Help with varicose veins

[Leanne2]

Hi,

I have had 3 dvt in total. My first one was when I was just 19. I have a protein c deficiency which causes my blood to clot. I've been taking warfarin for years but last year I started taking rivaroxaban. After each clot I have always worn my compression stocking as told to do so and I have always had a constant ache in my leg which the doctors tell me there is nothing they can do about it. I'm not overweight and I exercise regularly. Over the last year I have on my calve what looks like bruises and have now developed into thread veins and varicose veins which look a right mess on my leg. Just wondered if anyone out there has a similar problem as I'm sure the doctor will not do anything through the NHS and I will have to go private as they class it as cosmetic?

[Hidden]

Hi Leanne, I was sitting here wondering the same after looking at my leg. Left lower leg absolutely perfect (well chubby and pale but good) right leg what a mess, I had a phlebitis years ago, then was bitten by a horse fly and got a horrendous cellulitis, so lower leg all red and now after DVT in thigh, 6 months ago all in the same leg my leg is really yuk. As you say it looks bruised and with big veins etc. I spoke to my GP about it and he said although years ago you could get veins sorted on NHS now you cannot, I would have to go private. Not sure if all GP's are the same. I would happily go private if I knew where to go and what to ask for. I live in UK, Bedfordshire. I do not want to be ripped off and end up with a leg worse or no better, so will have to research into it. It was so hard with the heatwave last week wearing dresses as I was so self conscious. I am only 58, so still young enough to want to look nice. Regards Tareena