Anyone with experience of varicose veins?

[gazza285]

I've had varicose veins for 25 years, and yesterday had them all surgically removed.

The consultant was a big vague about recovery times and what sort of movement and exercises I should/can be doing.

Male and 42 if that helps, keen cyclist, not enjoying the thought of being cooped up for too long.

[gazza285]

I'll suffer alone then (sniff).

[BlackVanDyke]

My mum had a bad one done about 3 weeks ago. She says (paraphrased):
- the time period immediately after really isn't too bad
- she was surprised by how much MORE it hurt 4 days in
- she really should have taken more time off work than she did (she's a peripatetic music teacher so a lot of walking, carrying stuff, almost never sitting down for more than 5 minutes)
- the way that it hurt sort of also made her feel very tired
- it's now feeling a LOT better but is still a bit tender
- she really, really hates the compression socks. A lot.

How many did you get done? I suspect there are too many variables to be able to draw any kind of strong comparison, a fit-but-not-athletic 57 year old with one really bad one isn't going to have many factors in common with you.

[steve_r]

Was this keyhole or open (old fashioned) surgery?

If it was the keyhole type the advice is a little vague because there are no hard/fast rules. I recommend at least three weeks before training with any intensity. Walking/general exercise however is recommended as soon as comfortable as it reduces risks of DVT etc.

HTH

[gazza285]

Old fashioned strip out, five in total, including two over 9" long. The consultant advised me to have three weeks off work minimum, to walk three miles a day as long as it wasn't too uncomfortable, and I can start riding the bike after 7 days. I told him my next race was on the 23rd of March and he said good, it'll give me something to train for.

Not much pain now, but I'm getting bored.