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.

A round-up of “how to’s”

Over the years, we’ve posted a lot of quick tips for vein care at home, so as a year-end gift we’re putting them all in one place!

• How to tell if you have venous disease
• How to keep your veins healthy in the winter
• How to do the “foot pump”
• How to properly elevate your legs
• How to treat venous symptoms naturally
• Quick tips for coping with spider veins 

Don’t forget that while these “how to’s” can help with the symptoms of vein disease, an evaluation by a qualified phlebologist can give you a complete picture of your venous health and options for treatment. If you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at the Vein Healthcare Center.

Happy holidays from all of us at VHC!

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!

New technology uses old-fashioned principles

What’s the best exercise for helping the veins return blood from the legs back up (against gravity) to the heart? Believe it or not, it’s good old-fashioned walking. Walking causes the

rhythmic contraction of calf muscles and helps promote blood flow to the heart.

What if you can’t walk for one reason or another? The foot pump is one way. Or you can try treadling!

A treadle is a foot-powered pedal or level used for circular motion, such as in a potter's wheel or sewing machine. At the Vein Healthcare Center, we sometimes recommend that patients use a machine called the CV2. Named for the natural “second heart” of the calf pump, the CV2 is essentially a treadle that uses momentum to keep the pedal—and the calf muscles—moving up and down for a long period of time and with minimal effort. It was invented by a physical therapist who used the concept of a sewing machine pedal in his design.

To learn more about this simply elegant machine, click here to read our latest issue of Vein Health News (Page 13 in the “New Alternatives” issue).

Treatment is individual

Just as every person is unique, so should every health treatment plan be.

If you decide to pursue vein treatment, be clear about what you want. Do you want to wear shorts or skirts again? Do you want your legs to feel good even after standing on your feet all day? Or are you happy to control your venous reflux with compression therapy?

Whatever your desired outcome, make sure you work with a doctor who will listen to you and help you achieve your goals. Of course, we recommend vein care from vein specialist certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine (ABVLM).

Vein therapies today are performed by a variety of providers; some may lack adequate training or oversight, and some treat cosmetic concerns without taking the overall health and venous health of the patient into account.

Without a full understanding of both vein health and pathology, wrong treatment options can cause more damage to the venous system – and decrease your quality of life. When treated by a certified phlebologist committed to your overall health, you should receive professional medical care you deserve. 

If you’re wondering if you have symptoms of venous disease, click here to learn more about it.

Know Thrombosis: Blood clot awareness campaign returns

On October 13th it will once again be World Thrombosis Day, an opportunity for the general public and health professionals to learn about venous thromboembolism, or VTE. (October 13th is also the birthday of Rudolf Virchow, the German physician who pioneered the pathophysiology of thrombosis.)

We’ve talked a lot about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), PE (pulmonary embolism) and VTE, but it’s always helpful to learn more. For example, did you know that VTE is the leading cause of preventable hospital death, ahead of infection and pneumonia?

Take a look at the infographic below, and seek out more resources at the World Thrombosis Day site – including questions to ask your healthcare professional, risk factors for VTE, and your rights as a patient with regard to VTE.

One Patient’s Perspective

As the busy fall season kicks into high gear, we thought we'd take a minute to share a testimonial from one of our happy patients. Lucille used to do a lot of sitting because her legs felt so heavy and swollen. But now she walks at least 30 minutes every day!

"Dr. Asbjornsen is a rational, competent and caring physician. That's uncommon! From the first appointment, the doctor and her staff were very professional and continually demonstrated how much they care for their patients. Everyone was very thorough in educating me about each step of the process, from the evaluation to the follow-up—and they were pleasant too.

The group at the Vein Healthcare Center has restored my faith in the medical system. They are the cream of the crop. They're superlative!"

–      Lucille L., 69, Lewiston, ME

To read more about Lucille’s experience, check out the “One Patient’s Perspective” column in the latest issue of Vein Health News.

To see more of what our patients are saying, click here.