Dear Dr Stoll,
I'm embarrassed to ask yet another question while I eagerly await your book. It's just that I'm so excited about this site and feel on the road to recovery. This started out as an aesthetic problem but now has become uncomfortable to say the least. The veins started in my first pregnancy 8 years ago and have been aggravated by the birth of my 4 year old, they are mainly confined to my right lower shin area and actually look like bruises , about 18 months ago I sought help in the form of sclerosing therapy and after many injections and vast amounts of $'s I reluctantly gave up [I so much wanted it to work, I even ignored the fact that they were getting worse], at this time they started causing me discomfort, burning, itching especially during my period, I have a hard time putting weight on that leg, the area is always hot to the touch. now my main concern is that am I at risk for a DVT[clots]? Is there anything I can do for the discomfort? I am over the way they look and feel like a fool for being so vain in the first place as the tx made them worse. BTW the dr.wants me to persevere with the tx but I think it's against my better judgement[not to mention my pocket's!] Seriously though, I appreciate your advice and thank you in advance. Nikki
In Reply to: varicose veins posted by Nikki on June 28, 1998 at 20:58:15:
Dear Nikki,
ALL varicose veins put the individual at risk for clots.
Your best thing for right now (since you have given up on how it looks for now--grin) is to learn how to wrap that leg (from the toes up--leaving the toes & heel out) with about a 4 inch ace bandage. Go to at least a few inches above the highest problem but not, in any case, including the knee or above it! This should only be needed for a few weeks.
Every time you have a chance sit down & raise your foot above your hips. Every minute it is propped up will help. I would even raise the foot of the bed above the head & sleep allowing gravity to take the pressure off as many minutes as possible. Stay off your leg as much as possible for now.
So long as the veins are collapsed by the ace, the danger of clots is greatly reduced.
Taking at least 1000 units of mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) (daily) will help and at least 4 grams of esterified vitamin C twice a day wil help resolve the inflammation.
If it were me, I would also go to the veterinarian (or any good healthfood store) and get 50% DMSO solution or gel & apply it several times a day & rub in well. This is safe & inexpensive. The only problem is that it will make your breath smell like oysters. If you know nothing about DMSO, there will be a number of books about it in the library.
Finally, there are some basic body habits that greatly increase one's likelyhood of getting this problem. Once you have it under control let me know & I can tell you about those.
Walt
In Reply to: varicose veins posted by Nikki on June 28, 1998 at 20:58:15:
Niikki
I know some people who have shrunk their spider veins using white oak bark. I have been taking that for a few weeks. You might want to look into it. If I get results, I will be sure to let you know. I'm assuming that varicose veins would respond similarly to spider veins. Good luck to you!
Nancy