finally talked with doc

I have mixed feelings.  First of all he said he could do the procedure (vnus closure)  to fix my venous reflux problem.  BUT he said it SOUNDED like it was the cause of my pain.  But there is no guarantees.  He said in the ultrasound I did have some blockage.  I have a feeling this guy is in it for the money.  I mean, he acted like it was a fifty fifty chance this would help me.  And here I wanted a yes or no answer.  He couldn't give it to me.  I'm so confused.  I told him that docs for four years have been saying other things, how do I know this will make me feel better, and he said he wasn't sure.  Then we would have to take the next step and see what else it could be.  He was acting more like "why not" type attitude.  Just to do it and see if it works.  But I'm thinking....this is my biggest vein in my leg (that he can work with)  It's the one that goes from your groin to your foot.  The one  they use to "strip", if you had pain.  Now the procedure is less invasive.  I guess it will take up to two weeks to get the answer from insurance to see if they will cover it.  What would you guys do?  I'm so use to the docs saying it's one thing and finding out it's not.  Is this vein that important that I keep it?  I know they can use it for bypass surgery if need be.  Oh yea, he also said that of course since my legs are bigger there might be more complications, or harder to do.  This man had minimal eye contact, which I hate.  Either that or I grossed him out with my thick beautiful legs. ha  Since my legs are bigger than normal he will have to go in further (of course).  He held up his fingers and it's about three or four inches in.  I felt so FAT in there!!!! They also handed me shorts to put on before the doctor came in.  They were too small!  They fit up to my hips more or less.  The nurse had to come and cut up the sides.  It was so embarrassing.  Help, what's your thoughts.

Holly, my opinion is that if you don't have complete faith and trust in this doctor, seek a second opinion or you will always be second guessing YOURSELF and especially if you do have complications. As far as the shorts, they should have let you know before your appointment that shorts would be required. I would be aggravated over that in itself.  I say go for a second opinion, hun. Beth

I don't think you'll find a doctor who will give you a guarantee about anything...but he certainly doesn't sound like he instills confidence!  I had the ultrasound done too and have one leg that the valves are bad enough to have the vnus closure procedure done....the other one is a milder case and they would do several small incisions and do it the old way.  It's my understanding that other blood vessels take over the function of the saphenous vein.  Did they ultrasound both legs or only the one?  Do you have pain in both legs? You know me....I'm basically a chicken when it comes to surgery.  I've decided to table it for the time being....would also like to lose some weight prior to the procedure....and also have to wear compression stockings for a couple of weeks afterwards and that doesn't sound like fun in the heat.   I would definitely get a 2nd opinion, cause you don't sound too sure about this guy.  I was impressed with mine and he does most of those procedures here in the area.  Find out how long he's been doing them and how many he does/year....might give you a better idea.  Surgery is always riskier with those overweight As for the shorts....they just had me take off my pants and gave me a drape to cover myself with....probably could tell by looking at me that the shorts wouldn't fit.  LOL  Not an easy decision to make, Holly.  Just read up on it on the internet...lots of websites and make an informed decision. 

Yea, I'm a chicken as well.  As from what I've read it's a pretty standard procedure now a days. I guess I'm more scared over the fact that I'm so over weight.  My legs are really big.  They are where I hold most of my weight.  He asked me if she did a sonogram on my other leg, but she didn't.  I told them the left leg is where my pain was.  But, I do have a little pain once in a while in my right leg, just not too bad.  Just never bothered to tell them.  It's no where near the pain I have in my left.  As for the second opinion, how does that work anyways?  Do I have to tell my main doctor?  I'm already on the outs with him atm, I hate doing that.  I'm actually not sure if there is anyone else here in anchorage who does it.  The doc did tell me he has done about 500 of them.  Ya know, I would feel better if I liked the man, but it's not a main factor.  After all, I'm only going to see him for how long...know what I mean?  He just had really bad bedside manners.  Lol, I've seen a few docs like that actually! :)  I keep thinking if it could be anything to do with my female organs.    Well gotta go.

I don't know how your insurance works.  If you need a referral, then you will need to get it from your primary....if not, you should be free to just go see another doc!  Another doc may want to do his own ultrasound...not sure if they would just look at the results of someone else and make an opinion...not sure how that would work with this particular situation. Sometimes the best docs have the worst bedside manners!  The guy I went to for my 2nd opinon for my knee surgery has NO personality whatsoever and immediately told me he wouldn't operate on me until I lost 50lb (turned me off completely)....but he also has the reputation of being one of the best surgeons in town.  Sometimes, I guess the good ones feel they're so good they don't have to be personable.  Sucks, huh?

I second that, Sherrie! Surgeons especially - think Napolean Dynamite - high functioning, but socially retarded.  And Holly, to me, if this is interupring your sleep, best to move on it now.  Nobody in their right mind LIKES surgery, but it has a place - to fix what ails you. The fear of that is normal.

well, it is your pain that you have to deal with. I would say that if you can hold off, go find another doctor and at least see if you like him/her better and if the diagnosis is nearly the same.  why didn't they let you wear that fashionable drape with your shirt & underwear on? Geesh.

Holly,  I am so sorry that the doc made you feel so bad.  A**!!  But if you are unsure about it, maybe everyone is right and a second opinion is in order.  Nothing in life is 100% so you will have to decided what is more important.  MAybe it getting better with the surgery or dealing with the problems it causes you.  I hate that he made you feel so bad.  Keep your head up.  You will figure out what you need to do!!

Hey chica -  When I was in Pre-Med, the first thing they teach you is that nothing is certain.  They teach you that for a logistical POV and an insurance POV - If a doctor tells you "Yes, 100% sure this is the case" and they're wrong, they're looking at law suit-galore.  So, a doctor will never tell you they're certain about anything. RE: The vein.  Do what you've got to do to live your life as comfortably as possible.  If it includes getting rid of the vein, go for it, girl.  It's scary, but necessary.   Hugs!!

Thanks everyone.  It will take a few weeks for insurance to approve it or not, they have to send in the pictures of the sonogram.  So it will give me some time to think. It is scary, even though it's a simple procedure.  Like Sherry, I'm a chicken.  Wouldn't be so bad if my leg just wasn't so darn big!  Think that is what scares me the most. Ya got a point there Janina, I do want to live my life comfortable.  Just don't like the uncertainties.  After four years I guess I'm skeptical on everything. Thanks.