrated and blew off some steam telling me she had never had a case as bad as mine.
I cannot go thru that horror again with the needles. I think someone screwed up somewhere and I’m suffering for it.
Please do not go have EVLT UNLESS THESE DOCTORS GO OVER ALL THAT CAN GO WRONG WITH YOU. From this experience nothings been worse for me & I have had multiple complete Rotator cuff surgeries..
Be careful out there, check up on your doctors first...
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