Anybody had Laser Ablation?

[Fla Dem]

I developed swelling of the ankles last year. When it didn't go away over time (12 months) I went to see my doctor who referred me to a Heart and Vascular physician. After echo / doppler examination, he told me I needed to have some "old" veins removed that were no longer working. They weren't pushing the deoxygenated fluid back up my legs so it was causing swelling. By closing off these "old" veins, it will reroute the fluid to the working veins.

Said it would only take about 20 minutes and I could go about my normal routine after a day. Will have to wear a thigh high compression stocking for a week. Having it done Monday.

Has anyone else had this condition? Did you do the Laser Ablation? Was it painful? How did it work out.

[Freddie]

1. My sister in law did

She developed a-fib on top of all her other health problems. Said it was quick and pretty painless and it started helping her (with that problem) right away. Sadly she lost her fight with COPD almost a year ago, only 65.

[Fla Dem]

3. So sorry for your S-I-L. 65 is way to young.

Happily I am in pretty good shape otherwise.

They are telling me it is easy-peasy. But wondering if it really does resolve the swelling issue.

[gab13by13]

2. Sounds reasonable,

I'm just having the regular heart ablation for A-fib. I won't even be under anesthesia, so maybe you won't either?

Sorry, I'm just an internet doctor.

[Fla Dem]

5. Wow Heart Ablation. Mine seems minor compared to that.

My hearts in good shape. It was just the ankle swelling which I guess if not treated could cause some serious issues down the road.

No anesthesia, just local pain blocker.

[PBC_Democrat]

4. I had it done to address A-fib

same procedure ....

No pain at all
light sedative to keep you still
they wrap you like a mummy and strap you to the table
my Doc used magnets to steer the laser

fell fine afterward
drove home (without Doc approval)

Good Luck


*** Not a Doctor, but did play one a lot in my younger days ***

[Fla Dem]

6. Thanks for the detailed response. Glad it all worked out for you.

Did you have swelling in your ankles/legs? Did it go away after the procedure?

Hoping for the best.

[7wo7rees]

7. Did it in September. You'll be fine.

I developed bilateral lower leg edemas, but one leg got much more noticeably redder, scaly, and finally became infected from a wound that didn't heal. After getting the wound cared for (get a caring loved one, a wound care doc, and some Egyptian Magic), I was referred to the cardiologist.
I passed the Doppler and we scheduled the ablation for the next week. The procedure was done by one of the best docs in town (said he does them 3x a day), and I handled the minimal pain involved. I left with my entire leg wrapped and was driven home.
A local women's health store measured me for knee-high toeless compression socks and showed me how to put them on.
I had a weeklong business trip scheduled immediately after, and I didn't miss a thing. I wore the sock for a week.
Three months later, I notice no internal pain. The wound is still on the mend but the leg works better and is lots less red!
Highly recommended.

[Fla Dem]

8. Thanks very much. Your account is very encouraging.