Pregnancy kicked my butt.
I barfed approximately 30 times a day for 18 weeks. My face flared up like I was 15 again. I even sprouted a chin hair. I know…vomit.
However, the second time around, I was also lucky enough to have varicose veins appear all over my right leg. And to my dismay, this elevated road map on my leg did not disappear after I gave birth. In fact, the opposite happened. These thick, raised veins seemed to spread as each month went by.
About the time of my daughter’s first birthday, I’d had enough. My leg was a constant bother and throbbed after I drove or stood for even short periods of time. And to be honest I was also a little bummed that every cast member of the Golden Girls had sexier legs than I did.
It was time to make an appointment and I am so glad I did. Here is the “simple” process of taking care of this uncomfortable and unsightly problem.
Making the appointment:
Beware- this is a surgery you want to have done in the fall or winter because your legs need to be out of the sun for several months. If this time of year is approaching, you may be making your appointment for months down the road. Even if you’re unsure about the procedure, call now for the consultation. You may have some time to think about it before you get on their calendar.
Consultation:
The doctor will examine your legs and perform a sonogram to locate the problem. When a valve in the vein “fails” the blood no longer flows in the right direction as it is pulled by gravity. This extra pressure on the veins causes them to swell and become the puffy, aggravated varicose veins.
Click here for a full explanation: http://www.dallasveinspecialists.com/VaricoseVeins.htm
Procedure:
The procedure doesn’t take long at all. I think I was in the car headed home after 2 hours. First the doctor traces the varicose veins with a marker. Next, conscious sedation aka “twilight sedation” is administered. Then the failed vein is lasered or “killed” and the varicose veins are removed through tiny incisions. While I was drugged I even asked to see one of the removed veins (looks like a worm) and I have a bad feeling that I also asked the doctor if he was married.
When the procedure is complete, it’s time to be wrapped up and head home (with a driver, of course) and stay off your feet for a day.
Recovery:
TAKE ADVIL. I was fine all day but once the evening hit, I was in need of Advil.
The compression stocking was required for the first week. That thing and I had a love/hate relationship. It was so uncomfortable but at the same time took pressure off my leg.
I’m about 3 weeks out from surgery and feel GREAT. My leg is healing very well and already looks so much better without the bulging veins everywhere. You can still see the bruising but my legs are now smooth and most of the incisions are healed. A few months and I’ll be as good as new!
Time to go buy some inappropriately short shorts. Just kidding.
**Sally did not receive services or discounts from Dallas Vein Specialists. This was written because she is so happy with her results from Dr. Whiddon and wants other women to know that this common pregnancy side effect can be fixed.
