My husband and I had decided during my 2nd pregnancy that this would be my last pregnancy. After she was born, I dreamed about having my veins treated and having my boobs lifted. (Ooh, that is a great a idea for a future Real Girls Guide entry.) When she was about 7 months old I saw a commercial on TV for a vein removal clinic in town. The commercial advertised for an extended video On Demand. I watched the video and called for my consultation.
The first part of my consultation was an ultrasound to determine the extent of my varicose veins. I got a little light headed attempting to stand still during the hour long ultrasound. The ultrasound tech kindly told me that this is not uncommon. She gave me a mint and had me sit down with my head between my legs. I felt like a wimp.
Disclosure: I am not doctor nor do I work in the medical profession. The doctor met with me to go over the results of my ultrasound. Veins have flaps that open to allow the blood to return to the heart. These healthy veins should be about .30 cm wide and the flaps should close in about 1 second. I have veins 6 times the healthy size. Some of the flaps took over 5 seconds to close allowing all the blood to rush back down. The ultrasound machine stops reading closure time at 5 seconds. I was off the charts. My mom should be so proud.
I was concerned about closing the veins. Where would the blood go? The doctor assured me that the blood would safely be routed to go good veins. The doctor would use CoolTouch CTEV to treat the veins. The method of laser ablation (endovascular)is safer and more effective than the old-fashioned vein striping. The doctor was patient and kind and answered every question I could think of. The plan would to be my legs in 4 different appointments. The fronts of my left and right legs would require the full dosage of medication allowed. The back of my legs would be easier, but the doctor would not treat different legs at the same time. The doctor was also in support of sclerotherapy to treatment some on the smaller veins.
Total cost: Close to $800 for the ultrasound and office visit. It counted towards my insurance deductible.
The first part of my consultation was an ultrasound to determine the extent of my varicose veins. I got a little light headed attempting to stand still during the hour long ultrasound. The ultrasound tech kindly told me that this is not uncommon. She gave me a mint and had me sit down with my head between my legs. I felt like a wimp.
Disclosure: I am not doctor nor do I work in the medical profession. The doctor met with me to go over the results of my ultrasound. Veins have flaps that open to allow the blood to return to the heart. These healthy veins should be about .30 cm wide and the flaps should close in about 1 second. I have veins 6 times the healthy size. Some of the flaps took over 5 seconds to close allowing all the blood to rush back down. The ultrasound machine stops reading closure time at 5 seconds. I was off the charts. My mom should be so proud.
I was concerned about closing the veins. Where would the blood go? The doctor assured me that the blood would safely be routed to go good veins. The doctor would use CoolTouch CTEV to treat the veins. The method of laser ablation (endovascular)is safer and more effective than the old-fashioned vein striping. The doctor was patient and kind and answered every question I could think of. The plan would to be my legs in 4 different appointments. The fronts of my left and right legs would require the full dosage of medication allowed. The back of my legs would be easier, but the doctor would not treat different legs at the same time. The doctor was also in support of sclerotherapy to treatment some on the smaller veins.
Total cost: Close to $800 for the ultrasound and office visit. It counted towards my insurance deductible.
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