Before Endovenous Laser Ablation
Before Endovenous Laser Ablation
2 weeks after Endovenous Laser Ablation
2 weeks after Endovenous Laser Ablation
6 Months after Endovenous Laser Ablation
"I have been suffering with venous ulcers on my legs for many, many years. After the birth of my second son 19 years ago, I was readmitted to the hospital for a possible blood clot in a vein on my right calf. They did sonograms and could not find a definite clot. About 5 years later, I thought I had an insect bite on my leg. It opened up bigger and bigger and would not heal.
My doctors in Ohio tried everything including, ointments, Q-tips to clean it out, and antibiotics. Nothing worked until the doctor prescribed Trental (very expensive) and told me to exercise and lose weight. That helped with the healing of the ulcer, temporarily, but the ulcer would keep coming back. I moved to Virginia Beach. For years I saw numerous doctors who tried debridement, compression stockings, steroids ointments, water pills, weight loss pills. The ulcers came back and stayed. At one time, they became so deep and painful, I could barely walk. I was taking up to 2,000 mgs of Motrin for pain relief every four hours.
After the loss of my husband, I decided I needed to put my self first, started an exercise program, walking, and Tai Chi… I lost weight. Eventually, the ulcers healed, but every July an ulcer would come back. Soon, I no longer qualified for free medical care at the Beach Health clinic.
So began my quest of meditation and prayer. I did research to find a doctor to help me… I was told by one doctor I needed a special treatment “boot”, however, because I did not have health insurance, they would not accept me into their program.
I am a pre-school teacher and I am going to work every day, eating pain killers like they are M+M's. In November of 2004, doing research on the internet, I came across The Society of Inteventional Radiologist's. It was late at night, not being able to sleep because of mind boggling pain I was in. Quite frankly, I saw the end of my days here on this planet, and internally I felt I was dying.
As I researched interventional radiologist's and their helping ways, I came across Dr. Bonawitz’s name. The next morning I made the call, praying this was the answer. I made a consultation appointment. The (endovenous laser ablation) procedure was set for November 22. The procedure went quite well. There was not much pain, just a few needle pricks. I was able to walk out of the room get dressed and return home to rest for a few days. Even after the first day, from showering and changing stockings, I noticed a major difference in my leg. I returned to work with no discomfort. Almost immediately it started healing, with new skin building from beneath. On my return, 2 weeks after the procedure, the ulcers were almost completely healed. I have not required pain relief medication since the procedure. No open ulcers anymore!
I want to thank Dr. Bonawitz (and her caring staff) for her dedication to her profession and medical oath. The miracle of modern medicine (procedure)that she is performing has given me a new lease on life! "