Having Surgery--Veins

I just had mine done this summer. I'm not sure which procedure you're having done... you said they're being "removed" - but mine were basically lasered shut through a tiny catheter. It was called EVLT (endovenous laser treatment).

I had 2 procedures done about 3 weeks apart from each other. The procedure itself took just 30-45 minutes and I couldn't feel anything. The first 3 days afterwards my leg was tender and bruised (but not bad at all) - it just felt like I had a muscle cramp. I had to wear compression stockings for 7-10 days, but I was walking at the park just 2 days later (slower than usual though). You're also not supposed to lift anything >10 lbs for a week or so.

There was a week between the two surgeries where I was using the elliptical machine at the gym. My doctor advised against jogging until both had healed completely, but I could walk and elliptical.

My 2nd procedure was worse than the first (for some unknown reason). I got really hot and nauseous during it - but it passed within 5 minutes - and the doc said it's common to have a reaction to all of the fluid being pumped into your leg and/or the anesthesia they use. When my doctor called the next day to check on me, I was still feeling woozy, but it passed after 2 or 3 days.

Maybe this is way too much info - long story short, my 2nd procedure was July 21st and I was back to jogging and all normal activities by August 10th or so. But I started elliptical and walking before then.

If you're having your veins stripped - actually removed from your leg - I think your recovery will be much different. That's a much more intense procedure with a longer recovery time. I don't know if it matters, but I'm 27 and had this done because a valve in one vein wasn't working properly, which caused blood clots to form in my leg (last summer), and then the blood clots damaged other parts of my veins. Just wanted to give you lots of info!!

if you have any other questions, feel free to ask! Good luck! It's really not that bad. And I do feel a difference in my leg - before i had it done I had big bulging veins and they felt really thick and heavy. They're not 100% gone, but the doc said it takes up to a year to fully heal on the inside from all of this. They're like 10% of what they were in June though, so I'm really happy. and now I can't feel my veins at all during the day! )

I don't have any idea how long recovery will be for you but continue eating healthy and you can do upper body work while seated that may help. Talk to you doctor to find out what is safe for you.