For women that suffer with varicose veins however, this is never a temporary fi x but a constant necessity. Sometimes legs can even look painful with lumpy protruding veins and severe purple blue discolouration. For these women the idea of wearing a summer skirt or a pair of shorts in public is simply out of the question, sadly many women are so embarrassed about the appearance of their legs they often resort to thicker tights or wear jeans or trousers throughout the entire year.

I have often asked myself what I would do if I get varicose or spider veins, sure it’s easy to say “Oh I would get them removed before you could say jumpin jack fl ash”, but the core reality is I don’t know what I would do, it would depend on the severity, but then I am one of the more squeamish types that will even avoid looking at my nail if it has a snag! When talking to other women with vein problems most will say that they hate them, but when you mention surgery, that’s when it becomes less serious and it doesn’t hurt, so it’s fi ne. But perhaps one of the main reasons women choose to live with varicose veins is the pain factor of the having surgery to remove them. Of course we can relate to logic, after all if something doesn’t hurt and is not likely to cause a life threatening problem then why go through the pain and expense? But, and this is a big BUT, if it changes the way you live your life then surely it is something that should be looked into. Something you should know!

There has been so much advancement in vein surgery that it is still diffi cult to believe there is still a huge misconception about the pain factor of vein removal surgery, particularly among the people suffering with varicose veins. Not only can varicose veins lead to DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and other serious health problems, but the fact of the matter is removing them doesn’t have to hurt, especially if you go to a vein specialist that can offer you an almost pain free solution. Caroline Santiago is one such woman who chose to live with varicose veins for more than 15 years and in a recent interview in Marbella explained to us one of the reasons why she avoided surgery, “My father had the same severe problem and he had his veins stripped in hospital later coming back complaining of the terrible pain he was in”, said Caroline, “He couldn’t even walk afterwards he was in so much pain!” Clearly pain had a big impact on her decision to wait on surgery. Relaxed in the Costa del Sol sun slightly shaded by a canopy Caroline in her cut off jeans now emits a smile of confi dence and new found happiness.

Never one to dismiss a healthy lifestyle which is apparent from her trim fi gure, she like so many other women had an inherent problem of varicose veins dictating a covered leg lifestyle. Living with this for so long now Caroline felt it was time to look into surgery options and decided to visit a well known Vascular Surgeon Dr. Dhobb from the Advanced Vein Clinic in Marbella. Before visiting Dr. Dhobb’s clinic Caroline had conducted a thorough research of possibilities and fi nally concluded that the Advanced Vein Clinic would be the absolute best choice for her, “After all”, she explains, “That’s what he does he doesn’t do 101 things he only concentrates on vein surgery”.

It took two consultations to reassure her of the surgery she was considering. The fi rst gave her an insight into the updated procedures now available which were a far cry from the days of just vein stripping. She was also surprised to learn that with the latest methods for removing varicose veins she would be able to walk out of the clinic within an hour and a half without the pains her father had endured. The second consultation was merely to confi rm all of the information she had received from the fi rst by which time she was now completely at ease and prepared to undergo the surgery. “I almost couldn’t believe what Dr. Dhobb was telling me”, she said, “He said I could have this procedure done and be able to walk out the same day, to be more precise it was only going to take an hour and a half! I was even more surprised when he said it wouldn’t hurt!” said Caroline, “He was such a professional he spoke so reassuringly and that gave me the confi dence I needed to actually have the surgery”.

During the procedure Caroline’s husband stayed with her while Dr. Dhobb explained the surgery every step of the way. Eager to share every detail of her experience Caroline explains, “I was only under a local anaesthetic so I was totally aware of what was happening the entire time. I had about 20 small incisions and none of them hurt!” She adds excitedly pointing to her legs, “I didn’t even get scarring, not one scar! I expected to feel sore but I was fi ne, I walked out of the surgery with no pain and all I had to do was go back in three days and have the stitches removed, I just couldn’t believe it!” Living with such severe varicose veins Caroline felt that she had defi nitely made the right decision and with a cheerful smile she exclaims, “For the fi rst time in my life I went out and bought a pair of jean shorts and cropped cut off jeans” “The surgery was so simple and it has changed my life, I think it is important for women to care about the way they look and feel and I am so proud of myself for doing this I feel great and I want women to know that it’s not like it used to be, I feel so rejuvenated and confi dent, I’m just so happy now!” Looking at Caroline you can see a boundless energy that refl ects her new found vein free lifestyle, it isn’t just about her eagerness to share her experience, it’s about the confi dence she exudes and the fact she is thoroughly enjoying every minute of it. Dr. Dhobb said, “We have come along way from the days where removing problem veins is a complicated or painful procedure, there is no reason why anyone should live with this problem when it can be so easily resolved.” When mentioning to him that one of his clients had been speaking so highly of him, he added, “It is always gratifying to hear patients talk so positively about their experience with their surgery and of course I am always happy to help anyone who needs advice or treatment this is why I am here.”

If you would like to contact the Advanced Vein Clinic or speak with Dr. Dhobb he can be reached at his clinic in Nueva Andalucia Tel. +34 952817062