I have an appointment with a vein specialist in a few weeks to discuss whether the compressions stockings helped or not (wore them for 3 months). I have reflux in both legs, taking almost 6 seconds for the valves to close, between 5-6mm in size, and restless legs, heaviness, etc. I am considering the endovenous vein ablation, but I need to know how long I could possibly be out of work. What can I expect?
How long you will need to be off work depends on what kind of job you have. Many of our patients return to work the day after the procedure. The only restriction after the procedure is no lifting more than 30 pounds for two weeks.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The treating doctor can answer these specific questions as it depends on your work and activity level. Usually back to light work in 1-2 weeks.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression stockings do not fix reflux. They provide only symptomatic relief. As for the EVLT, it may help you symptomatically, but it would only address a small portion of your vein issue if it is the only treatment done. Proper vein treatment requires that every aspect of your vein issues in the leg be addressed. Your doc should thoroughly ultrasound each leg and then treat the entire leg from inside all the way out to the skin. Only then can you expect your symptoms to go away.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There is essentially no down time after this procedure. Your doctor will review this with you. You will need to wear compression hose for several days (usually a week).
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Most people are able to go back to work the following day. We recommend no heavy lifting or vigorous exercise the first three weeks after treatment, but walking is required. At least two 30-minute walks daily starting on the day of treatment. Basically the more you walk, the less you will hurt.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
My protocol is no heavy lifting or strenous exercise for 10 days after the operations.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Your symptoms sound as if venous ablation is what you will require. The healing time is 2-6 weeks, but most people return to normal activities within 3-5 days and I encourage patients to return to work as soon as possible (usually within 48 hours).
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You shouldn't be out of work at all. It's considered an ambulatory procedure with no down time. My patients go back to work the next day.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Minimally invasive procedures such as EVLA require little to no down time for recovery after the procedure. Most patients can go back to work the next day while wearing prescribed compression hoses. Some of the immediate post-procedure issues you may encounter are mild swelling, bruising and discomfort at the site for vein access. These are readily treated by compression and OTC analgesics. So you can be optimistic about being able to go back to work very soon after your vein procedure.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You should see a specialist to get these questions answered.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Great question. Most of my patients can return to work within 1-3 days. However, the period of time that you'll be out of work depends on several factors, like the wavelength of the laser that your doctor uses (in general there is much less discomfort if they use a 1320 nm or 1470, rather than 810, 940 or 980). Other factors include: the length of the vein being treated, the energy delivered (Joules/cm), the type of work you do, and your own motivation. Hope that helps!
Published on Jul 11, 2012