Vein ligation & sclerotherapy

I just found the site and I am in the middle of treatments. I share many of the concerns expressed--especially about trapped blood. I can honestly say that my legs hurt more now than ever. The last time I went in and expressed my concerns they said they would stop treatment for 3 months.

What good would that do? just drag it out so I can start all over again in January? Well, the doctor came up with another idea--he would use glycerin injections instead of the sodium. He said some studies showed that these cause less trapped blood. Has anyone heard of this or had these treatments? If they don't cause problems, why aren't they using them all the time?

hi Anonymous I don't know whether you were asking me or someone else however I've decicied to reply.First time I've logged into this website for ages. Though I had to have many treatments the injections were absolutely worhwhile for me.Now I can get housework done, go for walks and well -it's given me a new lease on life. I was wearing support stockings all the time and now - never!I think it's very important to go to a reputable doctor for the treatments.Not just anyone can do them -special training is required. I did have lots of bruising but over several months it all disappeared. I'm pleased with the result.

Hi, do you think your injections were worth getting for your varicose veins? I've been hearing a lot of bad things with the injection, how long did it take for all the marking from the injections to go away?

Hi Buppiface Hope you're still looking at this page.how are your legs? I've just had my follow up visit(approx a year since treatment) the legs have been pretty good really but the Ultra sound scan showed that I do have a new vein that needs to be treated. I reckon it came last year -when all the new spider veins appeared.It feeds an area on the front of my shin that never did go away after the treatment.I've thought for a while that there might be another bad vein there htough hoped I was wrong. I'll get it done this time.Doctor says he has one patient that gets a new bad vein every year and he treats it. I don't want to do that -too costly. My husband says I should watch Benny Hinn every morning and ask God to heal my legs. Good idea!

Hi Buppyface Hope your MRI scan went ok. I hope your legs are better now. My legs are not picture perfect - they get tired from too much standing and I've got new spider veins that get tender and sore.

Did you have the trivex procedure done? I just did 9/19 and I wish I could report quick recovery like you. I'm still in a tremendous amout of pain! Beth Pocono Mts PA

Hi acandrews & bvbrownie, I've got to say that I've found out that everyone has a different experience with vein ligation/ sclerotherapy! For me, it has been a "nightmare" and I wish I could wake-up from it! Please make sure that you thorouly check-out the plastic surgeon that will perform the procedure! Ask to see pictures of his/her work and to talk to other patients that have had it done with the doctor. If the doctor refuses, leave quickly and find another doctor that agrees. Unfortunately, I thought I was going to one of the best plastic surgeons in the area for this, so I didn't bother to check out the doctor! Did I ever make a mistake! I had the ligation done in Sept. of '01 and the sclerotherapy done 6 wks. afterwards. It has been a year now and my leg looks absolutely horrible! I have dark brown bruising marks AND a blue, bulging new vericose vein right where my lower incision is! Yes, the veins can vericose again, but they don't do that until a few years after the treatment. I look worse now with the brown spots all over then when I had the "rope vein!" I also, have alot of pain and numbness & tingling in the leg. It is my right leg and the other day when I was out trying to drive, I could hardly press down on the gas pedal because of the numbness! I went to my primary care doctor right after that happened and he couldn't believe how bad my leg looked! He said I DEFINITELY need to go to another plastic surgeon to get a second opinion on the first ones work, and to do it quickly! He also has me scheduled for an MRI the second week in Oct. to see exactly what could be going on in the leg! I am so scared of the MRI because I have a great fear of being closed-in! He prescribed me some anti-anziety pills to take an hour before it! I'll let you all know of the outcome! I am not trying to be negative or to scare you about the procedure, I am only telling you about my bad experience! I wish you the best of luck and beautiful legs! Let us all know how it works out for you! Hello bvbrownie - I am so glad to hear that you have had a good & positive experience and that all is going well with your leg! Take care!

Hello, I am having one of my legs ligated on 9/19 which will be followed by some sclero treatments in two weeks. My veins are pretty bulgy and achey, I've had this condition for over 10 yrs and after reviewing my options will go through this procedure. I know that some people have not had a good experience with this but was wondering if there is any adice anyone can offer and secondly, has anyone had a good experience with this procedure. Thank you for your time.

Hi Bvbrownie! I'm so very sorry that it's taken me so long to write! I have a special-needs child that really takes up most of my time. Sorry to hear that,you too,had to have clots removed! I had to have it done about 7 times. I just hated it - it's so painful! The last time was the end of March & I STILL have a couple of ugly brown spots. It's called hypopigmentation & the doc said eventually they should go away! I thought that by now they would be gone! I am very fair skinned, maybe that's why they show up more. I just don't know! I finally said to myself the heck with it & just had to start wearing shorts! I've been using sunless tanners & they seem to help with blending in the dark spots some. You know what? It looks like another vein is starting to vericose on my leg, already! It's right below my knee area of all places & is very obvious! I can't believe it - I've heard that other veins can vericose in the same leg but I thought it was many years later! I just had this done. If I had to do it all over again, I WOULD NOT do the same thing. There just has to be something else out there that works better, you know? What about you, would you do it again knowing what you now know about it? I hope that all is going well for you & your legs! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Hi Buppyface, how is your leg getting on? I've just had my third lot of injections -my left leg as well this time -so now I've got two bruised legs. However I think the first bruises just might be starting to fade.I certainly couldn't wear shorts yet. I can see it will be quite a few months at least before I do that -I thought results would be more immediate. Straight after the injections my leg was really painful, I had the 30min walk which relieved it a bit but the legs didn't stop being really painful until the next morning.Now they are very tender at the injection sites. Do let me know how you are.