I had endovenous laser ablation to the great saphenous vein in order to treat my varicose veins. Four months later, I still have some burning, stinging and bruising along the "track" area. Is this normal? I'm beginning to regret having the procedure done. I didn't have these complications before.
After vein ablation, it can take months or longer for numbness, tingling and other sensations to diminish. Bruising usually resolves within a few weeks but discoloration can require months or longer to diminish. These are usual findings after treatment.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The symptoms that you are reporting are not uncommon during the first 3-4 weeks post-EVLA. Definitely at 4 months out, you are no longer in the normal range. That being said, in order to determine what might be the underlying problem, you need an in-depth ultrasound evaluation of your leg to get a feel for what has happened since the EVLA procedure. What the ultrasound shows will ultimately determine what, if anything, can be done. You have to remember that whenever a vessel gets closed/treated, the body must adjust and learn new circulatory patterns. This is why veins that appeared normal initially can become dysfunctional as the blood flow through them increases.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
In our vein center protocol, all our patients are scheduled for stage follow up. At the follow up appointment, every patient gets thoroughly scanned so that we can evaluate and see if there is any problem. Burning, bruising, and stinging can be normal symptoms. However, a re-evaluation could diagnose why you are having these symptoms. Hope this is helpful.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is rare to have complaints this far out after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). You should see the doctor or get a second opinion.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is not uncommon to have symptoms that long after treatment. Sometimes symptoms can persist for up to 1yr. Everyone's body is different and the healing times will vary. There are nerves that run along many larger veins that are ablated, and sometimes those nerves are irritated or damaged, and it just takes time for those nerves to regenerate. It is important to have follow up appointments with your physician to make sure the vein is closed properly and that there are no more veins to treat.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Give it another 2 months.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The discomfort in the "track" area can persist for a few months if the vein was large in caliber and too close to the surface. It will eventually resolve around 6 months, unless there is a complication. Perhaps you should seek a second opinion from a board-certified vein specialist.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Burning, stinging and bruising along the length of the treated vein is not normal after 4 months. I also have not encountered a patient who is regretful after EVLA. There are many possible explanations and possible treatments for your symptoms. If your vein care physician cannot offer help, I would recommend a second opinion. There are large variations in the skill and experience of vein care practitioners.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
True, you did not have these side effects before, but you had venous insufficiency. It is very common to experience slight soreness in the thigh for up to six months after EVLA. Where is your pain located and was any lasering done below the knee? Medial calf pain could be due to a neuropathy and is generally severe in quality. Try wearing your stocking with a six inch ace wrap on the thigh. Does this help? Revisit your doctor to
discuss your condition and seek some answers for feeling better.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
This is not the "routine," but the prolonged post-procedure symptoms are a variation of the "routine." Over the years I have seen this occur several times and it is usually in a thin female rather than someone heavier. I have always felt that the symptoms could be due to the vein being close to the skin and, therefore, the skin was heated more than usual. I have also seen this occur more commonly in people with back problems who have been treated for the back with analgesics, and even back surgery. Patients with chronic pain tend to have more pain that the norm from closure procedures. Sometimes, also, we just cannot explain prolonged discomfort.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I'd recommend you discuss this with your treating physician.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If the saphenous vein is very superficial, it can leave pigmentation along the surface of the skin. I, as a vascular-trained surgeon, would treat a superficial vein differently to avoid this. There should be no after symptoms at this time, but being close to the skin, I would recommend massaging with a little pressure along the length of the vein. Try Dermaka cream as it also has ingredients to help reduce pigmentation. There could be small superficial nerves that are still irritated, and this massage will help speed up the healing process.
Published on Jul 11, 2012