Post by tracyarts on Dec 7, 2018 7:33:57 GMT
(UPDATE 12/15) So I was able to get it all done this week. I ended up having RF (heat) ablation in one vein in each leg and then a venaseal treatment in a second vein in my right leg.
The RF ablations were a little bit intense. I have a very low pain tolerance though. But it still wasn't bad, just uncomfortable in a teeth gritting way for a few minutes while they positioned the ports.
The decision to use venaseal on the third vein was because the area they needed to work in was close to nerves and a bit more risky to use heat there. Venaseal is where they inject a surgical adhesive into the vein to close it. It's less invasive than ablation but my insurance company only covers venaseal if ablation is contraindicated. So they would cover it for that vein, but not the other two.
I've got some bruising and soreness, itching, stinging, and tightness in both legs. But following the walking requirements helps a lot, as do the compression stockings. For some reason there is more itching and stinging where the venaseal was done and more aching and tightness where the ablations were done. But both are expected during healing.
I already notice a positive difference. I had been favoring my left leg because my right one was much worse with the CVI. And I'm walking with a normal even gait now. Aside from the soreness, walking is no longer uncomfortable.
I'm glad I had it done. Hopefully after I finish healing I'll see more improvements. But just walking better made it worth it.
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My insurance company approved me for thermal ablation to treat chronic venous insufficiency in my right calf. I need 3 veins done and will do them over the course of 3 days. My doctor said it's a really minor procedure and acted like it's no big deal at all. I want to know what to expect from someone who has had it done. Because IMO, threading a thin wire through a vein then zapping it seems like a big deal. Don't get me wrong, I'm more than ready to get the problem fixed, but a bit skeptical about how not a big deal my doctor is making it out to be.
The RF ablations were a little bit intense. I have a very low pain tolerance though. But it still wasn't bad, just uncomfortable in a teeth gritting way for a few minutes while they positioned the ports.
The decision to use venaseal on the third vein was because the area they needed to work in was close to nerves and a bit more risky to use heat there. Venaseal is where they inject a surgical adhesive into the vein to close it. It's less invasive than ablation but my insurance company only covers venaseal if ablation is contraindicated. So they would cover it for that vein, but not the other two.
I've got some bruising and soreness, itching, stinging, and tightness in both legs. But following the walking requirements helps a lot, as do the compression stockings. For some reason there is more itching and stinging where the venaseal was done and more aching and tightness where the ablations were done. But both are expected during healing.
I already notice a positive difference. I had been favoring my left leg because my right one was much worse with the CVI. And I'm walking with a normal even gait now. Aside from the soreness, walking is no longer uncomfortable.
I'm glad I had it done. Hopefully after I finish healing I'll see more improvements. But just walking better made it worth it.
-----------------
My insurance company approved me for thermal ablation to treat chronic venous insufficiency in my right calf. I need 3 veins done and will do them over the course of 3 days. My doctor said it's a really minor procedure and acted like it's no big deal at all. I want to know what to expect from someone who has had it done. Because IMO, threading a thin wire through a vein then zapping it seems like a big deal. Don't get me wrong, I'm more than ready to get the problem fixed, but a bit skeptical about how not a big deal my doctor is making it out to be.
