It’s not uncommon for patients to come to me after treatment and talk about what they wish they’d known years before their vein treatment. While hindsight is always 20/20, we can learn much from what they share.
There are a few things I regularly hear from patients who talk about their life before and after vein treatment:
- Varicose veins are a common condition that can affect anyone. They are more common in women and in people who are older, however, we’ve treated young adults, men, and competitive athletes. They are more the result of genetics than lifestyle, though lifestyle can impact their progression.
- There are various treatment options available for varicose veins that may improve the symptoms with things like wearing compression stockings and staying active. But ultimately the only way to address the underlying issue is with vein treatment. Without treatment, the condition will continually worsen with time.
- Treatment for varicose veins is generally safe and effective. It does not interrupt a busy lifestyle and is comfortable and easy to experience for most people. Most people sail right through their treatment and are able to resume their activities immediately. They also experience relief from their symptoms almost immediately.
- Most insurance plans do cover the treatment of varicose veins, but it is essential to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage.
- Symptoms traditionally ignored as part of “getting older” may actually be connected to a vein condition and are highly treatable. You don't have to learn to live with things like aching in their legs, fatigue in the evenings, leg cramps at night, and restless legs in the evenings. What's more, their veins don't look abnormal - they may not have spider veins or varicose veins.
I Wish I'd Known About Vein Treatment Years Ago
Even with this list, the number one thing I hear consistently from almost every patient I talk with is that they wish they would have had treatment years ago. They postponed it because they didn’t know they had a vein condition, they didn't know what was causing their problems, didn't realize it was treatable, didn’t think they could afford it, or were nervous about the treatment itself. Nearly every patient later tells me that they would never have postponed treatment if they’d known how much treatments help and how easy they were.
More than just the fact that they could have been symptom-free earlier and not missed out on so many activities with friends and family, there are a few things to consider on how symptoms evolve when they're not treated.
- A vein condition can cause discomfort or pain. Each year, the discomfort, pain, or symptoms always worsens. The yearly progression may be a small or more dramatic depending on the individual.
- A vein condition can lead to other health problems such as blood clots (phlebitis), permanent skin discoloration, or a skin sore. Early treatment can help to prevent these complications.
- Varicose veins always get more prominent over time. If left untreated, the veins may become more enlarged and twisted, leading to a more noticeable and unsightly appearance.
The good news is that it's not too late to start. If you want more information to sort out whether or not you have a vein condition, contact us for a screening.