Debby do you have a blood clotting disorder or does one run in the family? Have you been checked?

My bloodwork is fine. It's common to see that with varicose veins. The clot was in a secondary vein, not an artery.

Debby I ask because it appears you have some family history of blood clots. But since you were tested for the clotting factors all is good.

Hi Debby,

I've been wearing pressure stockings for varicose veins for almost 7 years - about $40.00 pr. then at Shoppers Drug, immediate discount of about $10.00 with their loyalty card.

I have worn the three pair almost every day throughout those years and they're holding up well, with some darning of holes in the non-elasticized toes and heels.

Planned to give me MRI-directed shots to shrink some veins ... did all of the half hour walking twice a day for two weeks that was called for after the first ... and had blood clots in the lungs a couple of days later.

And they cancelled the other three scheduled shots really quickly.

I've had to take Warfarin daily since.

Blood clots to the brain cause strokes, often resulting in long-term reduction in capability.

Blood clots to the heart cause heart attacks, resulting often in reduced capability or death.

I've been able to do pretty well all that I did before ... so I count myself very fortunate.

Good wishes and some prayers as you deal with yours.

ole joyful

Do they come back? That would be my concern, going through all of that only to have them return.

Joyful...when I was 60 I had a stroke. I survived it very well because an ambulance was called stat. Than 3 years later I had another. It was than the doctors decided to do extensive lab work telling me that 2 clots at my age indicated something was wrong, i also had multiple superficial blood clots in secondary veins. When the doctor was told about all the family members with varicose veins and several that had blood clots the doctor stressed to me that I must have the labs done. Ended up I have Lupus Anticoagulant a blood clotting disorder that runs in families. Treatment is a life long commitment to Warfarin. Joyful you do get your Protimes done regularly right lol

Eta I was 40 and 43 not 60.

Debby - Have you looked into Laser Treatment? I really have no knowledge or advice to offer, but know two acquaintance who had Laser Treatments and both returned to work immediately after. Perhaps it's something you may want to look into before deciding the best option for you.

ETA: Due to my negative reaction to anesthetic, it would be a consideration for me.

summer - I don't know about laser treatment. But I'm 100% positive it's done through a private clinic and not covered by Alberta Health Care. My veins are VERY big some stick out enough where when I wear my jeans, you can see them.

joyful - my son had blood clots but he also had a lot of medical issues. The reason for the blood clots was he was immobile. He did not walk. He pretty much sat on the couch most of the day. That is a huge reason for people getting clots

My sister is a heavy smoker and has a rotten diet. She's just had a bad vascular system from the get go. When she was 18 she had only left home a year earlier and I know mom was a very healthy cook. This is before 90% of the north American diet became full of processed foods that we all eat now which causes 99% of our medical issues.

I'm on my feet 8 hours a day at work. I walk on average 10,000 steps in my 8 hour shift. I'm not worried about blood clots in my arteries as I do move enough. I squat to lower shelves, I stretch to reach high shelves. I use the stair ladder to reach higher shelves. I walk fast to do price checks. I walk.... a lot. Which gets the blood moving which is important to not get those clots.

I am seriously considering the surgery. I would love to wear shorts again. And for my leg not to feel so tired at the end of the day.

So sorry about your son. Since the problem isn't strictly cosmetic, you would think at least a portion would be covered by insurance.

Debby. I think you should research blood clots in veins and arteries..and with your family history at least talk about it with your doctor or another. I will not mention it again but the info you gave is at least to me gravely concerning. Now I will drop it.

Debby, I had vein stripping on both legs when I was 23 after giving birth to my second child. One vein was an inch in diameter and went over my knee!!! I have had no issue in the 45 years since, just a couple spider veins that have developed over the past couple of years. I highly recommend the surgery. It really gives you a new lease on life!!

mamapinky0, my son died from a blood clot so I did do research. Thank you!

imacamper, I decided yesterday to call the surgeon to have my leg done. I really want to be able to wear shorts next summer, or the shorter length dresses that are all over. I'm tired of covering myself up from head to toe. :)

My daughter had that procedure done when she was 21, she had over 50 small surgical scars. The problem was solved and never came back, she's in her 50s and stands all day at work. The scars fade.

mamapinky0, Debby_ab has been to see a vascular surgeon, a highly educated and trained medical professional. Believe me, there would be a very complete written history provided by Debby as well as a verbal confirmation to the surgeon of the information she gave on the questionnaire. I'm quite confident that family history was noted and discussed by the surgeon and Debby.

Debby, best of luck with your surgery and enjoy the benefits from it. My husband's cousin had hers done a couple of years ago and she said just the relief from the tiredness and pain at the end of the day was worth every inconvenience immediately following the surgery.

I suppose I've just had to deal with the vascular system and blood clots to long. My apoligies if my concern caused and upsets.

My surgeons office called me back on Monday and said "we had a cancellation, can you come in Wednesday?" Uhm........... no? hahahaha First, I had to remember I'm in Canada and that never happens. And second, it wouldn't be fair to my boss who would have to scramble to change the schedule. I'm having it done on November 10th instead.

Ask me if I'm nervous.

I would say opt for the surgery, which it sounds like you have done. Especially if it is covered by insurance. You have a vascular surgeon, who is an expert in the procedure. I personally would find out how many times he has done the procedure, but I know in Canada your choice may be limited somewhat. But it doesn't sound like he's Doogie Howser. I think you will be so happy with the result and should be healed well by next shorts season! Most people are terrified of the anesthesia, but you sound healthy and are slim, so you should do fine

Good wishes through the procedure, Debby ... and don't chew your fingernails down to the quick in the meantime, O.K.?

ole joyful