Introduction
- Why write this book
Some Opening Thoughts
- Varicose Veins are like Thumbprints
But I’m not that old!
The Anatomy (How our veins are put together)
- Medical School is Expensive
Go Dig up your shrubs
The Physiology (Normal vein function)
- Veins versus Arteries: Score 2 to 1
- It’s a tough job, but someone’s go to do it
The Pathophysiology (When veins “go bad”)
- Will the real Varicose Vein please stand up?
Causes of Varicose Veins (Why me?)
- The Real Villains
The Petty Criminals
Veins with an Attitude
The Symptoms (What varicose veins can do to you)
- Oh, my aching legs!
Cosmetics (Nobody likes a blue leg)
- So you want to be a Supermodel
Social Comfort is a legitimate goal
The Worst Case Scenario (How bad can it get?)
Choosing the right vein Doctor (Be a smart shopper)
- Read the Road Signs
- Check the Credentials
The Consultation (It’s a 2-way street)
- The Paperwork
- The Interview
- The Exam
- The importance of the Ultrasound
- The Diagnosis
- The Treatment Recommendations
Varicose Veins and Insurance (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels)
- Necessary vs. Non-necessary treatment
- Jumping through the insurance hoops
- Now the good news!
Treatment Options for Varicose and Spider Veins
- Traditional Vein Stripping“The old way of doing it”
- Endoluminal Catheter Ablation“The new way of doing it!”
- Ambulatory Phlebectomy“Removal of large ropy veins”
- Sclerotherapy Injections“Tidying up the loose ends”
- Transcutaneous Laser Ablation “Taking care of those pesky spider veins”
- Pulsed Light Therapy “Another way to treat spider veins”
- The Truth about Tolerance
A word about Lasers (Magic or Myth?)
Naturopathic Remedies (Do it yourself guide)
- Butchers Broom
- St. John’s wort
- Witch Hazel
- Other Anti-inflammatories
- Flavinoids
Manufactured Creams and Ointments
Which Treatment is Right for Me?
To Treat or Not to Treat? (That is the question)
Compression Socks (Putting the squeeze on Varicose Veins)
Pregnancy and Varicose Veins
- Prevention
- Treatment
Spider Veins on the Face (Are your cheeks too rosy?)
Blood Clots (Don’t be frightened)
Varicose Veins and the Media (Can you trust the tube?)
- ABCNews: “Cutting Edge: Removing Varicose Veins” “A New Procedure can Remove the Veins in 15 minutes.”
- Fox News: “Zapping Varicose Veins” “Taking the pain out of varicose veins”
- Dr. Oz: “The Fix: Plastic Surgery”
My Personal Experience (“I’m not only the president of the club, I’m also a member”)
- A Patient Testimony
Common Questions (and the answers)
Bringing it all together!
Online Resource Quick Reference (Websites that I trust!)
Glossary of Terms (Words your medical provider may use)
