Another item of urgency is to get my varicose veins removed. These have plagued me for years and kept me from wearing knee length skirts or shorts. It is unsightly. Oftentimes, people(usually teenage girls) will ask me if I've been in an accident or something because it looks like my calf is weirdly injured. "Well, not exactly an accident..." I never know how to reply. I usually just say, "No" and leave it at that. I mean what can you say? "This is what happens when you gain and loose 45 pounds every 18 months for 10 years?" I just leave them wondering.
So today I had my vein ultrasound which was an interesting experience. I learned that when you hold your breath and bear down and the machine sounds like the creature from the Black Lagoon that your vein is not working properly. It also produces a wonderful display of red and blue on the monitor like Fourth of July Fireworks.
I did have a fruitful conversation with the ultrasound technician about the blessing of having many children versus the physical discomfort and pain. She has a baby at home and is dreading the labor aspect of having more children. We talked about the purpose of pain and the things we knowingly go through as moms to give life. In the end, the body is not eternal, but the soul is.
The doctor, a very nice man, was so tactful in explaining my condition. "Well, your vein is very large and distended. About one centimeter. About 5 times the normal size. This is not normal." Yes, I knew that. Bottom line, once insurance does their thing I will have the vein stripped out of my leg and a little bit of cosmetic work done so that my leg will be "pretty" again.
I am looking forward to shorts next summer and going on road trips without wearing a compression hose. I am looking forward to working without my left leg swelling up. I am looking forward to getting out of bed in the morning without feeling the blood rush to my foot and stay there.
Can't you just see me in my June Cleaver dress vacuuming the carpet? Well, maybe not.
9 comments:
I am with you...just happened upon your blog through "The Hectic Years" and thought I'd stop by. I'm so glad I did. I've read several of your posts and I've enjoyed every one of them!! Good luck with the exercise. I'm starting Monday...lol...how many times have I said that?? BUT, I mean it this time!
I'm on my way to problem veins too. I thought about doing something about it, but figured they would just come back when/if we have more kids, so meanwhile no shorts for me! That's ok, I do not have stellar legs. :) My mom had hers fixed with saline injections. I hope you get great results!
Yeah! I'm so glad you are going to able to have your beautiful legs back, it'll be me in a few years. :)
OH! I remember the ultrasound holding my breath thing now. Forgot all about it! A little different than a baby ultrasound, huh? :)
Tell me how it goes; when you are scheduled for it.
Good for you on the exercise. I don't know how you can do it. I plan on it, someday . . .
Yay! My mom has unsightly veins in her legs and hasn't worn shorts for as long as I can remember. I can't imagine how excited you must be feeling about this!
I love the way you describe the doctor. Have you told him you are a nurse and you understand very well that there is a problem? hahah
Are you going to have to wait until next year still?
Yay! I'm so happy for you! And could you add some pearls to your June Cleaver dress when you vaccum and some heels. :)
Oh girl...I love how you reminded me that the body is temporary! AMEN! It is so easy to lose sight of that with the wordly distractions!
Best of luck. I hope things work out and you can sport that June Cleaver dress!
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