By Dr. James D. Albert of Albert Vein Institute (AVI), COLORADO’S VEIN SPECIALIST
CAN I TREAT MY VARICOSE VEINS WHILE I AM PREGNANT?
Unfortunately, there is no safe treatment of varicose veins while you are pregnant. While pregnant, the best option is to keep you as comfortable as possible. There are some safe measures like wearing compression stockings that can likely provide temporary relief from your swelling, aching and tiredness associated with your varicose veins. However, it is imperative that you visit a reputable vein-care physician to determine if your discomfort is actually from your varicose veins. If your legs are uncomfortable during your pregnancy, Dr. James D. Albert of Albert Vein Institute (AVI) will personally determine if your discomfort is related to varicose veins and, if so, he will provide a sound recommendation for relief. Dr. Albert sees all varicose veins patients at AVI and is your physician throughout your care.
HAVE COMPRESSION STOCKINGS GOTTEN ANY BETTER OVER THE YEARS?
Luckily, today’s compression stockings are more stylish with different colors and options (not just the old unappealing white and nude ones). They are also available in a thigh-high so they are more comfortable to put on as your stomach grows during pregnancy. You should not buy compression stockings without the recommendation of a doctor who has seen you first. These types of stockings need to be recommended and fitted by the appropriate medical professional. Of note, compression stockings are always a temporary measure for vein problems. Dr. Albert will make sure that compression wear is the correct therapy for you during your pregnancy. You do not need a physician’s referral to come to Albert Vein Institute (AVI) for compression wear.
WHEN SHOULD I COME INTO AVI TO HAVE MY VEINS EVALUATED?
If you suffer from varicose veins, you can make an appointment as soon as 6-8 weeks after delivery of your baby for your initial complimentary consultation with Dr. Albert to discuss your leg health. If you are planning your pregnancy, you can also meet him to determine if you need care before you become pregnant.
SHOULD I WAIT TO HAVE ALL OF MY CHILDREN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT?
As your varicose veins get bigger with successive pregnancies, you can possibly develop blood clots within large varicose veins. By treating them before your next pregnancy, you are decreasing your risk of clots. Dr. Albert will advise you on the appropriate course of treatment.
I HAVE VAGINAL VARICOSITIES. CAN THEY BE TREATED?
Usually, after delivery of your baby, most women’s vaginal varicosities (vulvar varicose veins) will dramatically decrease in size. However, if after six months post-partum you still have vaginal varicosities, heaviness or pain in the vaginal area, you should be evaluated by a reputable medical provider and different treatment options can be discussed. It is obviously very important to get trusted medical advice. The difference in today’s minimally invasive vein care providers is the level of medical and surgical expertise of the physician who is evaluating and performing your care. Make sure you do your research so you will be in the best medical care possible among the various vein clinics because they are not all equal in terms of the integrity, the national accreditations, the level of medical experience and care that they offer.
If you have any questions or concerns while you are pregnant about your varicose veins, before you become pregnant or even after your delivery, you are welcome to meet with Dr. Albert to discuss your situation.
Please call today to make your complimentary consultation with Dr. Albert at 1-888-550-8346 (VEIN) or visit albertvein.com.
DR. JAMES D. ALBERT is the Founder and Practicing Physician of Colorado’s ALBERT VEIN INSTITUTE (AVI). AVI is a world-class medical practice exclusively providing venous disease (varicose and spider veins) evaluation and treatment for over a decade. Dr. Albert is always your physician at both AVI locations in Denver and Colorado Springs. He brings his surgical A-Team back and forth to each facility providing exceptional and consistent medical support. As a Board Certified Cardiovascular Surgeon and Board Certified Phlebologist (specialist of vein disease), he has a distinguished 30-year-medical/surgical career, including past Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery at a prestigious Colorado hospital, and is extraordinarily qualified to evaluate and treat varicose and spider vein patients. Dr. Albert has the comprehensive medical experience and unprecedented microsurgical skills required for today’s minimally invasive vein care. He has led AVI to achieve the honor of COLORADO’S ONLY VEIN PRACTICE WITH DOUBLE NATIONAL CERTIFICATIONS AS AN IAC ACCREDITED VEIN CENTER (Intersocietal Accreditation Commission) and IAC Accreditation in Vascular Testing. AVI is one of about 100 elite IAC ACCREDITED VEIN CENTERS in the nation. This VEIN CENTER recognition assures patients that AVI provides the highest standards of safety and levels of competency for vein disease. Dr. Albert has lived in Colorado for over 25 years where he and his wife have raised two daughters and enjoy everything about Colorado life!
