Safena stripping - my experience so far
I am 31, female, and had my large safena vein partially removed about 2 months ago (local anaesthetic, uncomfortable but essential overnight hospital stay, and tight bandaging, no washing of leg for 2 weeks or so afterwards) (I first noticed a tiny vein in my thigh when I was 23) The surgery involved a 2 cm incision in my groin (on the panty-line), a 1 cm one at the ankle, plus a couple of tiny incisions along the calf (without stitches there) The bruising was, of course, extensive and my groin hurt lots! (particularly for the first 2 days) However, most of it healed over a couple of weeks - and I, of course, continue taking all the possible care I can for my legs However, my specialist was adamant about one fact; support tights remain mandatory (especially in the summer) for people prone to varicose veins - end of story! I know it's like a curse having to wear them - but I must say that I wonder at people who have written in saying they've piled their wardrobes high with shorts. It sounds great - like a dream come true. I'd LOVE to wear shorts, I'd LOVE not to wear these awful tights (which most of the time you see elderly ladies with) I'm young, slim, I love sport, I want to feel FREE and attractive - but the doctor says support tights are essential. This causes me suffering (it's v. hot where I live in the summer) but I'm trying to get over it. Pharmaceutical companies manage to sell enormous quantities of expensive medicine to alleviate the symptoms of damaged valves (even on prescription) but not to cure the condition.
