August 21 is Senior Citizens Day!

The U.S. observance was established in honor of older adults who have made positive contributions in their communities. The day is also a time to bring awareness of social and health issues that affect senior citizens – like veins!

Paying attention to venous health is an important aspect of successful aging – and one that has historically gone untreated. Many seniors have been told that heavy, aching legs are a normal part of aging, but that’s often not the case. There are solutions for venous insufficiency that make people feel better, no matter what their age

Venous insufficiency occurs when healthy veins become damaged and allow the backward flow of blood into the lower extremities. This pooling of blood can lead to a feeling of heaviness, aching, and can cause skin changes, such as spider veins or a brown, woody appearance of the lower legs.
 
Older people’s veins respond differently to everyday stress compared to that of a younger person’s because vein walls are primarily made of collagen. As the body ages, a decrease in the production of collagen causes the veins to become more brittle and the valves more likely to fail, especially in the superficial veins. Thus, there is a higher incidence of varicose veins in the elderly population.
 
The skin also begins to lose its elasticity and doesn’t respond to stress the way it once did. And because skin is the “end organ” of venous disease, leg ulcers can occur as a result of damaged veins.
 
Breakthroughs in phlebology (the study of venous disease) and new approaches to treatment involve less time, less pain, and can be done in an outpatient setting. Treatments today are overwhelmingly successful over the long term when performed by a Board-certified vein specialist.
 
The risk-benefit ratio makes vein treatment an ideal option for seniors. Although seniors have a 50% greater chance of suffering from vein disease, they have the same success with modern treatment options as anyone else! 
 
To learn more about vein treatments options, contact us at the Vein Healthcare Center today to schedule an evaluation. 

Put Spring in your step!

For most of our patients, their main goal is to make their legs feel better -- but after vein treatment, we’ve heard many folks say that their legs look better too.

As summer approaches (a.k.a. shorts and skirts season) it can be emotionally difficult for those with visible veins on their legs to enjoy their time out and about. At the Vein Healthcare Center, our philosophy is that patients who want to treat their problematic veins aren't being vain; they want to improve their health and quality of life. 

While the appearance of spider veins and varicose veins is a common concern, the physical symptoms often take the biggest toll. If you suffer from vein disease, you may already know the familiar aching, throbbing, heaviness, and swelling that can affect your legs by the end of the day. What you might not realize is that the summer heat can actually exacerbate these physical symptoms. As temperatures rise, our veins naturally dilate to help cool the body down. For compromised veins, this extra dilation leads to increased pooling of blood, making that heavy, achy feeling even more pronounced during the warmer months.

This is why addressing your venous health before the peak of summer can be beneficial. Timing your treatment in the spring offers a few advantages:

• Comfort During Recovery: Following most vein procedures, patients are advised to wear prescription compression stockings for a short period to aid in healing and healthy blood flow. That can be a bit more comfortable in the spring -- especially spring in Maine!
• Time for Results to Show: While today's minimally invasive treatments require virtually no downtime, it takes some time for minor bruising to fade. 
• A More Active Summer: By treating the root cause of your discomfort now, you can jump back into hiking, walking the beach, and traveling with renewed energy.

You don’t have to spend another summer hiding behind long pants, making excuses to stay out of the water, or skipping out on the activities you love. Modern vein treatments are safe and effective. All procedures are performed right in our office and allow you to return to your normal routine almost immediately.

Take the first step toward healthier, happier legs. Contact us at the Vein Healthcare Center today to schedule an evaluation, and let us help you step into summer with confidence!

A lot of living to do - Happy Senior Citizens Day!

August 21 is Senior Citizens Day, a U.S. observance established in honor of older adults who have made positive contributions in their communities. The day is also a time to bring awareness of social and health issues that affect senior citizens – like veins!

Paying attention to venous health is an important aspect of successful aging – and one that has historically gone untreated. Many seniors have been told that heavy, aching legs are a normal part of aging, but that’s often not the case. There are solutions for venous insufficiency that make people feel better, no matter what their age.

Venous insufficiency occurs when healthy veins become damaged and allow the backward flow of blood into the lower extremities. This pooling of blood can lead to a feeling of heaviness, aching, and can cause skin changes, such as spider veins or a brown, woody appearance of the lower legs.

Seniors’ veins respond differently to everyday stress compared to that of a younger person’s because vein walls are primarily made of collagen. As the body ages, a decrease in the production of collagen causes the veins to become more brittle and the valves more likely to fail, especially in the superficial veins. Thus, there is a higher incidence of varicose veins in the elderly population.

Additionally, the skin begins to lose its elasticity and doesn’t respond to stress the way it once did. And because skin is the “end organ” of venous disease, ulcers can occur as a result of damaged veins.

Some seniors might think that “vein stripping” is the only option. While it was the go-to procedure for many years, treatment of venous disease today is vastly different. Breakthroughs in phlebology and new approaches to treatment involve less time and less pain, and they are overwhelmingly successful over the long term when performed by an experienced specialist.

The risk-benefit ratio makes treatment an ideal option for seniors. Although seniors have a 50% greater chance of suffering from vein disease, they have the same success with modern treatment options as anyone else.

What is phlebology?

Veins are not a new invention. But phlebology – the study and treatment of veins and venous disease – is a relatively recent field of medicine. Once a sideline of vascular surgeons (whose focus was and is mainly arteries), phlebology is a burgeoning discipline that continues to add skilled specialists to its ranks.

Dr. Raymond Tournay first coined the term phlebology in 1947: “phlebo” meaning “vein,” and “ology,” meaning any science or branch of knowledge. Tournay and his colleagues founded the French Society of Phlebology (SFP), also in 1947, and he was its General Secretary for many years.

The American College of Phlebology (ACP) was founded in 1985 by Dr. Anton Butie, though its original name was the North American Society of Phlebology. Its purpose was to bring together physicians and surgeons from diverse specialties who shared an interest in venous disease. The Society started with just fourteen members. Today, the ACP has over 2,000 physicians and allied health professional members, including physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, and ultrasound specialists and technologists.  

In 2005, phlebology was approved for inclusion in the list of self-designated medical specialties sanctioned by the American Medical Association (AMA). The decision by the AMA meant that physicians who diagnose and treat venous disorders, including varicose veins, could select phlebology as their primary or secondary area of practice.

Dr. Helane Fronek, editor of The Fundamentals of Phlebology: Venous Disease for Clinicians and a pioneer in the field, called the recognition “tremendous.” 

In 2007, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) followed the AMA’s lead and officially recognized phlebology as a distinct practice discipline.

Venous disease is extraordinarily common, but historically it has been poorly understood in the medical community. However, as the awareness of vein disorders and modern treatments has grown— among healthcare professionals and the general public— history is quickly changing.

To see how phlebology can improve your health and quality of life, contact us at Vein Healthcare Center. We're happy to answer any of your vein questions.

Thank you from all of us at the Vein Healthcare Center!

As another year comes to an end, I am counting my blessings for getting to do work that I love. I couldn’t do it without the Vein Healthcare Center team. What a pleasure it is to work with these skilled and thoughtful professionals every day!

I’m also grateful for all of our patients. Thank you for coming to us for better health and an improved quality of life. We’re always here to answer your questions.

Have a wonderful holiday season and start to the new year. And keep walking!

Sincerely,

Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen

How “bad” are your veins?

There are many levels of vein disease, and it is progressive. Without intervention, the severity of symptoms will increase and complications could arise that can have a serious impact on a person's overall health.

In order to have a standard way to talk about vein problems, a group of experts created a classification system known as C.E.A.P., which stands for Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology.

The “C” in C.E.A.P. stands for the clinical severity rating of a patient’s veins and is the most significant in physician-to-physician communication. For patients, recognizing what C.E.A.P. classification they are in may help them to decide if and when to seek treatment.

Click on the image below:

If you recognize any symptoms from the chart above, or if you have any questions about veins at all, contact us at the Vein Healthcare Center.

One Nurse's Perspective

We are close to releasing the latest issue of Vein Health News. In the process, we've interviewed several healthcare professionals who are on their feet all day; they're also patients of VHC!

Here’s what one registered nurse had to say about Dr. Asbjornsen and the staff at VHC:

“The customer service and the environment that the Vein Center provides are pretty phenomenal. There are recliners in the waiting room so you can kick back and elevate your legs. The music is great. The rooms are comfortable.

Of course, Dr. Cindy has a wonderful beside manner – that’s a plus. All of her staff is excellent. I’m never rushed. I’ve probably been in that office a number of times and I haven’t had one negative interaction.”

–      Beth D., 55, Ogunquit, ME

To see more of what our patients are saying, click here, or read their stories here from our booklet Perspectives.

Happy Senior Citizens Day!

August 21 is Senior Citizens Day, a U.S. observance established in honor of older adults who have made positive contributions in their communities. The day is also a time to bring awareness of social and health issues that affect senior citizens – like veins!

Paying attention to venous health is an important aspect of successful aging – and one that has historically gone untreated. Many seniors have been told that heavy, aching legs are a normal part of aging, but that’s often not the case. There are solutions for venous insufficiency that make people feel better, no matter what their age

Venous insufficiency occurs when healthy veins become damaged and allow the backward flow of blood into the lower extremities. This pooling of blood can lead to a feeling of heaviness, aching, and can cause skin changes, such as spider veins or a brown, woody appearance of the lower legs.

Seniors’ veins respond differently to everyday stress compared to that of a younger person’s because vein walls are primarily made of collagen. As the body ages, a decrease in the production of collagen causes the veins to become more brittle and the valves more likely to fail, especially in the superficial veins. Thus, there is a higher incidence of varicose veins in the elderly population.

Additionally, the skin begins to lose its elasticity and doesn’t respond to stress the way it once did. And because skin is the “end organ” of venous disease, ulcers can occur as a result of damaged veins.

Some seniors might think that “vein stripping” is the only option. While it was the go-to procedure for many years, treatment of venous disease today is vastly different. Breakthroughs in phlebology and new approaches to treatment involve less time and less pain, and they are overwhelmingly successful over the long term when performed by an experienced specialist.

The risk-benefit ratio makes treatment an ideal option for seniors. Although seniors have a 50% greater chance of suffering from vein disease, they have the same success with modern treatment options as anyone else.

Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen shares her wisdom on Successful Balanced Living

Get to know Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen a little bit better -- and hear some trustworthy, easy-to-understand advice. 

Dr. Asbjornsen was recently on the radio show Successful Balanced Living with Lynda Adams. She talks with Lynda about a variety of things, including:

• Why she decided to study phlebology (the study of vein disorders and treatment)
• Why sore legs and varicose veins are NOT a normal sign of aging.
• Who is at the greatest risk for getting vein disease
• Preventing blood clots on airplanes
• How she creates a successful, balanced life for herself

To learn about this and more, click here to listen.

And if you think you might have vein disease, schedule an appointment for a full evaluation of your vein health.

Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen on Catching Health

Earlier this spring, our own Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen spoke with health reporter Diane Atwood on her podcast on the Catching Health blog.

Their topics of conversation were far ranging, everything from how a clot in the deep vein system could possibly cause a stroke, to why blood appears blue in the veins.

Dr. Asbjornsen also explains why vein treatment is NOT a one-size-fits-all proposition. And she talks about how anyone can get deep vein thrombosis -- even someone playing a video game (for many hours in a row). Who knew talking about veins could be so interesting?

This isn't the first time Dr. Asbjornsen has appeared on Catching Health. She wrote a guest post on Catching Health about when you should ask your doctor about your vein problems.

We hope you'll give the Catching Health podcast a listen!

Click here to learn more about Dr. Asbjornsen and her practice the Vein Healthcare Center.

Making vein health and treatment easy to understand

Earlier this spring, Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen spoke with the Portland Press Herald about what causes varicose veins, who is at the most risk for getting them, and ways to prevent vein problems from getting worse.

Click here to read the Press Herald story.

Dr. Asbjornsen also explained some options for treatment that is less invasive and less painful. Click here to read more.

The article also gives readers a chance to know Dr. Asbjornsen a little bit better, such as her passion for education and for treating people with vein issues:

Although she rarely deals with life-or-death maladies, Asbjornsen takes pride and satisfaction in helping patients take simple steps that can give them back their lives.

‘Really, treating veins is all about quality of life,’ Asbjornsen said.

Learn more about Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen, or visit the Vein Healthcare Center in South Portland, Maine for a complete vein health evaluation.

Fixing the problem

In our last two posts, we looked at the problem of leg pain in athletes, and how veins and exercise can possibly affect each other.

If vein problems keep someone from doing activities that aggravate his or her vein symptoms, then choosing alternate activities is one way to cope. Some people may find that swimming, for example, does not produce the same discomfort that running does.

Athletes can live with the problem, but they don’t have to. There are so many options for treatment so that people can continue doing their favorite sports or whatever activity they're passionate about. They might even see an improvement in their performance.

Modern treatments have excellent initial and long-term success rates when performed by an experienced phlebologist (vein specialist). Endovenous approaches are minimally invasive treatments used to address specific large varicose veins in the legs.

Endovenous ablation (EVLA) is considered the gold standard in the treatment of venous symptoms, with success rates between 90% and 98% after five years. It has largely replaced previous, more invasive standards of care, such as vein stripping.

Another option for treatment is sclerotherapy, performed either with ultrasound-guidance, or with a light-assist, which seals the vein wall of small varicose veins allowing them to fade away.

With both EVLA and sclerotherapy, patients can walk the day of the procedure and return to normal activity, including moderate exercise, within a few days.

The key to safe, effective vein treatment is to consult with a board certified vein specialist who can evaluate the entire venous system so that poorly functioning veins can be treated at the source.

Are varicose veins a cosmetic issue or a medical issue?

This is a question we get at the Vein Healthcare Center all the time.  Most healthcare providers would agree that if a patient is having pain and is unable to perform his or her work due to varicose veins, then it is medically necessary.

But all factors must be weighed when drawing a line between medical and “simply cosmetic,” not the least of which is restoring patients’ confidence and overall well-being. Even if a patient isn’t experiencing physical pain – but won’t swim in a pool or wear shorts to the beach because he’s ashamed of varicose veins – her quality of life is markedly diminished.

Additionally, it is common for venous disorders to be undiagnosed or undertreated. It’s important to remember that varicose veins are a symptom of early stage venous disease, and if left untreated could lead to larger medical issues.

From the perspective of insurance companies the difference between “cosmetic” and “medical” may be whether or not a vein has a connection to the deep system; if it does and the connection is leaking, then they consider treatment medical necessary. That said, there are many vein procedures that are covered by insurance, and one should not assume that treatment won’t be covered. Feel free to contact us at VHC to discuss the details of your coverage.

At VHC, our basic philosophy is that treating problematic veins isn’t about vanity – it’s about health and quality of life.

If you’re not sure whether or not you have vein disease, click here to find out more.

One of our patients says: it’s definitely worth it

It’s that time of year when many of us review the things we’re grateful for. One of our patients is thankful for the advances in vein treatment – and for the way her quality of life has improved since her own treatment.

“About 15 years ago I had my varicose veins stripped the old way – surgery. That doctor made an incision from my thigh all the way down to my ankle. It required many stitches and a long recovery. Back then they didn’t have the nice compression hose or knee-highs that they do now; the hoses were thick, rubber and so uncomfortable I stopped wearing them.

After I had my children, a varicose vein formed in the middle of my right leg, and then a big varicosity starting forming on my knee. Every time summer came I always made sure to wear capri-length pants, and I hated wearing bathing suits.

I was reluctant to get my veins treated again because of my experience with the surgery 15 years ago, but I did my research and found Dr. Asbjornsen and the Vein Healthcare Center. I went in to talk to Dr. Cindy, and she and her ultrasound technician took an hour to find out where the source of the problem was. They took the time to find the source of why the varicose vein recurred in my right leg.

I went ahead and did the EVLA and was amazed at how fast it was – only an hour to stop the leak at the upper groin area. I had a pretty big bruise, but I used the Arnicare they gave me and wore my compression stockings. My thigh recovered so quickly!

Before the treatment you could actually feel the heat of the vein through my clothes. You could see the outline of the vein when I wore leggings, it was that bad. Now I can wear anything I want, even shorts. It would hurt at night too, but not anymore.

I have before and after pictures on my phone that I show to everyone! I tell people: Hey, just do it. It’s easy. Yeah, you have to wear stockings for a little while, but it’s definitely worth it.

I would absolutely recommend VHC. The whole practice was professional. They were very understanding about making appointments and worked with me the whole way. The doctor and her staff took a lot of time to explain the problem to me, and how they would resolve it. I think Dr. Cindy is a really good doctor. I felt very comfortable with her and never, ever felt rushed.”

-- Deanna B., 54, Old Orchard Beach, ME

We’re grateful for patients who are willing to share their experiences. To read more of our patients’ stories click here. Thank you for reading the @VHC blog – and have a happy and healthy holiday season!

Sclerotherapy Q&A with Alison Scheib, PA-C – Part 1

Patients often have common questions about sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive procedure used to treat spider veins and varicose veins. To shed some light on the topic, here is a Q&A with Alison Scheib, PA-C, who specializes in sclerotherapy at the Vein Healthcare Center.

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure involving a series of injections into a dysfunctioning vein. The provider uses tiny needles to inject a medicine called a sclerosing agent into the vein's interior wall. This causes the vein to become sticky and seal shut, causing the troublesome vein to disappear. Blood then finds a healthy path back to the heart. “Ultrasound guided” or “light assisted” defines how the vein is visualized during these injections.

Can you explain the difference?

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy uses ultrasound echoes to locate veins that are not readily visible and cannot be seen with a light. This procedure is often used to treat perforator veins, or veins that connect the superficial system (above the muscles in your leg) to the deep system (veins under and between the muscles of the leg). During light-assisted sclerotherapy, a small, hand-held light illuminates the veins directly below the skin, which allows the sclerotherapist to clearly identify the source of the dysfunction.

Who is sclerotherapy best for?

Sclerotherapy works best for those with superficial veins that are not directly connected to deep veins by junctions and have a diameter less than 5 mm. It can also be highly effective in patients who have leg symptoms such as heaviness, aching, pain, itching, swelling, throbbing, or skin discoloration or breakdown.

How long does the treatment take? How many treatments do most patients need?

Number and length of each treatment varies from patient to patient. Each session can take between 15 minutes and one hour, depending on the complexity of vein patterns and reflux. Most patients need multiple treatments, 3-6 sessions, on average.

To read part two of our interview with Ali, click here!

Summer and veins

After a long and especially frigid New England winter, it will officially be summer in just a few weeks. What does that mean for those who suffer from vein disease symptoms, such as throbbing, aching legs, legs that tire easily…or having to wear shorts?

We’ve compiled a few @VHC blog posts to help you navigate vein issues (and treatment) during the summer months:

• Don’t let varicose veins ruin your summer. Click here to read.
• Vein treatments in the summer, Part 1. Click here to read.
• Vein treatments in the summer, Part 2: Click here to read.

And for those who are traveling this summer, prevent blood clots on long trips by plane, train or automobile. Click here to read.

If you have any questions about vein health, whatever the season, you’re welcome to contact the Vein Healthcare Center. And happy almost summer!

True Stories

Have you thought about getting treatment for your varicose veins, leg ulcers, or other, less visible symptoms of vein disease? If you’re considering whether or not to seek treatment for your vein issues, it might help to hear about other people who have suffered from vein disease and found relief.

We’ve put together an e-booklet called Perspectives, in which we share the experiences of real patients of Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen. You’ll read about patients whose legs look and feel better as a result of having their vein problems diagnosed and treated. But it isn’t just their legs that have improved—so, too, have the quality of their lives. 

Click here to read their stories.

Treating venous symptoms, naturally

We've discussed alternative options for preventing, treating, and stopping the progression of venous disease before, including a cursory look at several herbal remedies, as well as graduated compression therapy.

In the October 2014 issue of Essential Living Maine magazine, Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen delves further into the use of herbal medications to ease venous symptoms. Just click here and turn to pages 24-25. 

Of course, everyone is different, and those who think they may be at risk of vein disease are urged to obtain an evaluation by a vein specialist to understand their options for treating the underlying cause of their symptoms. It's important to ensure that symptoms are not an indication of a more serious medical condition, such as phlebitis or thrombosis.

Keeping Legs Healthy “From Hips to Heels”

Maine Radio Show Addresses Leg Health 

Is it better to run barefoot?

Why are compression stockings a mainstay of care for pregnant women?

What is the source of plantar fasciitis? 

A recent episode of Maine Calling on MPBN focused on these and other questions about our lower half – from varicose veins to the causes of joint pain.

In our lifetime, it’s very likely we’ll be challenged by issues arising from our feet, legs, or hips. This month, Keith Shortall welcomed three physicians that specialize in these regions of the body. Join Keith, Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen, founder of the Vein Healthcare Center in South Portland, Dr. Brian McGrory of Maine Medical Partners Orthopedics, and Dr. Kenny Maisak of Portland Foot & Ankle to get some of the most common questions answered about the parts of the body charged with supporting us from below. Listen to the show.

Inside “Hips to Heels”: Expecting? Early intervention is the Key 

Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen

According to Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen, for women, it’s not the weight of late stage pregnancy that causes symptoms of venous disease – it’s the hormones of early pregnancy that cause damage to the vein walls and lead to venous insufficiency and varicose veins, something that can be treated with prescription compression stockings. Ironically, the first trimester is often when patients aren’t even being treated by a physician. “Prevention can start on day one,” said Dr. Asbjornsen. “Compression stockings are the mainstay of care for pregnant women.”

Dr. Asbjornsen also recommends persistence when it comes to treatment for leg and vein issues – sometimes primary care physicians are not as informed about the changes in the field of phlebology as they could be, nor are they knowledgeable about how straightforward and effective treatments can be. “This is an incredibly new field,” said Dr. Asbjornsen. “It has only come into existence in the last thirty years, and a lot of the modern treatments have only been around since the late 90s. For many physicians it’s hard to stay current.”

Learn more about Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen.