Varicose vein treatment

[Finvola]

Has anyone taking anticoagulants had vein ablation and did it mean stopping your anticoagulant? I have a couple of purple cherry tomatoes on the back of my knee and would feel happier without them but my GP is a bit hesitant.

Any experiences would be most welcome.

[bfastgirl]

Several years ago I had varicose vein removal at a London clinic. I stopped Rivaroxaban the day before and I think I started back the day after. The vein was treated with laser and then was removed through numerous (more than 20) tiny cuts from my ankle up to my thigh. It wasn't painful and I had no trouble with bleeding afterwards. If I had to have the other leg done (hopefully not!) I wouldn't have any reservations about doing it again, apart from the cost (I had it done privately).

[Finvola in reply to bfastgirl]

Thank you - that is reassuring.

[irene75359]

I am in the same situation as you, only I would describe the backs of my legs as having punnets of purple tomatoes! My mother suffered from varicose veins and they caused her great problems in later life, with ulcers, varicose eczema and the like. And her legs weren't nearly as bad as mine. I am not vain, but have got to the stage where I will never wear a skirt/swimsuit/shorts even in very hot summers because my legs are so unsightly. I did have my veins 'stripped' (a treatment they don't do now) years ago, but they came back in different places. I am also concerned of the risk of a significant bleed from the untreated veins as I am on warfarin, but I am also very concerned about stopping taking it. A rock and a hard place! I would love to know what you decide.

[Finvola in reply to irene75359]

Thank you Irene, that's exactly my dilemma. I was bitten by a dog on the back of the other knee (thank goodness not on the tomato) and it has made me realise that the tomato is a bit of a time bomb. I'm thinking of talking to my GP again and asking for a private referral to a vascular surgeon for some idea of alternatives - either RF ablation or even better, sclerotherapy.

Have you had an appraisal of your veins and how they might respond? I don't really want to wait too long and don't want to rush into something my GP doesn't think is a good idea but I will certainly let you know how I get on.