Varicose Vein Surgery

Mar 08, 2010

A couple of years ago, I had a benign papilloma removed from a breast, and while I was at that Dr's office, I noticed her information regarding laser surgery for varicose veins.  I asked her about it and she told me that she didn't do it on patients whose BMI exceeded 35 because of the danger of blood clots.  I told her that I was planning to have WLS and I'd check back  [A sidenote here:  she told me later that she sort of internally rolled her eyes, thinking that I'd never succeed.  I thought that was a big admission for a physician/surgeon.  She's now a wonderful cheerleader for me.]  Anyway, I had my gastric bypass, lost 137 pounds, drove my BMI down to 28, and had the first of two varicose vein surgeries last Friday.  I can't tell you all the technical details about how the surgery is conducted, but I can tell you how it went for me. 

In the morning, I showered with antibacterial wash and took a single antibiotic pill.  I worked in the morning, then arrived for my surgery at one.  At home, I had coated the inside and front of my left leg with Emla cream for anesthetic purposes, then wrapped it in Saran wrap.  Over the next two hours, my leg went pretty much numb.  They struggled mightily to get the IV in at 2:00 pm.  I've always had really deep and "roll-y" veins, and apparently, the weight loss has aggravated that situation.  Not to mention, I was probably a bit dehydrated, since I'd not been allowed to eat or drink since 6:00 am.  They rolled me into the operating room, and put me out under what they were calling "conscious sedation".  Now, that sounds like I'd be awake, but I assure you, I was out like a light.  The surgery took about an hour, and by 5:30, I was ready to go home. 

I was wrapped in bandages from hip to the arch of my foot.  I was not allowed to remove the bandage or shower until Monday morning.  (A little retro moment:  I haven't washed my hair in the sink in years!)  I am not allowed to work out.  They will allow me to walk gently, meaning 1-2 mph for a half mile.  No weight lifting.  I'm more than a little bummed about that, because I had been working out 90 min/day, 5 days/week.

I took Tylenol 3 twice on Friday - once, just before bed, and once in the night.  I had a real gentle day on Saturday.  Sunday, I wanted to get some stuff done, and I probably overdid it.  Vaccuumed, changed beds, did a load of laundry.  At bedtime, I had pain similar to Friday night, so I took another just before bed. 

Today, all the real soreness I have is about similar to what you might feel right after starting to work out.  Muscular soreness, but not real pain.  I cut the bandage off this morning, and it looks pretty good.  They did an ultrasound at 10 and both technicians were pleased with my progress.  Very little bruising, and the veins are apparently open or closed off as expected.

I will be having the right leg done on the 19th.  The whole process was much less traumatic than I anticipated.  The best part will be getting to wear (size 4!) shorts this summer.

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