vein clinic - sclerotherapy instructions
sclerotherapy instructions
Before Treatment:- Do not apply moisturiser to your legs on the day of your appointment.
- You may prefer to wear trousers to your appointment as they will conceal the compression stockings.
In order to ensure the success of the treatment it is essential that you observe the following instructions:
- As soon as you leave the clinic you should walk for 10 minutes.
- Do not confine yourself to bed. Walk as much as possible, preferably at least 45 minutes each day. Walking, by using the calf muscles, actually reduces the pressure in the superficial veins. Walking is also essential to prevent thrombophlebitis (excessive inflammation in the treated vein) and deep venous thrombosis.
- Avoid standing still for long periods of time.
- When sitting have your legs elevated if possible.
- You will be able to carry on with your normal work or house duties but you should avoid vigorous exercise or strenuous activities (eg. squash, high impact aerobics) for the first three weeks after treatment.
- You may experience slight pain in the legs during the first few days after treatment. If this happens take ONE or TWO Panadol tablets, but do not rest your legs, and continue walking as before. If however you notice any severe or continuous pain, or any swelling of the leg, please contact the Vein Clinic.
- Leave your compression bandage or stocking on uninterruptedly for FIVE - SEVEN days or as long as the doctor has advised. During this time you will be able to shower by rolling the stocking down to the mid thigh and covering the stocking with a plastic bag or waterproof overstocking and sealing with tape at the top. If you have to remove the compression bandage for any reason, remove the cotton wool balls before reapplying the bandage.
- If you do not have a compression bandage, remove the cotton wool balls after 24 hours.
- Should you experience swelling in your toes please remove the bandage and reapply. Keep your leg up when you remove the bandage.
REMEMBER – nature cannot be hurried ! The veins are usually still visible when you remove the bandage. You may feel a hard knobbly string where the vein is. Wait until you see us in follow-up and we will assess the response.