Q:

How Much Will Treatment Cost?

 

A:

Treatment costs vary from patient to patient, depending on the extent of the vein problem that you have. Following your assessment by Dr. Hill, a treatment plan will be tailor made to your specific problem and needs.

 

At your initial consultation, Dr. Hill will review your history, do a detailed venous examination and discuss the reasons you are seeking treatment. This appointment is billed to Alberta Health Care.

 

 

Q:

What Can I Do To Prevent Varicose Veins?

 

A:

>   Seek prompt treatment for your varicose and spider veins as they appear. Early intervention can delay progression of varicose disease and the complications of varicose veins.

 

>   Wear support stockings – especially if you spend a lot of time sitting or standing.

 

>   Exercise regularly.

 

>   Maintain a healthy weight.

 

 

Q:

Should I Seek Treatment Before Pregnancy Or Wait Till I Have Had My Family?

 

A:

Do not postpone treatment of varicose or spider veins. The elevated hormones of pregnancy can aggravate venous leg pain and worsen pre-existing varicose veins. It is wise to obtain treatment before you become pregnant. This way you can delay the progression of your vein problem and the onset of complications.

We can also help you with advice regarding leg care during and after pregnancy.

 

 

Q:

Do Men Get Varicose Veins? Do They Come For Treatment?

 

A:

Absolutely! Varicose veins are hereditary in many cases or related to standing occupations. Thus, they affect both men and women. Unfortunately, in the past, men were less likely to seek treatment. This is changing as men become more aware of the complications associated with varicose veins such as pain, swelling, bleeding, inflammation, ulcers and even blood clots. Frequently, men are also embarrassed about the appearance of their veins.

 

 

Q:

Does Treatment Make Sense For Elderly People?

 

A:

Yes. A reduction in activity as we age leads to pooling of blood in the veins. Thus, older people are more likely to experience the long-term complications of varicose veins. Timely treatment will help prevent these complications.

 

 

Q:

Are there any complications?

 

A:

When larger veins are injected, it is fairly common to develop a firm, tender cord or lumps along the vein. This is normal and simply indicates the vein has responded  to the injection. Occasionally, a brownish pigmentation may develop in the skin overlying a treated vein. This gradually fades over a period of several months, but in unusual instances, some discolouration remains. There are several rare but potentially serious complications. As with the use of any medication, allergic reactions can occur, ranging from a slight rash or itch to a severe systemic reaction. There have been occasional reports of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in the medical literature. It is remotely possible to inject an artery or infuse medication outside a vein. This can result in a skin ulcer or loss of tissue with resultant scarring.

 

 

Q:

Will the varicose veins recur?

 

A:

The veins treated by sclerotherapy are destroyed and cannot reappear again unless the treatment has been incomplete. However, sclerotherapy cannot alter your inherited tendency to form new varicosities.

 

 

Q:

How will the blood circulate?

 

Many patients ask how the blood will get back to the heart after the veins have been closed by sclerotherapy. In fact, 90% of our blood return is handled by the deep venous system, which is never treated. Only the superficial veins, which carry 10% of the blood, can become varicosed. Moreover, varicose veins are not functioning properly so the blood has already found other veins to circulate through.

 

 

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