r/varicose_veins

​I found out I had varicose veins at 18 (got the genetics from my dad), and I am currently 23. Right now, it mostly just causes minor inconveniences in my daily routine rather than anything major, but I am really struggling with the mental side of things. ​Even though it has been five years, it is hard to accept that this is a permanent condition I will have to manage forever. For those of you who were diagnosed young, how did you make peace with it? Does the mental burden of dealing with it get easier over time?

I had my first visit today with the vascular doctor who my GP referred me to. So, I have to say, I'm a bit curious as to if my visit is commonplace for new patients.

The office and staff were amazing. Unfortunately, this office requires you to see the PA on your first visit. He took my history, showed him my legs, etc. Walked out with a script for compression and an ultrasound scheduled for 3 months from now, and then a follow-up post ultrasound, presumably with the vascular surgeon.

Is this just routine now? I feel like he just basically dismissed me, I left feeling .... like i didn't get anything accomplished, really. He told me to exercise more, put my legs on the wall for 20 minutes a day, wear the compression, and continue to lose weight. (I've lost a bit over 40 lbs the past 18 months and have kept it off and maintained). He also said that walking, instead of heavier exercise, doesn't really help.

So, am I overthinking this, or is this typical now? Is it all part of the process to meet insurance requirements?

It’s been a while since I’ve posted but I’m here daily.

I’ve lost 108 lbs, which still amazes me! The changes in my body are dramatic. Wearing smaller more fitted clothes, I can cross my legs!, I had to move my car seat several inches forward, I’ve been unrecognizable to folks who have known me for decades.

Now for a surprise I am so grateful I didn’t ignore.

I’ve had varicose veins for decades (inherited from dad), some are unsightly, I want them gone! I was thinking I was just being vain “oh doctor, please make my legs pretty”.

I went for a consultation and got way more than I bargained for. After a thorough ultrasound exam I have been diagnosed with venous insufficiency and varicose veins. The insufficiency causes blood to pool in the lower legs and due to many factors, the blood can’t return to the upper body especially the heart and brain. The weight loss “exposed” more ugly veins than I thought I had.

I won’t go into all the symptoms but having this knowledge has helped me correct a problem I was blaming on the MJ, my diet, lack of electrolytes. I’ve been dealing with lightheadedness and dizziness that was interfering with many parts of my life.

This condition isn’t immediately life threatening, however, it is progressive, it’s not curable but there is treatment that can slow the progression.

1. wearing compression pantyhose daily

2. walking is good, I still have to find out what exercises are recommended and which ones to avoid.

3. I’ll have further treatment in a few weeks. Radio frequency ablation.

I’m still in the learning stages.

I guess I’m being long winded here, but my point is not to panic folks but to suggest you don’t ignore surprising changes, get yourself checked out. Thanks for reading my post.😊

hi everyone !! i’m 25 and i have a really crazy varicose vein in my right leg that started when i was 18. i think it’s from working in healthcare from a young age bc i work out regularly and rarely sit so i was shocked it got this bad this fast , but it is extremely painful and spreading at an alarming rate over the past month or so.

i went to a doctor and he recommends getting RF ablation and i scheduled for july , but i have never had any medical procedures ever and im an extremely anxious person so im terrified

i was hoping i could hear some of your experiences and advice to help me feel better or at the very least stop waffling between doing it and cancelling

thank yall so much in advance !

I’ve been noticing this heavy, tired feeling in my legs lately, especially after standing or walking for a while. It’s not really pain, more like pressure and discomfort that just stays there and doesn’t fully go away. At first I ignored it, but it’s been happening often enough that I started paying attention.

I started reading about it and realized it might be related to circulation issues or early vein problems. While looking around, I came across relaxsanshop and saw that they focus on compression socks and support wear for things like this.

I’m still trying to figure out what actually helps in real life though, beyond the usual advice like walking more or elevating your legs. Has anyone here actually dealt with this early stage feeling before it got worse?

What actually helped you manage it?

Hi everyone, I’m in my early twenties and just stared to get varicose veins behind my knee. They are just starting out but are starting to hurt. I want to know if working out helps? If it does, what type of exercise should I do? I have a very sedentary life style as a college student so I really need help. I think it’s genetic related since my grandma and great grandmother had them but they got them when they were much older than me. Any advice will help, thanks!!