My summer started early, you see. As of April 29th, I have been to a vein specialist ten times, maybe 11. I lost count. For much of my life I have suffered from the very unsightly and often painful condition of varicosity. The technical definition quoteth http://www.webmd.com
"Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins
near the surface of the skin. They are most common in the legs and ankles. They usually aren't serious, but they can sometimes lead to other problems.
near the surface of the skin. They are most common in the legs and ankles. They usually aren't serious, but they can sometimes lead to other problems.
Varicose veins are caused by weakened valves and veins in your legs. Normally, one-way valves in your veins keep blood flowing from your legs up toward your heart. When these valves do not work as they should, blood collects in your legs, and pressure builds up. The veins become weak, large, and twisted.
Varicose veins often run in families. Aging also increases your risk.
Being overweight or pregnant or having a job where you must stand for long periods of time increases pressure on leg veins. This can lead to varicose veins.
Varicose veins look dark blue, swollen, and twisted under the skin."
I will spare you the pictures.
Laser treatments(injections of local so they can shove a laser up your dead vein and kill it), phlebectomies(stab avulsion and scalpel cuts to pull out your veins with clamps WHILE YOU ARE AWAKE - they look like shoelaces by the way), sclerotherapy(foam injections to be bound with really big PUFF balls), compression hose(boy, these are something special), large maxi-pads taped to my legs(YES, maxi-pads), bruising, discoloring, limping, inquisitive toddlers, etc. etc. etc.
But I am on my way to being done ... thank goodness. Unfortunately, my doctor has retired in ... 7 days. My last appointment he wanted to pop one of the small clots in my left leg, but I wouldn't let him as my boys were with me, so I must now start (or shall we say continue) these procedures with a new doctor. I loved my doctor. I will miss him.
Tomorrow, I will go back to school with fewer veins, more bruising, and inquiring students. These procedures kicked my ass. I never expected to be so tired, I never expected it to be so painful; and I can take pain. The hose are a joy - let me tell you. Sooooo tight. You sweat putting them on. NOT COOL in the summer, not cool. At least the students will not think I have aliens growing in my legs anymore.
What have I learned from all this ... I should of had this done a long time ago. Atleast before considering pregnancies. As you can imagine, they(my veins, because THEY'RE people) got so much worse with each pregnancy. After Max, I said I would take care of them after nursing and before another one. Well ... doesn't always happen that way as I was pregnant again before I had finished nursing Max. (WOW, I was fertile.)
It could have been worse, but it could have been better. I'm happy to be on the road to recovery. Showering with a garbage bag duct taped around your leg is overrated.
August 24th, 2014
