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Varicose Veins? Do you wear shorts or . . .?

16 years ago

I have one lovely smooth leg and one leg with a rather ugly varicose vein. It has become more noticable over the years; my mom had them so they're probably inherited (I'm 50s, fit, never had kids). It doesn't hurt and when I pointed it out to my doctor she didn't have anything to say. Today I went to an event and wore no hose under my dress (beastly hot outside, and besides I wore sandals). I am also athletic and wear shorts all summer. But I wonder if I should start being more careful to cover up/hide the ugly vein. Just wondering what others think/do. Is there a varicose vein etiquette?

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Comments (11)

Georgysmom
16 years ago
Life is too short....enjoy it. You probably notice more than anyone else. Forget about it and be cool.
heather_on
16 years ago
I agree!
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lynn_d
16 years ago
Agree! As long as you are comfortable don't worry about anyone else.
OklaMoni
16 years ago
Yes, I wear shorts, and sun dresses, and NO hose!!! I detest wearing hose.

I have some, but not to bad, my scar looks a WHOLE lot worse.

If it bothers someone, then they shouldn't look! :)

Moni
susanjf_gw
16 years ago
when it's 90 degrees and the humidity is over 60% i'm sure gonna dress for comfort!
nicole__
16 years ago
Like you....athletic and no kids,one bad vein. I'm thinking of having it removed.....? Until then....shorts it is.... but I am self conscious about it. I don't want to gross anyone out...:0)
paula_pa
16 years ago
I have seen women in shorts who have much worse than one bad vein and it doesn't bother me. Why should it? Few of us are perfect.

But, I did give up shorts personally a few years ago. I have very muscular legs and big calves and then I got fat on top of that so I switched to capris. I've lost most of the weight but I'm still not wanting to wear shorts again. That's just what I personally prefer.
lydia1959
16 years ago
I have a incurable (noncontagious) skin disease that I can't cover up (on my hands, neck, eyelids, feet)... I use to try, but it is impossible now. I'd have to wear turtlenecks and gloves every day... and that ain't happening. lol People may think things, but rarely say anything. I wouldn't worry about any varicose veins.

I have a friend who has lost a chunk of her leg due to melanoma. She wears shorts. She may get some stares, but she is more comfortable in the hot humid weather than she would be in heavy jeans.

Don't worry about it. Life is too short.
terilyn
16 years ago
I agree, life is way too short to worry about what other people think you should wear. if you are comfortable and it doesn't bother you, wear what you want. If not, get it fixed.
Happyladi
16 years ago
If it bothers you, you could get it fixed.
marilyn_c
16 years ago
You know, if someone seeing your leg (or scar or whatever imperfection you think you have), and it bothers them...they need to get a life. I agree with the others...be comfortable.
If something like that bothers someone who sees it...they have a much bigger problem than you do.

When I was young and spiffy...I didn't like my legs and I never, ever wore shorts. I was so hung up about my looks that I wouldn't even go to the barn without my make up on.
Now I am old and cranky and gnarly, and I wear whatever makes me feel comfortable, shorts included.

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