It took 4-5 years for doctors to diagnose my venous reflux. Is this typical or were the tests flawed?
I've had nearly all the symptoms of venous reflux for 4-5 years but the doctors couldn't answer why. After some "normal" scans, it now shows I have reflux in the GSV of both legs, from the proximal thigh to distal calf. Why didn't this show up earlier? How long does it take for a vein to reflux and for reflux to appear on scans? Could it cause upper thigh and hip pain? I had a piriformis release, but the pain continues. I can't sleep because the pain is so pronounced. Painkillers barely help.
Answers from doctors (3)
There are many possible explanations, but it is very unusual that venous reflux will cause pain so severe that it will require NARCOTIC pain relievers. This makes me question whether your pain is caused by venous reflux or some other condition.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Chronic venous insufficiency is diagnosed and confirmed by venous duplex ultrasound, including reflux time assessment.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Just because you have reflux does not mean it is an indication to treat, especially if the pain you have is actually musculoskeletal in nature. This is one reason why it's important to find a competent, qualified, ethical vein specialist. This person will hopefully be able to tell you if treating the venous disease has a reasonable expectation of eliminating the pain. Obviously, if the pain is musculoskeletal in nature, then you will still have it after your vein procedure and at that point, you could say the wrong treatment was done.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
