insideKENT Magazine Issue 89 - August 2019 | Page 121

HEALTH+WELLNESS
GOING ON HOLIDAY WHEN YOU HAVE
VARICOSE VEINS
CONCERNED THAT YOUR VARICOSE VEINS MAY BE BOTHERSOME ON THE
FLIGHT OR WHILE YOU ARE AWAY? CONSULTANT VASCULAR SURGEON,
MR LAL SENARATNE FROM COODEN MEDICAL GROUP’S CANTERBURY
CLINIC HAS SOME ADVICE.
There is often some concern about flying with varicose
veins, probably because of the association with deep vein
thrombosis (DVT). A DVT is a blood clot in one of the
deep veins and there is an increased risk of this occurring
when you spend long periods of time not moving – such
as on a long-haul flight. Having varicose veins should not
in themselves stop you from flying long haul, but they may
be an indication that there is a problem with your veins,
which could mean that you are more at risk of developing
a DVT. It might be wise to get an ultrasound scan of your
legs to rule out any underlying problem.
Even if your varicose veins are just cosmetic, I 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, move your feet and ankles. It’s
also important to keep well hydrated, so drink plenty of
water throughout the flight and save the tea, coffee and
alcoholic drinks for when you land. Too much alcohol is
particularly harmful as it tends to dehydrate you, making
a DVT more likely.
If you are going to a warm country then you may find
that your veins are more uncomfortable in the heat. Keep
your bedroom as cool as you can and you may find it also
helps to soak your legs in cold water before turning in for
the night. During the day, try to intersperse time on your
feet with periods where you can elevate your legs – a
sunlounger by the pool is ideal as long as you remember
to get up and go for regular walks or swims!
If you are thinking that you would like to get your veins
treated before you go away, you’ll be reassured to know
that minimally invasive procedures such as EVLA, which
uses a laser, means that there is very little recovery time.
You can walk into the clinic and walk out again straight
after, and as the treatment only involves a couple of tiny
incisions, they will heal very quickly. Providing there are
no complications you should be able to drive, fly, walk
and swim relatively soon after compared to invasive surgery
of the past. However, do remember to use high factor sun
protection, particularly on any newly healed skin, as this
will be more sensitive to the sun.
If you are considering treatment for varicose veins, talk
to your doctor or consultant about when and where you
are going on holiday and he or she will be able to advise
on the appropriate treatment and aftercare.
Cooden Medical Group’s Canterbury Clinic has a free
information event every month where you can meet our
doctors and ask questions about the minimally invasive
treatments for varicose veins. To find out more, please
visit our website www.coodenmedicalgroup.com.
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