I had 2 separate EVL Ablations 10 weeks ago. I am now having the original achy/throbbing pain resuming in the back of my leg behind my knee. It's the same discomfort that the MD diagnosed as valvular incompetence requiring the EVL ablation. What's happening?
The leg should be rechecked to see if the vein has remained closed.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Go back and get a recheck from your practitioner, or get a second opinion. There may be many reasons for your discomfort.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The EVLT that you had may not have destroyed the vein completely, and some of the branches still exist. You may have a clot in a branch off of the vein treated, or the original vein has a clot in the painful area. Usually this is not a long-term problem, but the treating doctor needs to evaluate you again to see exactly what the issue is. More treatment may be necessary.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I would recommend a follow up appt with your physician. At 10 weeks post procedure your pain level should be very minimal.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
An ultrasound can usually answer your question. It will show either a successfully closed vein or an open vein. If closed, your pain is due to something else; if open, your original problem persists.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Healing time can be different for everyone having vein treatment. Without knowing what veins were treated, it is hard to give advice as to "what's happening." In our practice, we have follow-up appointments post treatment to determine how each patient is healing and any concerns for each patient. I would recommend a follow up appointment since you are having symptoms.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Throbbing pain is not normal this long after treatment. You should see your doctor.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is unusual to continue to experience the same symptoms after ablation if reflux was the cause. You didn't mention which veins were sealed. I would recommend you see your treating physician. If you are still concerned, a second opinion from a board certified vascular surgeon experienced in these procedures may be helpful.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
To give you a right answer, we would need to evaluate it.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It depends on what veins were closed. There is a vein in the posterior thigh which is not always considered as a potential source of venous insufficiency and the related discomfort. This vein is called the intersaphenous vein and it connects the small saphenous vein behind the knee in the crease to the
great saphenous vein in the groin region. The pain associated with intersaphenous insufficiency is usually in the posterior mid to distal thigh and is worse when sitting or standing and at the end of the day. Look at
your ultrasound report and see what was noted in this regard. If no mention is made of the competence of the intersaphenous vein, you should inquire.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
See your provider for questions in the post operative period related to a procedure.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Throbbing pain is not typically normal 10 weeks after EVLT Ablation. I'd recommend seeing your treating physician and having him evaluate this.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You need a re-evaluation. It is possible that the treated vein has re-canalized (re-opened) or that are other veins that need treatment.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Get a duplex ultrasound or second opinion by a vein expert (phlebologist certified by the American Board of Phlebology). There might be another vein incompetence or a clot. Try compression hose or wrap to get temporary relief.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You need to be re-checked.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Following ablation it is not uncommon to have discomfort along the course of the treated veins for as long as 4 to 6 weeks. I do not know if your symptoms are due to the ablation or to another underlying problem in your leg. You should have your treating physician re-evaluate you to see if there is another cause of your discomfort.
Published on Jul 11, 2012