What happens when I make an appointment?
You will be seen by a our doctor specializing in Varicose Veins, and who has been trained by us. We will ensure that there is nothing about your personal or family health that would contradict treatment.
Obviously we will examine you, and this examination includes a Doppler Ultrasound.
We will then discuss what would happen if you did not proceed to treatment, or how we would proceed if you did want them treated (for whatever reason). Quite often we will advise treatment because of early or obvious complications occurring, even though the veins may not be giving you any problems. We will have a preliminary explanation of treatment options, and refer you to this website to peruse at your leisure .
You will then proceed to a Duplex Ultrasound by one of our specialist Vascular Ultrasonographers. This is to map the anatomy of the veins, and also to look for possible risk factors for DVT. Your anatomy will have some bearing on the treatment choice.
After this, we will call you with the results. There may be a treatment that we would advise, or any of the options are suitable. We will help you decide.
Will I need time off work?
For surgery, yes. If you have a sedentary job, most people are back to work in a week (some longer, some quicker). If your job entails physical activity, or standing all day, you will probably need 2 weeks.
For non-surgical treatments, most people are able to go back to work the same day, or the following day. It does of course depend a bit on how much needed to be done in your treatment.
We will advise you a little better when we see you.
Is surgery painful?
Yes, it is uncomfortable to varying degrees. Most people are comfortable with medication such as Voltaren and Panadol for a few days. Again, it varies as there are different pain thresholds, and how much work was done during the operation.
Generally, we can control any discomfort with suitable pain killers.
Will insurance cover the costs?
All insurance companies recognize us as experts in the field, and will cover you as long as there are genuine indications for treatment. The reimbursement depends on the type of coverage. Our staff will help you with your insurance and filling in your forms. And of course we are Southern Cross affiliated.
What happens on my day of surgery?
We will take you through it step by step. We may ask you to come into the clinic first to mark some important veins using the ultrasound. Your surgeon will come and have a chat, do some more markings of remaining veins, and talk you through the day. Your Specialist anaesthetist will sit down and talk with you as well. If you have any concerns, we can arrange for you to talk with your anaesthetist before your operation.
After your surgery, you will be quite sleepy for a while, and a nurse will be with you until you are suitably awake. You can get up and go to the toilet ( No bedpan !), and we will get you that cup of tea you are dying for.
Before you go home, your surgeon or nurse will go over the expectations of the following week, and you will be given written information as to what to expect, what to do and not do, and things to watch out for.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
We would prefer it, especially if you have had previous health problems, and it’s a good idea to discuss it with him or her first.
However, you can contact us directly if you wish. We would keep your GP informed of our opinion and any treatments.