I had endovenous laser treatment 3 weeks ago. On my first day back to work ( standing job), the pain set in. Is it normal to experience sore, shooting pain, tightness, stinging, and swelling this long after treatment? My skin also feels sensitive, like it's burnt. Did I return to work too soon?
Normally you don't really need to take time off work after an ablation. With the laser ablation, you will be sore weeks after the procedure and will feel tightness along the treated vein. You will also have swelling. For your next ablation, you might want to try an office that does radiofrequency ablations. Usually, people need multiple procedures to treat all the veins that have reflux. It is good to wear a compression stocking for a week after the procedure, usually 20-30mmHg is typical. It is also important that you remain semi-active as well.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is fine to return to work. Try wearing compression stockings for relief. Post-procedure pain can occur depending on the details, which you do not fully provide.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, the vein that has been closed is inflamed and should resolve over the coming weeks. This can be part of the normal healing process.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
My patients return to work within 2 days wearing the stocking, thigh-length if the long saphenous is treated. I have my patients on ibuprofen 3x day for 8 days and then some Tylenol between if needed (mostly not). They massage the areas treated with Arnica or Dermaka cream, which speeds healing.
You should return to your surgeon for ultrasound with the symptoms seen. Occasionally, about 2 weeks out, there may be a slight increase in discomfort when the deeper tissue swelling/inflammation resolves and the small nerves are "waking up". Most people take a few Tylenol and continue with their normal activities.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Tightness and soreness is normal after endovenous laser treatment because the vein treated is shrinking and pulling on the tissues around it.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You can have some soreness in the legs depending on what was treated. You should be scheduled to go back to see the doc who did your procedure (usually 4 weeks after treatment). This is a typical protocol and opportunity to take care of any potential sources of discomfort patients might be experiencing. You have to remember that when you have a laser procedure or any vein treatment procedure, you are closing vessels down. In so doing, you are essentially changing how your leg circulates. How each leg changes, no one can predict. This is why proper vein treatment requires routine followup, especially early on in the treatment. That said, if your doc only did a laser treatment and nothing else, then you really only got a partial treatment. More treatments are in order to make all of your venous disease is addressed.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If you were not moving around and walking a lot during your three-week break from work, it's not too uncommon for pain to set it. Contact your treating physician and request an evaluation.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Why is the first day of work after 3 weeks? Were you resting for three weeks? If you have not been moving around and only resting, that's most likely the source of your pain. Wear compression stockings and walk a lot. The pain with subside.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The symptoms might be related, but you need to do stretching exercises and take anti-inflammatory agents. Also, walk as much as you can and wear compression stockings. Most people go back to work right away.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is completely normal to have tightness and soreness after an endovenous laser treatment. Shooting, stinging, swelling, and very sensitive skin are more unusual. I would check with your doctor.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
People heal at different rates. Some have almost no discomfort and some may take as long as 6 weeks. Usually, at the 3-week point, the vein is in the contracting and dissolving process and what you are feeling is this as you stretch your leg and are on your feet for longer periods of time. Wet heat to the treatment area and ibuprofen will help.
Published on Jul 11, 2012