varicose veins.
I'm not sure if anyone else in the forum has them, but I do.
Vericose Veins are hereditary. Infact, My great Grandpa got out of the war because he had them.
However, being fat isn't helping them either.
My right leg,around the knee is showing varicose veins now.

My aunt,
(who went through five kids,and eventually lost over 100lbs in 6 months through calorie counting and exercise) had terrible varicose veins. It wasn't until after her weight loss did they really show up pretty bad. She has since then had them removed.

I too, would like to have mine removed. However, I have heard from several different sources that medical people don't advise having them removed until after you've had children, because it puts a huge strain on them, and my just reverse the surgery--or something.

So I'm kind of conflicted.

What can anyone tell me about varicose veins and weight flectuations?

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My sister had them when she was a teenager. She's thinking of getting them fixed, too. She's always been very thin, yet always has had vericose veins, since she was about 15 ish they started appearing. They're much worse now.

vericose veins form when the blood pools by a valve that is supposed to prevent it from flowing backwards. They happen in veins because veins don't have nearly the same amount of muscle to contract and push the blood forward as arteries do.

Wearing pressure socks (called Ted hose in the medical field) can help prevent them from becoming worse by increasing pressure on the legs. My aunt also has them and wears support nylons. Ted hose have much more pressure than support nylons but are not the prettiest things in the world.

At your age, and I had that problem, I would be waiting for surgery on them. I don't know what could happen if you fix them now and have children because I've never looked into that.

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Michelle

"Some people will dream of success... Others will wake up and work hard." -Anon

I too have some very slight veins visible on my upper thigh, only on one side. Not a big issue yet, but I suppose it could be in the future.

I have heard of a treament which is supposed to work wonders, but I am curious to see if anyone knows about it or in fact tried it.

I know other people that had surgery to remove the veins, but I have heard of a treatment where they inject the affected veins with salt water, and this somehow makes the vein go back to normal....

Anyone else here of that?


sirant

Treating chronic venous disorders (varicose veins, spider veins,etc.) have advanced significantly in the last decade. These are non-invasive and out-patient procedures that are much more effective. I would do some research on treatments like Endovenous laser treatment, and sclerotherapy used inconjuncture with ultrasound.

Of course consult your doctor, but vein stripping and surgery are no longer very good options.

In regards to weight loss, are you pregnant? Research studies have connected varicose veins with pregnancy. You can see more here: Varicose Veins.

Hope that helps.

DC