Well, we’ve almost made it through another summer in here in Georgia but shorts weather is far from over with warm temperatures lingering until October here in the south. So tell me, did you get those unsightly spider and varicose veins treated this year or did you put it off again?  Procrastinating a potentially expensive treatment or procedure is easier to justify when we think it’s just a cosmetic improvement but did you know those blue and purple veins can be a sign of a more serious condition?

Spider veins (those tiny little squiggles) and varicose veins (those larger bluish veins below the skin and the bulging ones, too) can be a symptom of Venous Insufficiency.  Simplified, this means that the veins and valves in your legs have been over stretched and no longer function as they should to move blood out of your legs and back to your heart. This results in increased pressure on the venous system, reflux of deoxygenated blooddownward and the stagnation of cellular waste in your legs. No wonder its uncomfortable!  Some common causes for this are genetics (“my mom had these veins”), prolonged standing (teachers, cashiers, factory workers, nurses, etc), pregnancy, and athletics. Once the “stretching” occurs, there is no real way for these veins to snap back into place. Compression socks and stockings can help support the veins (like Spanx for your legs) but there is no evidence that this will reverse the condition - and they look terrible with shorts!

Other symptoms of venous insufficiency include:

While we can’t change genetics or the past, the good news is that venous insufficiency can be managed very successfully with vein closure.  Current treatment options not only improve and often eliminate symptoms but they also can result in a much-improved appearance of the legs, ankles and feet.  The treatments are also pain free and require no downtime leaving your vacation days free to show off your vacation ready legs!

Even better news? Because venous insufficiency is a medical condition, most procedures to correct the problem are covered by insurance. If you have visible veins and are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, you owe it to yourself to come in for a consultation and thorough evaluation.  During your appointment, we will examine your legs, document your symptoms, schedule any needed imaging and discuss treatment options. We will also submit our findings to your insurance company for approval prior to any procedures so there are no surprises!

Please don’t hesitate to call our office for any questions or to schedule your consultation.

As a nurse practitioner in general family practice, I’ve treated an enormous variety of medical conditions and illnesses. As is expected in general medicine, we practice with a broad brush and refer to specialists for more complex issues. Now, as I move into the specialty field of Venous Disease and Treatment, I’ve observed some very important elements of this chronic disease that are outside of the awareness of most general practitioners.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned and would like discuss your specific concerns in person, I would love to have you come in for a consultation. As we are a medical specialty practice, most visits are covered by your insurance – please check with them to see if you need a written referral from your PCP.

Why should a registered Sonographer have to go to school for two or even 4 years just to be able to inject a vein (and feel protected)? A Registered Nurse can come from a variety of backgrounds including but not limited to: med surge, ICU, CCU, home health, camp nurse (yes I looked it up), geriatric nurse and even a school nurse can perform sclerotherapy without training!  They can also pick up an ultrasound probe and with 12 months on the job training, sit for a Sonography credential. A physician simply has to sign a form, attesting to the experience. A nurse needs a letter and a Sonographer needs 121 credits, WTH?

The two careers are very similar in that registered nursing and sonography can be associate but are more commonly bachelor degree programs now.  I have provided information below on the curriculum, collected by a google search. You can compare the two side by side. I actually used a BSN program and an AS program in Sonography to appease all of the nurses who may stumble upon this blog.  Don't get butt hurt, we are not trying to take over your turf, just party on the same dance floor! I have bolded the common classes (anatomy and physiology) and have italicized those that are of equal difficulty (physics and statistics). 

"There are two common drugs used in Sclerotherapy (Asclera (Polidocanol) and sodium tetradecyl sulfate or STS). Is it really necessary to take 121 college credits to understand the pharmacology of these two compounds"? 

There is only one to three classes in the entire catalog that deals with pharmacology (one in this example, basic pharmacology).  All of the other areas have nothing to do with anything remotely associated with patient care in the vein or vascular setting that is not part of a vascular or sonography program. We don't give enema's, put in catheters or suppositories, but nurses don't have to .....well yeah they do! Mad respect for those nurses in the trenches! There are 9 specific areas below that deal with Sonography specific content. Looking at these two curriculum, how is it that a Nurse can become a Sonographer but there is not a College or University in America who provides a path for the Sonographer?

Why should a Registered Sonographer have to go to 2 years of college instead of taking a course in pharmacology? What if the Sonographer has shown his or her knowledge of pharmacology in the related field (phlebology)?  The Registered Phlebology Sonographer credential is 24% pharmacology, sclerotherapy and the treatment of veins. Even with this credential proving the knowledge of the individual, it is left in the "air" weather a Sonographer (RPhS) can perform sclerotherapy. I petitioned the state of Georgia and they responded "We do not regulate rules or laws for your profession". Who does? 

Who would you want to inject your veins?  Did you know that there is no certification for sclerotherapy, nope any nurse in America can perform it without training. That is crazy! Did you know that a Sonographer has to go to school for a minimum of 2 years, yet a physician has to have ZERO training to be able to perform ultrasound?