Common question: “Can I be treated if I am on coumadin or plavix or aspirin?” The answer is unequivocably YES. Coumadin may be stopped for two to four days before the vein procedure, or not be stopped at all, depending upon the reason for the medication. Plavix and aspirin may be continued. Your doctor and his staff will tell you exactly how to manage your blood thinner. The results of treatment are excellent, we treat many patients on blood thinners every week.
I heard an ad on the radio this morning about a cream to eliminate varicose and spider veins. As your friend and specialist who knows veins, I will tell you to please do not waste your money. Creams and pills and juices and any potion simply will not work to eliminate veins of any type. There is no science behind these gimmicks, these are scams to take your money plain and simple. When and if there is ever a legitimate cream, I will tell you, and will have boxes full in my office for you. I will always be sure you receive the very best treatment available in the world.
Common question, even doctors do not understand well. The abnormal saphenous vein is responsible for most bad leg veins, and we laser this vein closed. This vein should not be used for heart or any arterial bypass. The incompetent vein is abnormal, weak, and dilates too easly with artery pressure. A large dilated vein will clot and shut down within 3 to 6 months. Never allow this vein to be used for bypass, or you will need another surgery within a few months.
Difficult word, but so important in today’s modern vein treatments. Sclerotherapy is the injection of veins to eliminate them from the circulation. Fairly large veins and the smallest spider veins can be treated with sclerotherapy.
The most common use for sclerotherapy is the treatment of unsightly spider veins. Very small 30 guage needles and a special solution (not saline) are used to eradicate the spider veins. Lasers are not as good as injections by our experience and that of many other vein doctors. The skill of the one doing the injections often determines the results. We are pleased to have the very best in the U.S. in our practice. Take advantage.
I had several calls today – I give to patients my cell phone number – regarding the compression stockings. For your info and interest, we offer the very best medical grade compression stockings in the world, at wholesale prices. Questions were about when to wear the hose after surgery, easily answered for we advise only two weeks after the procedure.
Compression stockings are difficult to “don”, put on and take off. Patients hated the hose. Therefore I obtained samples from every company in the world, and I wore them for three months – unknown to my staff. I changed company hose each day. The very best were Bauerfeind, not well known in the U.S. I flew to the manufacturing plant in the old Eastern Germany. Such a surprise. Terrific plant, very nice German people, and the most strict standards of quality I have witnessed in a long time.
Wear them frequently as I and my staff do daily. We sell them from the office – cheap for the quality. Wear them when traveling, for there is a 4% risk for leg blood clots while traveling, far too high. 4 of 100 travelers, scares me, I wish to make an announcement on the plane each time I fly.
Message for you: Be a good patient, wear the stockings, you will be so pleased.
