Frequently Asked Questions

Q. My legs often ache or throb if I am on them too long. Is this related to my varicose veins?
A. Since there may be other conditions related to your leg discomfort, it is recommended that anyone experiencing leg pain have an evaluation by a medical provider. However, with varicose veins, leg aching is a common complaint. The longer you stand still, the more blood will pool in the veins near your ankles and cause the usual symptoms of ache, swelling, and, over time, even ulcers. People who work in standing positions, such as hairdressers, bank tellers, assembly line workers, or cashiers, may be particularly bothered by these symptoms. If possible, taking breaks to raise the legs or walking can help relieve the discomfort from blood pooling, as can the use of prescription support stockings.

Q. My doctor recommended that I have a carotid endarterectomy. What is involved and how safe is it?
A. Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove plaque that has built up in the arteries along each side of your throat, the carotid arteries. The procedure takes about an hour, but the speed of the operation is less important than the skill of the surgeon. It is important to ask the vascular surgeon what his or her mortality rate is for this operation and, if it is more than one or two percent for someone without symptoms, then check with another surgeon. This procedure performed by an experienced surgeon is relatively safe and successful. Many patients enter the hospital the morning of the operation and stay only a day. Once home, you should stay quiet for a few days and then return to normal activities gradually over the next week or so, without any severe straining for four to six weeks.