Similar experience to the double poster above. I had it done last march at GW with Dr. Arora. I had just the laser vein closing done at Georgetown the year before and it made it worse because the blood rerouted and bulging veins popped up all over the place. It turned out I had a tributary (which they knew) that they didn't bother to close. It was rather annoying so I would not recommend Georgetown. Also, GW was easier to schedule, etc. Federal BC/BS paid for both surgeries.

I recommend calling now and getting a consult. You have to wear compression hose for several weeks afterward and you don't want to be doing that in the summer.

I am really happy I did it! The pain is gone and my legs look so much better!

Go to www.venefitprocedure.com and look up MD's who are doing the Venefit procedure. It uses a catheter that emits radio-frequency energy to ablate and shrink the vein, and has a 95% success rate at 5 years. It is far less painful and causes no bruising compared to laser treatments. Most insurances will cover the procedure after a period of 45-90 days of compression stocking therapy.

You can also look at www.rethinkvaricoseveins.com for more information on this condition.

Good luck

Bump. Anybody else?

sorry for the double post

I just had mine done in early December, with Dr. Keith Sterling at INOVA/Alexandria Radiology. He's fantastic; everyone there is highly professional. I had ablation (laser) and a microphlebectomy (removal of veins). THe procedure took about 90 mins. I was awake, though with valium. Walking around that afternoon, some pain the next few days but otherwise able to resume normal activity immediately (except P90X; had to wait 5-6 weeks to resume that). Some pain, but totally manageable with ibuprofen. Back at work after the weekend was over. Results have been great. Highly recommend it. Carefirst paid for it 100%

I just had mine done in early December, with Dr. Keith Sterling at INOVA/Alexandria Radiology. He's fantastic; everyone there is highly professional. I had ablation (laser) and a microphlebectomy (removal of veins). THe procedure took about 90 mins. I was awake, though with valium. Walking around that afternoon, some pain the next few days but otherwise able to resume normal activity immediately (except P90X; had to wait 5-6 weeks to resume that). Some pain, but totally manageable with ibuprofen. Back at work after the weekend was over. Results have been great. Highly recommend it. Carefirst paid for it 100%

NP..can you also tell if insurance paid for it.

Could anyone who has had painful varicose veins treated surgically share the procedure they went with, whether it was effective, how painful the treatment was, and how much time you took off of work to deal with it? TIA!