September 23, 2011
Your Questions About Varicose Veins

Betty asks…
Are extra varicose veins a usual side effect to a knee replacement?

Rene Heasman answers:
No, they are not a usual side effect, and in all my years nursing have never heard of it. I would check with your doctor about the varicose veins, it is probably just a coincidence that they appeared about the same time as you had some surgery.

Carol asks…
Why do animals not get varicose veins when they stand for long periods?

Rene Heasman answers:
Four legs, no thick muscles for veins to carry blood to and keep healthy.

Sandy asks…
Are there any home remedies for getting rid of varicose veins? The ones that are raised above the skin?

Rene Heasman answers:
None.

George asks…
what is the best way to get rid of varicose veins with out surgery?

Rene Heasman answers:
However, non medical treatments are more effective for milder cases of varicose vein. Some of these treatments are:
1) Acupuncture and Acupressure
2) Aromatherapy
3) Hydrotherapy
4) Compression Stockings
5) Massage
6) Exercise
7) Healthy Diet
Vitamins
These methods also work very well in preventing varicose vein.
Acupuncture and Acupressure
They are effective, but only for the appearance of the veins. Both these procedures will help to keep the veins from worsening, but unfortunately cannot help them to disappear completely.
Aromatherapy
This is an excellent choice amongst the natural treatment for varicose vein, as the oils can help with the swelling that may occur with varicose veins. Massaging the area around the veins with certain oils, can help reduce the size of the veins as well as reduce swelling.
Hydrotherapy
Alternating between hot and cold baths can help with the blood circulation. This is another one of the best natural remedies for varicose vein as damaged veins are normally associated with bad circulation. It is generally easy to do this treatment at home.
Compression Stockings
For a person suffering from varicose veins temporarily, such as while pregnant, compression can be used as a non medical treatment . This might also be true for someone that is mildly affected with varicose veins.
For people who are suffering with a more severe case of varicose veins, compression stockings can be prescribed by their doctors. These stockings can often be purchased at a medical supply store or at a full service pharmacy. The compression stockings for varicose vein treatment range in price from about $50 to $100, depending on the size and style.
These stockings tighten the most at the ankle, and gradually deliver less pressure as it stretches over the knee and towards the thigh. This results in forcing of blood along its natural course despite the damage to the veins. These stockings are not everlasting however, and even the prescription stockings will need to be replaced after a few months of regular use.
Massage
There are several different massage techniques to treat varicose vein. Massage works very well because it makes your skin tender and thus prevent you from getting varicose veins.
Even if you already have varicose vein, the massage can still work wonders for you. It can help to get rid of varicose veins that are already on your skin if you suffer from mild varicose veins.
Exercise
The most important part of non medical treatment for varicose vein is exercise. In fact it is a vital part of maintaining a healthy and balanced body. Exercise gets the blood flowing normally which helps greatly with blood circulation. Besides aerobic exercise, yoga has also been noted as another important aspect of exercise which can be used to treat varicose veins.
Healthy Diet
As with anything that is health related diet plays a big part in treating varicose veins. Make sure that you include plenty of fiber, vitamins A, B, C and E, as well as zinc in your diet. These are just some of the elements that will help you in treating varicose veins.
By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can also prevent varicose veins from occurring in the first place. Always make sure that you maintain a healthy diet which will promote general health and wellbeing for your whole body.
Vitamins
Vitamins are important elements in preventing and treating varicose veins. They are more effective when used in addition to other treatments such as compression stockings. Although natural supplements are not often known to have ill effects, especially those available for mass distribution, some have been found to interact badly with other medications. So, if you do decide to have surgery after all, for your varicose veins, you need to let your doctor know about any supplements that you are currently taking.
The most important varicose vein vitamins you should take regularly to treat varicose veins are A, C, E, B6, and K. In addition, you should also take bioflavoniods and fiber as they are also important for your overall health. Author Resource:- Cindy Heller is a professional writer. To learn more about varicose veins at Daytona Beach and other varicose veins in Orange county , please visit varicose veins cur

Jenny asks…
Do varicose veins look normal after you lift your limbs?
like while you’re still having them elevated.

Rene Heasman answers:
No, varicose veins are too damaged to look normal when you elevate your limbs.
You’ve got the right idea though… Varicose veins occur when the blood in the vein is unable to flow up the leg and back to the heart (against gravity). Sitting or standing for long periods of time puts you particularly at risk.
So, how can you prevent varicose veins?
1. Lift your legs! Give you veins a break and take gravity out of the equation.
2. Walk around! At work, take a break from what you’re doing and walk around. It’s good for your veins and will help clear your head.
3. Get help! Varicose veins stockings are a great way promote healthy veins as they provide pressure on the calves to improve circulation. Compression hose are available in a lot of different styles and cuts, so you can find the right height, color, fit, and style for you. My wife has had a lot of success with compression socks and stockings from http://www.supportsockshop.com.
4. If you’re pregnant, get extra help! A lot of women develop varicose veins during pregnancy. If you think you need it, invest in a maternity support girdle to remove some of the pressure.
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Mandy asks…
Are extra varicose veins a usual side effect to a knee replacement?

Rene Heasman answers:
No, they are not a usual side effect, and in all my years nursing have never heard of it. I would check with your doctor about the varicose veins, it is probably just a coincidence that they appeared about the same time as you had some surgery.

Nancy asks…
Why do animals not get varicose veins when they stand for long periods?

Rene Heasman answers:
Four legs, no thick muscles for veins to carry blood to and keep healthy.

Linda asks…
Are there any home remedies for getting rid of varicose veins? The ones that are raised above the skin?

Rene Heasman answers:
None.

Jenny asks…
what is the best way to get rid of varicose veins with out surgery?

Rene Heasman answers:
However, non medical treatments are more effective for milder cases of varicose vein. Some of these treatments are:
1) Acupuncture and Acupressure
2) Aromatherapy
3) Hydrotherapy
4) Compression Stockings
5) Massage
6) Exercise
7) Healthy Diet
Vitamins
These methods also work very well in preventing varicose vein.
Acupuncture and Acupressure
They are effective, but only for the appearance of the veins. Both these procedures will help to keep the veins from worsening, but unfortunately cannot help them to disappear completely.
Aromatherapy
This is an excellent choice amongst the natural treatment for varicose vein, as the oils can help with the swelling that may occur with varicose veins. Massaging the area around the veins with certain oils, can help reduce the size of the veins as well as reduce swelling.
Hydrotherapy
Alternating between hot and cold baths can help with the blood circulation. This is another one of the best natural remedies for varicose vein as damaged veins are normally associated with bad circulation. It is generally easy to do this treatment at home.
Compression Stockings
For a person suffering from varicose veins temporarily, such as while pregnant, compression can be used as a non medical treatment . This might also be true for someone that is mildly affected with varicose veins.
For people who are suffering with a more severe case of varicose veins, compression stockings can be prescribed by their doctors. These stockings can often be purchased at a medical supply store or at a full service pharmacy. The compression stockings for varicose vein treatment range in price from about $50 to $100, depending on the size and style.
These stockings tighten the most at the ankle, and gradually deliver less pressure as it stretches over the knee and towards the thigh. This results in forcing of blood along its natural course despite the damage to the veins. These stockings are not everlasting however, and even the prescription stockings will need to be replaced after a few months of regular use.
Massage
There are several different massage techniques to treat varicose vein. Massage works very well because it makes your skin tender and thus prevent you from getting varicose veins.
Even if you already have varicose vein, the massage can still work wonders for you. It can help to get rid of varicose veins that are already on your skin if you suffer from mild varicose veins.
Exercise
The most important part of non medical treatment for varicose vein is exercise. In fact it is a vital part of maintaining a healthy and balanced body. Exercise gets the blood flowing normally which helps greatly with blood circulation. Besides aerobic exercise, yoga has also been noted as another important aspect of exercise which can be used to treat varicose veins.
Healthy Diet
As with anything that is health related diet plays a big part in treating varicose veins. Make sure that you include plenty of fiber, vitamins A, B, C and E, as well as zinc in your diet. These are just some of the elements that will help you in treating varicose veins.
By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can also prevent varicose veins from occurring in the first place. Always make sure that you maintain a healthy diet which will promote general health and wellbeing for your whole body.
Vitamins
Vitamins are important elements in preventing and treating varicose veins. They are more effective when used in addition to other treatments such as compression stockings. Although natural supplements are not often known to have ill effects, especially those available for mass distribution, some have been found to interact badly with other medications. So, if you do decide to have surgery after all, for your varicose veins, you need to let your doctor know about any supplements that you are currently taking.
The most important varicose vein vitamins you should take regularly to treat varicose veins are A, C, E, B6, and K. In addition, you should also take bioflavoniods and fiber as they are also important for your overall health. Author Resource:- Cindy Heller is a professional writer. To learn more about varicose veins at Daytona Beach and other varicose veins in Orange county , please visit varicose veins cur

Richard asks…
Do varicose veins look normal after you lift your limbs?
like while you’re still having them elevated.

Rene Heasman answers:
No, varicose veins are too damaged to look normal when you elevate your limbs.
You’ve got the right idea though… Varicose veins occur when the blood in the vein is unable to flow up the leg and back to the heart (against gravity). Sitting or standing for long periods of time puts you particularly at risk.
So, how can you prevent varicose veins?
1. Lift your legs! Give you veins a break and take gravity out of the equation.
2. Walk around! At work, take a break from what you’re doing and walk around. It’s good for your veins and will help clear your head.
3. Get help! Varicose veins stockings are a great way promote healthy veins as they provide pressure on the calves to improve circulation. Compression hose are available in a lot of different styles and cuts, so you can find the right height, color, fit, and style for you. My wife has had a lot of success with compression socks and stockings from http://www.supportsockshop.com.
4. If you’re pregnant, get extra help! A lot of women develop varicose veins during pregnancy. If you think you need it, invest in a maternity support girdle to remove some of the pressure.
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Filed under Varicose Veins by Rene Heasman

Ruth asks…
Are extra varicose veins a usual side effect to a knee replacement?

Rene Heasman answers:
No, they are not a usual side effect, and in all my years nursing have never heard of it. I would check with your doctor about the varicose veins, it is probably just a coincidence that they appeared about the same time as you had some surgery.

George asks…
Why do animals not get varicose veins when they stand for long periods?

Rene Heasman answers:
Four legs, no thick muscles for veins to carry blood to and keep healthy.

Linda asks…
Are there any home remedies for getting rid of varicose veins? The ones that are raised above the skin?

Rene Heasman answers:
None.

Lizzie asks…
what is the best way to get rid of varicose veins with out surgery?

Rene Heasman answers:
However, non medical treatments are more effective for milder cases of varicose vein. Some of these treatments are:
1) Acupuncture and Acupressure
2) Aromatherapy
3) Hydrotherapy
4) Compression Stockings
5) Massage
6) Exercise
7) Healthy Diet
Vitamins
These methods also work very well in preventing varicose vein.
Acupuncture and Acupressure
They are effective, but only for the appearance of the veins. Both these procedures will help to keep the veins from worsening, but unfortunately cannot help them to disappear completely.
Aromatherapy
This is an excellent choice amongst the natural treatment for varicose vein, as the oils can help with the swelling that may occur with varicose veins. Massaging the area around the veins with certain oils, can help reduce the size of the veins as well as reduce swelling.
Hydrotherapy
Alternating between hot and cold baths can help with the blood circulation. This is another one of the best natural remedies for varicose vein as damaged veins are normally associated with bad circulation. It is generally easy to do this treatment at home.
Compression Stockings
For a person suffering from varicose veins temporarily, such as while pregnant, compression can be used as a non medical treatment . This might also be true for someone that is mildly affected with varicose veins.
For people who are suffering with a more severe case of varicose veins, compression stockings can be prescribed by their doctors. These stockings can often be purchased at a medical supply store or at a full service pharmacy. The compression stockings for varicose vein treatment range in price from about $50 to $100, depending on the size and style.
These stockings tighten the most at the ankle, and gradually deliver less pressure as it stretches over the knee and towards the thigh. This results in forcing of blood along its natural course despite the damage to the veins. These stockings are not everlasting however, and even the prescription stockings will need to be replaced after a few months of regular use.
Massage
There are several different massage techniques to treat varicose vein. Massage works very well because it makes your skin tender and thus prevent you from getting varicose veins.
Even if you already have varicose vein, the massage can still work wonders for you. It can help to get rid of varicose veins that are already on your skin if you suffer from mild varicose veins.
Exercise
The most important part of non medical treatment for varicose vein is exercise. In fact it is a vital part of maintaining a healthy and balanced body. Exercise gets the blood flowing normally which helps greatly with blood circulation. Besides aerobic exercise, yoga has also been noted as another important aspect of exercise which can be used to treat varicose veins.
Healthy Diet
As with anything that is health related diet plays a big part in treating varicose veins. Make sure that you include plenty of fiber, vitamins A, B, C and E, as well as zinc in your diet. These are just some of the elements that will help you in treating varicose veins.
By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can also prevent varicose veins from occurring in the first place. Always make sure that you maintain a healthy diet which will promote general health and wellbeing for your whole body.
Vitamins
Vitamins are important elements in preventing and treating varicose veins. They are more effective when used in addition to other treatments such as compression stockings. Although natural supplements are not often known to have ill effects, especially those available for mass distribution, some have been found to interact badly with other medications. So, if you do decide to have surgery after all, for your varicose veins, you need to let your doctor know about any supplements that you are currently taking.
The most important varicose vein vitamins you should take regularly to treat varicose veins are A, C, E, B6, and K. In addition, you should also take bioflavoniods and fiber as they are also important for your overall health. Author Resource:- Cindy Heller is a professional writer. To learn more about varicose veins at Daytona Beach and other varicose veins in Orange county , please visit varicose veins cur

Mandy asks…
Do varicose veins look normal after you lift your limbs?
like while you’re still having them elevated.

Rene Heasman answers:
No, varicose veins are too damaged to look normal when you elevate your limbs.
You’ve got the right idea though… Varicose veins occur when the blood in the vein is unable to flow up the leg and back to the heart (against gravity). Sitting or standing for long periods of time puts you particularly at risk.
So, how can you prevent varicose veins?
1. Lift your legs! Give you veins a break and take gravity out of the equation.
2. Walk around! At work, take a break from what you’re doing and walk around. It’s good for your veins and will help clear your head.
3. Get help! Varicose veins stockings are a great way promote healthy veins as they provide pressure on the calves to improve circulation. Compression hose are available in a lot of different styles and cuts, so you can find the right height, color, fit, and style for you. My wife has had a lot of success with compression socks and stockings from http://www.supportsockshop.com.
4. If you’re pregnant, get extra help! A lot of women develop varicose veins during pregnancy. If you think you need it, invest in a maternity support girdle to remove some of the pressure.
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Filed under Varicose Veins by Rene Heasman
August 28, 2011
Your Questions About Cause Of Varicose Veins

Sandy asks…
Could sclerotherapy have triggered a varicose vein?
Hello, i underwent the above procedure on Saturday for a few small thread veins on my thigh to get my legs summer ready. I did everything that the nurse, who was lovely, said and brought my support tights with me, and have been wearing them since.
Today, I took my tights off to have a look and noticed quite a lot of swelling in a particular area where i had a more noticable vein (on the side of my thigh, just down towards my knee) I wasn’t bothered at all as i know that this is expected. however, I took them off this morning again for a shower and noticed that, about 2 inches above my knee, there appeared to be, what i can only describe as the beginnings of a varicose vein! So i got all the mirrors in my house down to check and thats all i can describe it as! The bulgy vein seems to eminate from the bulge where i had the thread vein injected. I called up the clinic who advised me to come in.
The nurse said that swelling is expected but said the bulgy vein was nothing to do with the sclerotherapy as you do not inject into those veins. She also did not think that the bulge and the, assumed, varicose vein, where near enough meaning that it could be the start of a varicose vein!!
I can’t belive it
This has literally appeared since i had the treatment and i am devasted at the prospect of having a bulgy varicose vein!!
Does this sould like a post-sclerotherapy reaction?
could the sclerotherapy have caused a varicose vein??

Rene Heasman answers:
Varicose vein is caused by going through a pregnancy, standing for long periods of time, being overweight, age(they appear more often as people grow older)

John asks…
varicose vein aged 16, HELP?
hi, im 16 years old and now becoming extremely pissed off with my varicose vein which can you blame me?.. im worried about my appearance, which anyone at my age would be, it really takes down my confidence. from time to time it becomes uncomfortable too.
what can i do!.. its quite large, and have a phobia of surgery, but if thats the only option i will do it.
what can and should i do?.. anyone in my postion?
i suffer from a syndrom which effects the kidneys adding pressure ont he blood or somthing liek that and thats whats cause the varicose vein
im unsure of that though but its somthing i read, not 100% sure though.
(sorry for repeating)
hi, im 16 years old and now becoming extremely pissed off with my varicose vein which can you blame me?.. im worried about my appearance, which anyone at my age would be, it really takes down my confidence. from time to time it becomes uncomfortable too.
what can i do!.. its quite large, and have a phobia of surgery, but if thats the only option i will do it.
what can and should i do?.. anyone in my postion?
i suffer from a syndrom which effects the kidneys adding pressure ont he blood or somthing liek that and thats whats cause the varicose vein
im unsure of that though but its somthing i read, not 100% sure though.
i have had 2 ultra sounds on it now and it doesnt appear to be growing
but its still there, i want it gone.

Rene Heasman answers:
Things that can contribute to getting varicose veins:
the pressures of having a baby
or
not doing a lot of exersize
or
being over weight
or
standing up for long periods of time
see your doctor if you are worrying
hope this helps
xx

Laura asks…
Can you get varicose veins in your arms?
My 3 year old (I’m 26) just pointed out the ‘green marks’ on the inside of my arms. I have always been able to see my veins, but today they are pretty prominent. Are they varicose veins? What is causing this? Could it be a health condition or something wrong with me? They are only visible in my left arm, and like I said, they’re pretty prominent. I am diabetic, but I seriously doubt this is related. Any answers or suggestions are appreciated. I cannot go to my doctor anytime soon because I have no health insurance.
They are not ‘sticking out’ past the surface of my skin. They are just very dark and a greenish color, not purple.
LMAO sylvia, thanks!!!

Rene Heasman answers:
I have those too. Not to worry its usually genetic someone in your family probably had the same type of veins in their arms. Not related to any illness and mine are green too and do not stick out. Hereditary just like the ones in the legs, just a different body part Have you ever seen Angelina Jolie’s wow now those look bad they look like ropes on her arms I guess cause she’s so skinny and they even bulge out on her forehead. Again, hereditary and being overly thin. No medical emergency, just an unusual looking arm with greenish deep vein running up and down. Hey, just gives the 3 year old somehting to brag about to his friends, “Hey, look what my mommy has, I bet your mommy doesn’t have this.”

Betty asks…
varicose vein and cyst found in scrotum?
My husband just found out today that his pain is caused by a varicose vein above his left testicle and they also found a cyst. We had a daughter 6 months ago so do you think he isn’t infertile or could he be infertile just the last few months maybe? Also, what are the chances of the cyst being cancerous? Also, he had a varicose vein removed out of his left leg 2 years ago… could that have anything to do with having another one?
Thanks.

Rene Heasman answers:
The surgery for the varicose veins are done only after ruling out all the dangerous causes causing this condition… So since he has underwent a surgery means that it was just a varicose vein and nothing else… U should be relieved of this… Secondly regarding his present condition… The varicose veins above the testis is called as Varicocele, It is common in tall thin individuals and Most commonly occurs on the Left side… Most often its idiopathic, but rarely it can be due to a serious cause inside abdomen, Which i don’t want to name it here (It just increases ur Anxiety). But i’m sure that they would have ruled it out by now…
Regarding the cyst, these cysts which occur in in the scrotum are usually epididymal cysts and they are most often benign and can rarely be malignant.. If removed, it s successfully treated…
Regarding Fertility, There is nothing to worry, Varicocele is indicated as one of the causes of infertility. But its actually doubtful.. He is not probably infertile… Since u have borne a Daughter just 6 months back, and u will be breast feeding, this will be preventing u from becoming Pregnant.. Its probably not because of him…
Regarding the last question, answer is YES, tall stature, thin stature, Long hours of working in Standing position are the Predisposing factors of both Varicocele and the Varicose veins in the legs…

Michael asks…
problems at work, who is at fault? and what can i do about it?
i have a progressive condition that affects my ability to do certain things on a day to day basis. i have varicose veins, caused by weak veins in my legs and having been overweight in the past. i had my first one at the age of 15, which is rare. and have probably inherited them from my father as my mother has none. i have never been pregnant (the common cause for the condition).
i work in fashion retail, and i have been with the same company for almost 3 years. i am only contracted 12 hrs a week and they make allowances for me by giving me additional breaks etc.
my employers have known about my condition from the start, i put it on my application form so they were aware. i accepted the job as i thought that 12hrs would have no adverse affect on my condition. i was asked in the interview if my condition would affect me doing some/a bit of overtime, i said no. therefore i am on a flexi contract, so have to do some overtime, but i have been quite lucky with overtime as i have never really had to work over 16hrs in a week. which is ok.
i now find myself in a position where i’m having to turn down overtime hours, as they are trying to make me work 22hrs + in a week.
BUT turning down hours has landed me with a “counselling” session, as i am technically in breach of contract, although they are making an allowance. As finally after almost 3 years service have finally decided to ask me for medical evidence from my doctor of my condition. and a recommendation of how many hours i should do per week.
it seems to me that they are at fault, whether it be negligence or incompetence, to leave it so far into my employment to ask for this evidence. surely they should have asked for this in my probation period? or should i have just provided them with it long ago?
this is causing me a lot of stress and upset, and i just want to know what i should do/what i can do about it all apart from getting the medical evidence. i know they could sack me for breach of contract, but i think i could take them to court if they did. but what can i do about it in the meantime?
maybe i waffle too much.
the issue isn’t them asking for medical evidence, but taking so long to do so. surely this should have been asked for on commencement of employment?

Rene Heasman answers:
I think you need to contact your doctor and get written evidence for your condition. Your employers have the right to have this. I would think that in the past they haven’t needed to ask for evidence as your illness hasn’t affected your ability to fulfil their requirements.
I do agree that increasing your contracted hours by more than 50%, is unreasonable (especially considering your condition) and i think you have more of an argument on these grounds than on health grounds.
I would get a letter from your doctor, just to prove that your condition is legitimate, ask them to suggest a safe amount of hours per week for you and then try to argue your case on the increased hours.
Your company cannot fire you in breach of contract, as you do do extra hours, however, they could insist that you increase hours and give you a job in which you will be sitting instead of standing….and if you are not willing to do this or if you are not qualified to or unable to do this sitting position they may be in a position to terminate your employment.
Edit:
they do not necessarily need to ask for the evidence of your condition when they first employed you, as a lot of applications are taken as “for word”…for example you can say you have a certain qualification but not have to show evidence….unless…if in the future they have reason to question it. I think in this situation they are looking for evidence that you really do need to only work a certain amount of hours and are not just pulling the wool over their eyes. Situations change in a working enviroment. You could say you had a french conversation exam, not show evidence, then work there for 10 years without a french man coming in, only to be caught out when one finally does. They would call on you to speak french. You wouldn’t be able to (but could say it’s because you had suddenly lost your voice) THEN they might doubt your ability and would ask you for evidence….10 years after employment. A very long winded way of saying what i want to say , which is “they are doubting the severity of your condition”
i hope things work out for you
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Filed under Varicose Veins by Rene Heasman
August 18, 2011
Your Questions About Cause Of Varicose Veins

Sharon asks…
NuvaRing side effect: Varicose Veins?
I just went on a nuvaring side effects website. of course blood clots are listed. it said sharp pains on the back of lower leg (calf) and i remember having that several times at work it says it is a possible blood clot. I was wondering if that is what could of caused a varicose vein that i recently got on my lower leg in the front on my shin? i know varicose veins are caused by blood clots. am i in danger, is it possible that it is the nuva ring causing this? any input would be appreciated, thank you for your help

Rene Heasman answers:
Birth control pills have that side affect too. I think I’ve read on the actual leaflet from my pill that if you smoke, have heart disease, or obesity, then that increases the risk of the hormones giving you blood clots. It would probably be a small percentage of people that it affects and therefore they are required to put a warning on it. If you are concerned about the risks, talk to your doctor.

Richard asks…
what are the dangers of using nicotine gums for a long period of time?
I gave up smoking now im addicted to the gums.I was wondering if they are bad for me? i heard nicotine cause varicose veins?!
i have an addictive personality, perhaps i shouldve gone cold turkey =( its been 7 months now addicted to these things
I read the worst was gum disease,il look it up again nurseawful…..

Rene Heasman answers:
I smoked for 28 years and try ed to stop for 27. It was the gum that gave me the power to stop. I used it for about 5 years cos i was so adicted to the weed. I have now given up the gum, when i decided to quit the gum it was easy. Non smoker now 13+ years. Stick with the gum mate, and kick the weed. …..good luck with it……….dont worry about the gum, use patches if u like, its not as bad as the smokes,

Lizzie asks…
Why do I have varicose veins?
I am 25 years old, I’m skinny and I never been pregnant. I am active and keep a healthy diet. I work out an hour a day plus I take my dog on 3-4 walks a day. I don’t keep my legs crossed and I wear compressed socks.
I started getting varicose veins when I was 14. I’ve always been skinny and so is my family. Varicose veins do not run in my family. My family is pretty healthy. Both sets of grandparents are still alive and disease free. My veins have never hurt but I started getting bad purple, rope like veins that are extremely obvious and unattractive. The older I get, the more I get.
I have talked to a vein specialist and I’ve been told my varicose veins are not threatening and they are not affecting my health at all. I do not feel any pain but I did get a laser treatment for my veins when I was 23. They told me my insurance was going to cover it in full, so I got it done. However, it was just a cosmetic procedure and they told me my legs will look a lot better, because I have these veins all over my legs and they look hideous. People comment on them all the time, and I don’t wear shorts or skirts in the summer. I got the surgery and was told my legs will look stunning after a couple weeks. But the surgery did not work and I am getting more and more veins popping up. My legs are almost covered in these veins and they are getting worse. Not only did the surgery not work, but my insurance didn’t cover it but I was told they would cover it in full. I later got billed for $4,000. I have since gone back to the doctor and my legs now look like a 90 year old woman’s legs. All the doctor could say is that I have no health risks and they don’t wanna do the surgery again since it never worked the first time. I was told that is rare for it to not work and the doctor told me I’m a rare case. I look online for laser vein surgery and it apparently works for everyone. I don’t know what to do now. I understand I’m not in a health risk but I don’t want my legs to look this way anymore. I can’t even wear a dress, even with nylons. Everyone can see blue and purple veins through nylons. If people ever see my legs, they are so fascinated by how veiny I am. People comment how it looks sick and it must be painful for me, but it’s not. If I wanna scare a little kid, I just show my legs. How can I get normal looking legs and why am I going through this since none of the causes of varicose veins are affecting me at all?

Rene Heasman answers:
Plastic surgery?
I’m sorry hun i have bad veins too.

Mandy asks…
vericose veins ??!! at 17?
im 17, and i hav these really visible veins at the back of my legs, its kind of uncomfortable wen i walk, and as i play alot of sport it really annoys me?! are they varicose veins? what causes varicose veins?

Rene Heasman answers:
Genetics & weak veins.
Suggest you talk to your parents to see a specialist for treatment. Sometimes support stockings help, but they are so incredibly tight and uncomfortable. Keeping legs elevated (not sitting at a desk all day), no crossing at ankles or knees when sitting. Exercising will help the muscles around the veins to be healthier & stronger, but sports where you are getting bumped, stressfull jumping may in fact contribute to the vericose problems. Low blood pressure may also be a factor. This is why you need to talk to a specialist so that you keep it from getting worse. Pregnancies will make the vericose get very bad, as the extra pressure on the veins to pump the blood from the feet area.
Good luck! I’ve had vericose from standing at a cash register at 18 yrs old. I’ve had them for 30 yrs now, and the continue to hurt, itch, sting once in a while. Do good maintenance now while you’ve caught it in the early phase.
040407 3:22

Susan asks…
What method of contraception is best for someone who is prone to varicose veins?
My boyfriend and I would really like to stop using condoms but I have been on the pill before and I am absolutely positive that this is what caused my varicose veins, despite doctors telling me that this is unlikely (I was only 18, there was no history of varicose veins in my family and it started at exactly that time so I am quite sure that the pill would have prompted it at least). I tried different types of pill, including the progestogen only pill but still they got worse. I have since had the veins operated on but I really want to avoid going through all that again so I have not been on the pill since. I’m sure the contraceptive injection would have the same effect as it uses the same hormones as the pill, so I’m guessing the only non-hormonal method I can use would be barrier method such as condoms? Anyone know? Help!

Rene Heasman answers:
Firstly I’m surprised that a lady has said only condoms or the pill will do, there are several other methods that you can try.
It is true that that the pill contains hormones such as oestrogen, but these can affect the blood, this is why doctors say you should not stay on them for too long as there is a slight risk of thrombosis, especially if you smoke also.
You could try other barrier methods, such as the cap or diaphragm, as well as female condoms.
The coil or IUD is also very widely used, convenient, doesn’t interfere with sex and can be left in place for years.
If you are in any doubt, why don’t you visit your local family planning clinic?
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