Blown veins - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Shetaz0028 · 10-16-2009, 05:44 AM

I went to see my PCM for the first time since surgery. I've been having a burning like sensation on my right calf and can feel it starting up on my left. I was really trying not to think of DVT's but....

Anyway, she did an ultra sound and didn't find any clots thankfully BUT, told me that I have over exerted the veins in my legs because I went from a 220lb statue to always moving. She said I did to much to fast and the veins will not recover. So, now I have these really nasty looking bulging veins on the back of my calf. She said there is nothing to do now because the only time they hurt is when they are touched but, if I notice swelling, heat, color change or what ever surgery will have to be done.

So, please please please, be careful with your work outs. Even though I don't feel bad (just the pain of using muscles that have not been used in ages) don't push yourself until you feel the burn. You could really hurt yourself.

Corrine · 10-16-2009, 06:25 AM

I hear you - and so should everyone else!

I was at the Vascular Surgery Dept. on Tuesday.

There are veins on both on my legs, running from the groin down to almost my ankles (inner leg) that are totally shot. These are huge with clumps that look like bunches of grapes. And these are painful now.

These are beyond help and will have to come out but they can't be done as an outpatient as I'd hoped. I'm looking forward to 2 seperate surgeries shortly.

Highlandlass · 10-16-2009, 07:12 AM

To both Shetaz and Corrine - I guess its a lesson in moderation for all of us - we all feel so wonderful and want to get moving again and might overdo it. I'm sorry to hear that you are both suffering from the vein problems. Thanks for posting and warning us to move, but take it easy at first. This whole journey is just full of learning moments. I'm just sorry that you both had to be the ones we'll learn from. Take care!

noholes · 10-16-2009, 09:02 AM

I hear you guys- Must be the time of the year after a busy active Summer. I have had kind of bad veins for a few years, coupled with the fact that I had a clot in my vena cava while in the hospital. I just this morning got my approval for my vein surgery from insuraance. Other than looking gross, they really cause a lot of fatigue so I am having them taken care of hopefully around Thanksgiving.
My Doctor didn't seem to think it was due to exercising too quickly though- he though most of it was from the excessive weight I carried for so many years, and the weight loss- He thought that the exercising has only helped my legs to keep the circulation and problems to a minimum. He told me that I coudl continue to run. Hmmmm. Guess every Doctor feels differently,.At least it is covered by insurance- One thing going my way.

Amy H

poet_kelly · 10-16-2009, 09:08 AM

I'm sorry you all are dealing with this. I would imagine being overweight for a long time would be hard on our veins. I have some varicose veins in one leg that I have had for a long time, but they aren't too bad.

Kelly

Shetaz0028 · 10-16-2009, 10:34 AM

My doc said with the way they are bulging it's because of the sudden upswing in blood flow through them. She told me not to change my work out but, she was scolding me that I was up to 2 miles a week out of surgery and today at 6 weeks I am doing 8 miles per day and weight training. What can I say moving feels much better than a sunday ever tasted.

Toony · 10-16-2009, 10:40 AM

YIKES and Holy Complications!!!!

Always something to watch out for, huh?

Hope you both feel better quickly!

Corrine · 10-16-2009, 01:33 PM

The surgeon I saw said mine were a result of years of being morbidly obese.

He's amazed that I've been able to do the amount of exercise I have been (including using a skiier and running) and my level of exercising has no bearing on the state of the veins now. The big worry is that I could knock these. And then there's the ulcer and blood clot issue.

I've been told to carry on doing exactly what I'm doing - at this point, nothing is going to make them any worse now - they have to come out.

Got to tell you, I did not like the Duplex ultrasound thing. Digging that probe hard into my leg to get a view of the big vein running down the lenth of my inner leg HURT!

mistymee · 10-16-2009, 02:20 PM

Wow.. I'm not sure I've ever heard of this happening like that. I remember my grandmother had some sort of vein issue and would have them stripped (??) and she always had ace bandages covering them.. (and sadly, I'm built exactly like her, bless her soul)

Scary

Corrine · 10-16-2009, 07:13 PM

I hope I've got this the right way round.

The vein running down both inner legs will be stripped - they'll be tied shut and removed,

The vein on the lower inner legs will have a laser treatment. A small tube is inserted into the vein and as they pull it out, it's hit with a laser. The body absorbs the vein apparently.