Varicose Veins

[DD13]

I am interested in hearing "users" views with regard to Varicose vein problems

I have consulted with the Bkk/Pattaya and have been told that I have a valve problem in my groin which will need an operation....I have been told that I will need to be in the hospital for a minmum of 2 nights.......

.

The first night (including the operation) is 110,000 baht........the second night 20,000 baht....and 20,000baht for each extra night if necessary

Has any "user" had this operation?............and what are the views on the fees/hospitals etc.

[wordchild]

I have not had the op but know something about the condition. The first thing you need to consider is do you really need to have it. It is pretty major surgery and in a reasonable number of cases it does not provide a long-term solution to the problem (ie they come back).The condition in itself is not life threatening and it is often women who have it done because of appearance concerns when wearing skirts. Medical reasons for having the op would be if it is causing pain or severe itching (which can result in leg ulcers).

The problem can be made worse through standing for long periods (eg sit at the bar!) and can be helped through the use of support stockings, having the legs raised for periods through the day and through doing more exercise.

Increasingly in the US and Europe the problem is being treated through the use of an injectable foam (sclerotherapy) which destroys the vein from within without the need for surgery. It used to be thought that this was not as effective as surgery esp where there are large veins, but, the very latest foam types together with new injection techniques and a skilled doctor seem to be as effective as surgery and maybe even more so.

Sadly i am pretty sure that the latest sclerotherapy procedures are not yet available in Thailand, but depending on the severity of the problem maybe worth waiting till they are available (probably in a few years) or taking a trip to one of the specialist US vein clinics. That would not be cheap however.

Edited February 20, 2011 by wordchild