[salukigirl]

I'm only 23 and I have a ton of vericose veins on the backs of my thighs. I don't get it! I have always been active. Always played sports and my field work involves me hiking all day and running around the lab. So it's not like I just sit on my bum all day and I've always been told that's the reason you get them is from being overweight or "lazy". I'm at my goal weight, have never been obese or anything. I am actually pretty muscular: I say I have man legs. I can leg press about 350-400 without trying. So it's not like I fit the model of what supposedly causes them. But they're so gross! I hate them! And I don't know why I have them so friggen young! ARGH!

[lastyearisblank]

I have a very noticable vein the back of my left calf arghhhh! It started when I was 21 and I hate it because my legs used to be my favorite body part. I'm 5'10" and have heard that your circulation goes slower if you are tall--- are you tall?

There's surgery to fix it. Honestly though, I'm too stubborn. I bet you nobody else notices or cares... most people have some lump, bump, or scar that they're none to pleased about...

[salukigirl]

I am 5'9''. I know I notice more but it still bugs me. My bf claims he can't tell but I think he's just being nice :P

[lynn P.]

Are you talking about the bulging vericose veins or spider veins? I got them during and after my 2 pregnancies and I hated them. I had sclerotherapy done twice - they inject a salt solution into the veins and this causes the vein to collapse. Once I got it done the second time it's took them all away.

http://www.medicinenet.com/varicose_veins/page2.htm

[salukigirl]

I guess spider veins. They do not bulge. I didn't realize there was a difference.

[Fresia]

I have had spider veins for some time (purplish black or can be dark red for some, but smooth under the skin, typically not painful and if you run your fingers over them pressing down slightly, in a swift motion, they will disappear as you go is an indication of spider veins) but am starting on varicose now (bumpy purple and can ache). I have an appointment to see what can be done and based on the info whether or not I can go through with it. Thanks Lynn for that info. Am nervous about closing off veins and injections for something so superficial/cosmetic, but they are unsightly and can be painful now so not completely cosmetic. It is really only me that cares so we'll see.

[lynn P.]

Originally Posted by Fresia

I have had spider veins for some time (purplish black or can be dark red for some, but smooth under the skin, typically not painful and if you run your fingers over them pressing down slightly, in a swift motion, they will disappear as you go is an indication of spider veins) but am starting on varicose now (bumpy purple and can ache). I have an appointment to see what can be done and based on the info whether or not I can go through with it. Thanks Lynn for that info. Am nervous about closing off veins and injections for something so superficial/cosmetic, but they are unsightly and can be painful now so not completely cosmetic. It is really only me that cares so we'll see.

I can only speak about spider veins. I was concerned about having the procedure and them closing off veins, so I asked my doctor this question. I said "don't I need these veins"? He said these are veins that aren't functioning properly anyway and there so many other little veins that it doesn't affect my circulation at all. I wear shorts in the summer and I didn't like the way they made my legs look. I was working out and my legs were very athletic looking but had these bluish veins that I hated, so for me it was worth it.

I should let you know that it involves a lot of picks with the needle syringe along the veins where they inject the saline solution. I admit it burns and stings but it's tolerable - you also have to wear those prescription support stocking for 2 days, since this helps make it more successful. It was worth it and reasonable in price. I'm happy I had it done. I didn't get anymore veins and I think mine were pregnancy and hormone related. Fresia - since you had spider veins and now you're getting vericose veins - I wonder if spider veins go untreated, do they eventually become bulging vericose veins?

[Fresia]

Thank you for sharing your experience. It is ALWAYS helpful to hear someone's experience; I appreciate it. Research goes only so far. I don't know but will ask about the varicose starting out as spider, I just cannot remember. Fortunately these are minor compared to the spider. I've had a lot of hormone treatments over the years, jobs that require long hours sitting and traveling/sitting. It's a good question and will definitely ask. I am trying to get myself psyched up for all the needlesticks, as they said, they can do the spider veins even during the initial appointment sometimes. Eeks, so trying to be prepared if go this route. It would be nice on one hand not to have a road map on the back of my legs anymore. LOL.

[Fresia]

Spider veins gone, yeah! It wasn't as painful as I thought it was going to be, but the stockings are a bit annoying. However b/c of a med I am on, I am not a candidate for to get rid the varicose one at this time. No big deal though, it is just the one and is not too bad, the spider ones were worse unsightly-wise. No more road map!!!

[lynn P.]

Originally Posted by Fresia

Spider veins gone, yeah! It wasn't as painful as I thought it was going to be, but the stockings are a bit annoying. However b/c of a med I am on, I am not a candidate for to get rid the varicose one at this time. No big deal though, it is just the one and is not too bad, the spider ones were worse unsightly-wise. No more road map!!!

Wow that was fast Fresia. I had several spider veins and I bet I was picked 30 times. I agree those support stockings are a pain literally. It's quite the ordeal trying to wrestle and get those stockings on lol. How many times were you picked - happy it went well for you. I'm very glad I had mine done -now I can wear shorts with pride, plus I think they make a person seem older than they are. I had nice legs from exercising but the spider veins took away from that.

[EvilPopTart]

I have spider veins on the back of my elbow. I never noticed them until the nurse mentioned it when I was going for bloods. I don't think it matters what size height or shape you are. It's just one of those things.

[Fresia]

Originally Posted by lynn P.

Wow that was fast Fresia. I had several spider veins and I bet I was picked 30 times. I agree those support stockings are a pain literally. It's quite the ordeal trying to wrestle and get those stockings on lol. How many times were you picked - happy it went well for you. I'm very glad I had mine done -now I can wear shorts with pride, plus I think they make a person seem older than they are. I had nice legs from exercising but the spider veins took away from that.

I actually had an appointment scheduled before the time the post went up. It was exactly 42 sticks and am a bit sore. I thought it would take longer to heal but there is no inflammation which they told me to watch for; there isn't any thankfully. I am keeping them propped up still as much as I can though to be safe. I don't feel as old as my legs looked but already they look better. I'm just amazed. Why I waited so long, well, b/c of the pricks of course and trying to be painfree. I do know now that tattoos are not going to be on my agenda anytime soon. Now I'll be ready for the summer. Yeah! Bring on the shorts.

[lynn P.]

Thanks Fresia. I forgot to mention and you obviously know this already - but the veins look unsightly for a couple weeks due to bruising but this fades. I'm glad you're happy you got it done and have fun wearing those shorts.

[Perna]

"Women are more likely to develop the condition. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, premenstruation or menopause may be a factor. Female hormones tend to relax vein walls. Taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills may increase your risk of varicose veins."

From: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/var...N=risk-factors

You may have man legs, but you're too much a woman

[kewiesterrock]

Varicose veins are same as spider veins. Both are blood vessels. If spider veins become a wild range of a body then it known as a varicose veins. It is mostly found on face and legs.

varicoseveinguide.com