I had blood clots in deep veins in both my legs in 2001.The bad veins were never removed or fixed. Now I have CVI. I'm 35. Is there a surgery for me?

I have spider veins and varicose veins on both legs, in my thighs, and elsewhere. I have an ulcer that never opened. My skin is discoloured and my feet can get dark blue if i'm on them too much. I'm in a lot of pain and have fatigue. I want to be able to do more and have a better life. I'm a single mother and I live in GA. Also should I be taking a prescription pain killer for the daily pain so I can exercise and do more, until I can get a surgery? THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Answers from doctors (3)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 30, 2017

You should be evaluated by a Board Certified Vascular surgeon who specializes in treating these problems. Your evaluation will include an ultrasound to assess the function and of your deep veins and superficial systems. This will tell them whether you are a candidate for laser closure of the refluxing superficial veins. Your ulcer should be treated with ultrasound guided sclerotherapy to seal any underlying reticular veins which contribute to the ulcer. I would advise you be measured and fitted into 30- 40 mmHg pressure thigh length hose to be worn daily. This will make you much more comfortable and able to move and exercise better. It will also help reduce the risk of deep or superficial blood clots. I would avoid prescription pain medication due to their addictive nature. Regular doses of ibuprofen or aleve taken with food should help with pain and inflammation.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

You should be evaluated by a Board Certified Vascular surgeon who specializes in treating these problems. Your evaluation will include an ultrasound to assess the function and of your deep veins and superficial systems. This will tell them whether you are a candidate for laser closure of the refluxing superficial veins. Your ulcer should be treated with ultrasound guided sclerotherapy to seal any underlying reticular veins which contribute to the ulcer. I would advise you be measured and fitted into 30- 40 mmHg pressure thigh length hose to be worn daily. This will make you much more comfortable and able to move and exercise better. It will also help reduce the risk of deep or superficial blood clots. I would avoid prescription pain medication due to their addictive nature. Regular doses of ibuprofen or aleve taken with food should help with pain and inflammation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Illinois Vein Specialists

Published on Mar 30, 2017

If you have had blood clots in both deep veins and it has been some years, it is likely you still have old clot scarring inside your deep veins. Other than wearing support hose there is not much that can be done. If the clots are more recent a nearby interventional radiologist may be able to mechanically break up the clot and restore your flow appreciably back to normal. A thorough ultrasound exam is needed to evaluate the cause of your superficial vein disease, i.e. your varicose veins. If your deep veins are completely obstructed then these superficial veins are being used to move blood out of you lower legs. If there is not complete obstruction in the deep veins, then it is very promising that proper laser surgery to treat the incompetent superficial veins that are causing the varicose veins, the blue ankles , the fatigue and the pain can be permanently treated and you should gain significant relief.

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Answered by Illinois Vein Specialists

If you have had blood clots in both deep veins and it has been some years, it is likely you still have old clot scarring inside your deep veins. Other than wearing support hose there is not much that can be done. If the clots are more recent a nearby interventional radiologist may be able to mechanically break up the clot and restore your flow appreciably back to normal. A thorough ultrasound exam is needed to evaluate the cause of your superficial vein disease, i.e. your varicose veins. If your deep veins are completely obstructed then these superficial veins are being used to move blood out of you lower legs. If there is not complete obstruction in the deep veins, then it is very promising that proper laser surgery to treat the incompetent superficial veins that are causing the varicose veins, the blue ankles , the fatigue and the pain can be permanently treated and you should gain significant relief.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 30, 2017

You require a full venous evaluation of the deep, superficial, and perforator systems of veins. A prior DVT is not a contraindication to treating refluxing valves of the saphenous system or perforating system as long as there is adequate flow in the deep system. See a vein specialist.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

You require a full venous evaluation of the deep, superficial, and perforator systems of veins. A prior DVT is not a contraindication to treating refluxing valves of the saphenous system or perforating system as long as there is adequate flow in the deep system. See a vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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