Start finding out—Answer this sample self-questionnaire and attend
a free seminar
Did you know one in every three Americans over age 45 has some kind of
vein disease? This is according to the American Venous Forum (AVF), a
group dedicated to improving the care of patients with venous and lymphatic disease.
“Vein disease is often overlooked as an important part of your circulatory
health,” said Gabriel Herscu, MD, a vascular surgeon who practices
with Washington Township Medical Foundation and is on the medical staff
at Washington Hospital. “It occurs most often in the legs and ranges
from small spider veins to chronic vein disease that can greatly affect
a person’s daily life.”
Dr. Herscu will lead a free community seminar about varicose veins and
chronic venous disease on Tuesday, February 23, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the
Conrad E. Anderson, MD, Auditorium of the Washington West building near
Washington Hospital in Fremont. For more information or to reserve your
spot, go online to whhs.com/events then select February 23 on the calendar.
Or, call (800) 963-7070.
Dr. Herscu explained that your veins are critically important because they
carry blood from different parts of your body back to your heart. As you
age, problems with your veins, such as venous insufficiency or reverse
venous flow, can develop. Although venous insufficiency may be merely
uncomfortable, annoying, or cosmetically disfiguring, severe venous disease
can have serious consequences. At the seminar, you will learn about the
causes and symptoms of leg vein disease, as well as minimally invasive
office-based treatments that are currently available.
“One problem I see in the community is that people may go to a vein
clinic to have cosmetic treatment for unsightly leg veins, but they don’t
address the possibility of a more serious underlying problem that could
lead to prolonged medical difficulties and even disability,” observed
Dr. Herscu.
He recommended that people with leg vein abnormalities consider seeing
a vascular specialist who can detect potential problems that might otherwise
be missed.
If you wonder whether you might have leg vein problems, the following questions
could be the first step in helping you determine the answer.
- During the past four weeks, how often have you had leg problems, such as
heaviness, aching, or swelling; night cramps; sensations of heat or burning;
restless legs; throbbing, itching or tingling?
- At what time of day is your leg problem most intense?
- Compared with one year ago, how would you now rate your leg problem in general?
- Does your leg problem limit you in certain activities? If so, how much?
- During the past four weeks, have you had any problems with your work or
other regular daily activities as a result of your leg problem?
- During the past four weeks, to what extent has your leg problem interfered
with your normal social activities with family, friends, neighbors or groups?
These questions are part of a more extensive, validated Quality of Life
Questionnaire Dr. Herscu gives to his patients with possible leg vein
problems. The full questionnaire, including a way to calculate your Quality
of Life score, will be available at the upcoming seminar on February 23.
During the past 20 years, treatment for vein disease has changed significantly.
What used to require a major surgical operation can now be done in the
doctor’s office.
“Many office-based, minimally invasive procedures are as effective
as surgery without the post-operative pain and have fewer complications,”
reported Dr. Herscu.
Today, vein disease can often be treated during several short office visits.
In addition, because the procedure is far less risky, many people who
were previously unable to have vein surgery because of other medical problems
can now be treated.
Learn more.
To learn more about vein disease, its causes, symptoms and treatments,
come to the free Health & Wellness seminar on February 23. To register,
go online to whhs.com/events or call (800) 963-7070. To find out more
about Washington Township Medical Foundation, go to www.mywtmf.com. For
more information about Washington Hospital, visit www.whhs.com.