HEALTH + WELLNESS
VARICOSE VEINS WON ’ T STOP YOUR HOLIDAY !
WARM SEAS , SANDY BEACHES AND LONG LAZY DAYS IN THE SUN – WHO DOESN ’ T LOVE A HOLIDAY ? BUT THE PROSPECT OF BARING A LITTLE MORE FLESH THAN USUAL OFTEN PROMPTS A FLURRY OF ENQUIRIES ABOUT VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENTS . WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE INTERESTING TO SHARE SOME TYPICAL QUESTIONS FROM PATIENTS WITH THE ANSWERS PROVIDED BY THE CANTERBURY CLINIC ’ S DOCTORS .
Dr Mo Faris
I would like to visit my sister this summer which involves an 11-hour flight to San Francisco , but I have varicose veins in both my legs and am unsure whether it is safe for me to fly such a long distance ?
There is often some confusion about flying with varicose veins , probably because of the association with deep vein thrombosis ( DVT ). However , a DVT is a blockage in one of the deep veins , whereas varicose veins are the result of faulty valves in the superficial veins . While varicose veins do slightly increase your chances of developing a DVT , they should not stop you from flying long haul . However if you have a problem with your deep veins then you may be more at risk of a DVT . It might be wise to get an ultrasound scan of your legs to rule out any underlying problem .
I ’ m having my varicose veins treated next month but a friend has just invited me on a last minute trip to Dubai . Can you recommend something to make my legs feel more comfortable on the sevenhour flight ?
We recommend that you wear compression stockings throughout the flight . These will help to stop the blood pooling in your veins and minimise swelling . You should also be as active as possible – get up and walk around every 30 minutes or so and while you are seated , flex your feet and ankles . Finally , tempting as it might be to while away the hours with a few drinks – stick religiously to water and avoid alcohol and caffeine ; you will feel much more comfortable if you are properly hydrated .
My husband and I are celebrating our wedding anniversary with a trip to Croatia next month . want to look my best so am having my varicose veins treated before we go , but I ’ m concerned I ’ ve left it a bit late . We will be doing a lot of walking and I also want to swim in the sea . Will I be ok to do this so soon after the procedure ?
The beauty of minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins is that recovery takes no time at all . You can walk into the clinic and walk out again straight after and in fact , lots of walking has been shown to aid recovery . There should be no problem with swimming either – the exercise will be beneficial . However we recommend a minimum of four weeks after treatment before flying .
I ’ m going on a hen party to Ibiza with a group of friends and am embarrassed about showing my veiny legs on the beach . I want to have them treated , but wondered whether I would have scars and if I would still be able to wear my party shoes when we are out on the town ?
Your treatment will involve the smallest of incisions , which means they should heal within a few days and scarring will be minimal . However , a word of caution , do use a highfactor sun cream and don ’ t expose your legs to the sun for too long as the newly healed skin will be more sensitive and you may cause permanent sun damage . As for high heels – if they are comfortable and you can walk in them then there ’ s no reason why you shouldn ’ t wear them , but you might want to put a pair of flip flops in your bag just in case .
Happy holidays !
The Cooden Medical Group Canterbury Clinic All Health Matters Orchard Close Mews Orchard Street Canterbury CT2 8AP 01227 903038 info @ coodenmedicalgroup . com coodenmedicalgroup . com / clinics / canterbury
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