The Procedure
Wednesday, I had a procedure on my leg to fix my varicose vein. I really don't care much that they are unsightly as I can wear long skirts or capri type shorts but the discomfort prompted us to take advantage of this rare time that I am not nursing exclusively or pregnant and get the procedure done to prevent other complications (skin conditions and ulcers can result from circulation issues).
The procedure itself was relatively minor in terms of surgery but the recovery has throw me for a bit of a loop. The procedure involved 10 or so numbing shots from my knee to my hip and then a large catheter being inserted into the vein and cauterizing it shut, in essence, killing it. Pleasant isn't it?
The shots were mighty uncomfortable but with the leg numb, I didn't feel the actual vein closure. However, it was miserable for a good 20 minutes. When the procedure was done, they put a black compression stocking with a lacey top (because the procedure was so sexy?) on and then my regular compression stocking on over that. Both needed to remain on for the next 24 hours and I was neither to sit or stand only lay flat with my legs elevated or walk.
That night was horrible. Trying to sleep with my head downhill and the compression stockings proved impossible. My leg had swollen inside the stockings and it was so tight that my foot kept falling asleep and I what felt like pressure point blisters being formed on my heel and foot. By morning, I could wait to get those things off! I had actual raised welts that felt like burns made by the seams along the lace of the first stocking.
After a shower, I nearly cried as I put back on the one stocking. Fortunately, as the swelling went down, it became tolerable.
The next 2 days were spent resting and reading. I got caught up in a book that I downloaded on our kindle (Past Forward by Chautona Havig which is a progressive novel written in Episodes and I have read 13 of the 16 episodes. I read fast and it took me 3 days!!). I felt guilty and lazy just lying there not interacting much with the family or keeping up on my daily chores or any chores. Thankfully, my mom and dear friend Jenn brought us food so I didn't have to worry about putting so much on Phil's plate. I was so glad that he took Thursday and Friday off as well. I expected to be up on my feet as if nothing had happened but my leg felt very bruised and sore and after being up and about for a short time, I was ready to lie down again.
I am hoping that another two days of taking it easy will have me back to normal by the start of the week. I have to wear the compression stocking and sleep with the bed elevated for 2 weeks. The compression stocking is bearable now but the bed isn't LOL! In 3 weeks, I have another smaller procedure to close down the branches of the vein from the knee down.
This is the elevated bed. Doesn't it look weird!? I feel like I am standing on my head. Phil loves it and sleeps soundly. LOL!
The procedure itself was relatively minor in terms of surgery but the recovery has throw me for a bit of a loop. The procedure involved 10 or so numbing shots from my knee to my hip and then a large catheter being inserted into the vein and cauterizing it shut, in essence, killing it. Pleasant isn't it?
The shots were mighty uncomfortable but with the leg numb, I didn't feel the actual vein closure. However, it was miserable for a good 20 minutes. When the procedure was done, they put a black compression stocking with a lacey top (because the procedure was so sexy?) on and then my regular compression stocking on over that. Both needed to remain on for the next 24 hours and I was neither to sit or stand only lay flat with my legs elevated or walk.
That night was horrible. Trying to sleep with my head downhill and the compression stockings proved impossible. My leg had swollen inside the stockings and it was so tight that my foot kept falling asleep and I what felt like pressure point blisters being formed on my heel and foot. By morning, I could wait to get those things off! I had actual raised welts that felt like burns made by the seams along the lace of the first stocking.
After a shower, I nearly cried as I put back on the one stocking. Fortunately, as the swelling went down, it became tolerable.
The next 2 days were spent resting and reading. I got caught up in a book that I downloaded on our kindle (Past Forward by Chautona Havig which is a progressive novel written in Episodes and I have read 13 of the 16 episodes. I read fast and it took me 3 days!!). I felt guilty and lazy just lying there not interacting much with the family or keeping up on my daily chores or any chores. Thankfully, my mom and dear friend Jenn brought us food so I didn't have to worry about putting so much on Phil's plate. I was so glad that he took Thursday and Friday off as well. I expected to be up on my feet as if nothing had happened but my leg felt very bruised and sore and after being up and about for a short time, I was ready to lie down again.
I am hoping that another two days of taking it easy will have me back to normal by the start of the week. I have to wear the compression stocking and sleep with the bed elevated for 2 weeks. The compression stocking is bearable now but the bed isn't LOL! In 3 weeks, I have another smaller procedure to close down the branches of the vein from the knee down.
This is the elevated bed. Doesn't it look weird!? I feel like I am standing on my head. Phil loves it and sleeps soundly. LOL!
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