I have severe leg pain and edema of the lower leg following radiofrequency ablation of perforator veins and phlebotomies. What are my options now? ?
I had radiofrequency ablation performed on my GSV. Then, one week ago, I had radiofrequency ablation of perforator veins and multiple phlebotomies. One phlebotomy bled postop twice. The bleeding stopped upon applying a pressure dressing. I continue to have severe pain upon getting out of bed, and that pain is only lessened when walking. My lower leg is edematous and a ultrasound showed no evidence of DVT. I continue to wear support hose 24/7. What should I do now?
Answers from doctors (8)
Yes, that happens sometimes. Please continue to wear compression stockings and use Naprosyn or Aleve, etc.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I would seek a second opinion by a board-certified vascular trained surgeon who specializes in vein treatments. Your symptoms are of concern.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I recommend you follow up with your surgeon and discuss this.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You need to return to the vein doctor who performed the operations.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You need to go back to your doc and have them tell you why your legs still hurt. If they cannot tell you, or offer you a solution, you need to find a board-certified vein doc who can tell you why. Not all vein docs are created equal. The best ones address the entire leg. They do not just treat a few veins here and there. If your procedures occurred a week or two ago, then your pain may just be from the treatment. However, if it has already been a few weeks since your procedures, then there is always a reason for the persistent pain. It is not treatment-related. Again, have your doc tell you why you still hurt and have them either fix it or find someone who can.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Continue compression hose and things should improve. If not, you need another ultrasound or second opinion from a board-certified vein specialist.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I would recommend you continue wearing your support stockings and walking. Avoid prolonged standing and keep your legs elevated while sitting. You can also have your doctor check for any evidence of deep venous insufficiency or reflux and truncal venous obstruction. If you have an ileofemoral venous obstruction (i.e occlusion or narrowing of the big veins in the abdomen or pelvis), this can be treated with stenting and should relieve some of your pain and swelling.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Thank you for your question.
Since deep vein thrombosis has been excluded by venous Duplex scanning, I recommend that you continue to wear stockings and wait a period of 3 months for the healing process and then get imaged again. A thorough examination at that time will determine if there are additional insufficient veins that can be treated. At any time if you experience more pain and swelling, seek an urgent scan as it may indicate delayed deep vein clots.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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