Total Vein Concepts - Before and After Patient 1

During my first pregnancy at the age of 27, I developed varicose veins. In the heat of the desert summer, my physician advised me to wear thigh high support stockings. I wore them whenever I was home, but in reality, the later stages of my pregnancy, were in the summer months; making it difficult to wear them when I was wearing shorts the majority of my outings. As instructed, I elevated my feet, exercised, and maintained a normal weight.

After my daughter's birth, the varicosities seemed to subside. One year later, I became pregnant with my second child, and once again the varicosities returned. This time, after I gave birth, they remained. At the age of 29, my father flew out west for a visit. During that time, he noticed that my varicose veins had progressed.

My father is a well respected medical professional, thus, I knew not to discount his medical advice, to seek treatment aggressively. He informed me that I have a potential for developing complications from these varicosities, if left untreated. I already had ankle swelling even at my pre-pregnancy weight. My former primary care physician prescribed me Lasix, a powerful diuretic. I have been taking it for ten years now, and have read about the possible long term risks associated with this drug, including kidney damage.

In May 2002, I was living in Las Vegas, Nevada. I immediately scheduled an appointment with a vascular surgeon, after waking up one morning to discover two small round balls the circumference of a nickel, located at both sides of my groin. The balls turned out to be my weakened, dilated veins. This was quite a scare. When it was evident that a blood clot was not present, I proceeded with my move east.

Three weeks later, after moving to the east coast, I received a second opinion from another vascular specialist affiliated with a major Medical Hospital in Baltimore, M.D. He informed me that vein stripping was my best alternative. I was scheduled to have surgery that December. I cancelled the surgery shortly before the original set date after deciding I did not wish to have post-operative care by the operating physician due to the fact that I would be required to travel from Virginia to M.D. After further consideration, I also took into account that the recovery time would be extensive, & I would miss a considerable amount of work.

My current primary care physician informed me at my annual physical that a new non--invasive procedure had come to Virginia and she could refer me to the vascular specialist who could assist me. She was concerned about the extensive swelling in my right lower leg. That referral turned out to be the best appointment I had ever made. I met with Dr. Cara A. Bonawitz, with Total Vein Concepts conveniently located right here in Chesapeake, VA. I have been under her care since November, 2004. At our first office visit, she determined that I was a viable candidate for a new laser procedure called ELVS ( now called Venacure) endovenous laser ablation. This procedure was performed in the office, with minimal anesthesia. The procedure lasted about one and one half hours from start to finish. I returned home immediately after the procedure. I took it easy for a few days. The pain was minimal and I refrained from exercise (other than walking) for a few weeks. I wore support stockings and elevated my feet as instructed; otherwise my daily living was not interrupted. The swelling from my right leg (treated leg) immediately dissipated. My left leg (untreated leg)now looked terrible compared to my new right leg, and soon, I would have a new pair of legs.

As a fitness trainer, my physical appearance is extremely important. My workouts were often interrupted by the inconvenience of the unsightly veins along with the uncomfortable swelling. When I would run, the pounding would cause additional swelling. I can now run, without any swelling allowing me to perform my workouts at a higher intensity. I was very conscientious about the appearance of my legs, and used to be uncomfortable about wearing shorts. Since my procedure with Total Vein Concepts, I am happy to wear shorts. My husband, friends, & co-workers all cannot believe the difference the procedure made for me. At my last visit, she performed some sclerotherapy, combined with laser treatments to finish the cosmetic appearance of the right leg. In truth, I cannot wait to have the other leg completed. In return for the exceptional work Cara Bonawitz performed on my leg, I wanted to inform other women of this wonderful procedure and how it can positively benefit them and enhance their life. I want to thank Dr. Bonawitz & the staff at Total Vein Concepts for all they have done for me. My hope is that my successful experience with this procedure at Total Vein Concepts will help other women in need of treatment for their veins.

Stacey A. Villegas (Age 39), Chesapeake, Virginia