I still have pain, cannot take anti-inflammatory medicines and I have a leg ulcer at the site of the surgery. Is this normal? Since I can't take those types of medications, how should I handle this two weeks post-treatment?
It is still possible to have pain 2 weeks after an ablation. If you cannot take anti-inflammatories then Vicodin might be an alternative.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is not unusual to have pain over the course of the vein which was closed, for 2-4 weeks following an ablation. This is related to the body sending inflammatory cells to surround and "attack" what the body thinks is a foreign body or hostile event (sealed or "cooked" vein). Continue with anti-inflammatory medications, warm soaks, your compression hose and patience.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
At two weeks you should be improving. As you cannot take NSAIDS, you may have a slightly longer recovery time because the laser causes localized inflammation. The NSAIDS reduce this to a minimal amount. I am concerned that you state you have an ulcer at the access site of the surgery. If you had this prior to treatment, you should start to see some improvement. However, if this is new, I recommend you seek the advice of your treating surgeon. This would be highly unusual.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It sounds as if you have a complex case. I'd recommend you contact the physician who performed the procedure immediately. I'm sure they will want to see you.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The majority of patients report resolution of their pain by week 2, but not all patients. It is not typical to have an ulcer as you described. This would be considered a complication and you should discuss this with your doctor. In terms of pain medication, since you cannot take anti-inflammatories I would discuss with your doctor a mild narcotic such as Tylenol with codeine.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Pain after the EVLA is normal for up to a few months. The ulcer is not normal if it came to be after the procedure. If you had the ulcer previous to the treatment, then continued appointments at a wound clinic would be required. The ulcer needs to be covered and treated with special medication.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Pain after endovenous closure can last 2 to 4 weeks. If you have a venous ulcer, there may be other contributing causes for this such as perforator incompetence. If you have an ulceration from a burn from the laser, this may require further treatment. You need to follow up with your treating physician.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You can take Tylenol or aspirin.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is normal to have discomfort post procedure, especially if not taking anti-inflammatory medication.
Since you do not describe the location of the ulcer on the leg, I cannot comment further. Maybe you should consider communicating this with the physician who saw and treated you? It is their responsibility to care for you throughout your recovery.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
A leg ulcer at the site of the surgery? Is it new since the surgery? If so, no, that is not normal. You should go back and see your treating physician.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Although is not the most common symptom, some patient might have discomfort two weeks after EVLT. If you cannot take regular anti-inflamatories, ask your doctor if you can you take steroids like prednisone.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You need to discuss this with the treating physician.
Published on Jul 11, 2012