Three months after endovenous ablation, I'm still in pain. Is this normal? When will the pain subside?

I had endovenous ablation 3 months ago. I have just as much (or more) pain now than before my procedure. I've talked to my surgeon, and he seems to think I just need to give it more time. He didn't say how long. Is it really normal to have pain this far out from the procedure? When will the pain subside? I really hate it!

Answers from doctors (6)


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Jul 02, 2014

I doubt that one ablation was going to solve your reflux problem. Most of the time people need at least 2 of 3 types of procedures, ablations (many times more than 1 ablation is necessary on different veins that are refluxing), ambulatory phebectomy, and sclerotherapy. Make sure your physician is accredited by the American College of Phlebology. Did they do a follow up ultrasound to make sure the vein was closed properly? I would bet you still have veins that are causing you problems.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

I doubt that one ablation was going to solve your reflux problem. Most of the time people need at least 2 of 3 types of procedures, ablations (many times more than 1 ablation is necessary on different veins that are refluxing), ambulatory phebectomy, and sclerotherapy. Make sure your physician is accredited by the American College of Phlebology. Did they do a follow up ultrasound to make sure the vein was closed properly? I would bet you still have veins that are causing you problems.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jul 01, 2014

Should improve but predicting how long is tough.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Should improve but predicting how long is tough.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jul 01, 2014

It is not "normal" to be experiencing pain at this stage. Typically there is a little discomfort in the first 1-2 weeks but with massage, ibuprofen, compression hose and returning to normal activity as soon as possible, we do not see persistent pain. It this is the same pain you were experiencing before the procedure, it is possible that your symptoms were not related to the reflux. You may want to seek a second opinion from an experienced, vascular trained, board certified surgeon.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

It is not "normal" to be experiencing pain at this stage. Typically there is a little discomfort in the first 1-2 weeks but with massage, ibuprofen, compression hose and returning to normal activity as soon as possible, we do not see persistent pain. It this is the same pain you were experiencing before the procedure, it is possible that your symptoms were not related to the reflux. You may want to seek a second opinion from an experienced, vascular trained, board certified surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lone Star Vein Center

Published on Jun 30, 2014

I am sorry to hear about your experience. That is certainly not what is expected. I would advise a complete conversation with your provider and share your concerns. If you thoroughly understand *your *venous
insufficiency and the pathophysiology, there should be a reasonable explanation as to why you are feeling this way and what to expect in the future.

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Answered by Lone Star Vein Center

I am sorry to hear about your experience. That is certainly not what is expected. I would advise a complete conversation with your provider and share your concerns. If you thoroughly understand *your *venous
insufficiency and the pathophysiology, there should be a reasonable explanation as to why you are feeling this way and what to expect in the future.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jun 29, 2014

It is difficult to answer this question. Do you have pain from the procedures? Or, do you still have the original pains from your varicose veins that prompted the consultation in the first place?

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

It is difficult to answer this question. Do you have pain from the procedures? Or, do you still have the original pains from your varicose veins that prompted the consultation in the first place?

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 27, 2014

It is not uncommon to have pain along the course of the veins treated by ablation even 3 months out. This is not the norm but it does happen. Sometimes, evacuating the clotted veins may help and sometimes ibuprofen and wet heat may also help. If the pain in not in the areas treated by the ablation, I would look for another source of the problem.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

It is not uncommon to have pain along the course of the veins treated by ablation even 3 months out. This is not the norm but it does happen. Sometimes, evacuating the clotted veins may help and sometimes ibuprofen and wet heat may also help. If the pain in not in the areas treated by the ablation, I would look for another source of the problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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