Realwomen.co.nz

Hi there, I am hoping for some encouragment and advise re stockings for my veins. My legs have got achy and the veins more visible this last year since I turned 50, so I decided to start wearing the support stockings, which I was measured up for by the pharmacist. I have had almost 100% relief of ache, tiredness, itch and size of the veins since I started wearing them. I figure the inconvenience and irritation of wearing them is worth it. But now I have visible veins in the knee area and the calf-height stockings cut these veins off half way so now they say I need the thigh length hose. I can't believe how expensive these are and now I read that they need replacing every 3 months!! Also horror stories about how difficult they are to keep up etc. Does anyone here wear the full length hose and how do you get on? And do you really need to replace them every 3 months? Also, has anyone found that wearing hose slows down the progress of more veins developing? Sorry about all the questions! Thanks.

Hi Chico. I had Ultrasound sclerotherapy (injections that shrivel up the veins from the inside) on one leg and Ultrasound Laser therapy (laser probe is inserted into the vein) on the other leg for varicose veins last year. It was not cheap, but apparently for the majority of people, it is permanent and varicose veins won't reappear. If you ever consider having this done, do check it out. It usually involves a few visits as well as the money. I think I would have gone to an expert in Auckland (Skin & Vein Clinic), knowing what I now know. After the injections & laser, I had to wear heavy duty support hose for a ocuple of weeks each time, but I cvan't say how much they are.

From what you say, the condition is getting worse for you. There may be exercises and other things you can do to improve the veins too - I had to walk every day. Even if the cost of injections or laser is too high, you might be able to get advice to help you from either your doctor or a second opinion?