5 Questions to Ask Your Chicago Vascular Doctor
If you’ve already made an appointment with your Chicago vascular doctor to finally do something about your bothersome varicose veins, you probably have lots of questions. The time you spend with your doctor is valuable and you want to get the most out of your visit. To make sure you ask the right questions when you visit our Chicago vein treatment center, our experts offer suggestions to ask your doctor.
What are 5 questions Chicago residents should ask their doctor about varicose veins?
- What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are the unfortunate side effect of venous insufficiency. This condition is a form of vein disease that causes a backup of blood and fluids within the vein, which stretches out the vein wall over time. You can see this swollen, mangled effect in the veins near the skin surface anywhere on the body, but particularly on the legs and feet.
- How can I prevent varicose veins from forming?
Aging, gender, and family history put you at a higher risk for developing abnormal leg veins, but there are things you can do to lower your risk through lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight, and being active. If you already have varicose veins, you can keep new ones from developing by moving around frequently, losing weight, and wearing compression stockings.
- What is the best treatment option for me?
Varicose vein treatment in Chicago follows a case-by-case approach, which means that the best treatment for one person might not be the best option for you. This is why we provide thorough venous evaluations using Duplex ultrasound to find the root cause of your problem veins. We also consider your lifestyle and expectations for getting treatment when making recommendations.
- How can I prepare for my appointment?
Visiting a doctor doesn’t have to be stressful, so you want to come prepared. Most of the time you will be asked to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to your appointment. You should also gather any information you might need from your insurance provider to confirm your coverage and verify any co-pays or fees you might be responsible for.
- What can I expect after my procedure?
Depending on your procedure, you will have to follow some type of aftercare protocol to ensure a lasting effect after undergoing a procedure. Some treatments require wearing compression stockings for a few weeks following the procedure to boost the effect. Some procedures require multiple sessions, such as sclerotherapy, while others can be effective after only one hour-long visit. Most procedures allow patients to walk right out of our office!
No matter what type of treatment you’re looking for, we want to make sure you have the best possible experience. Dr. Ramon Castro is a varicose vein doctor in Chicago who is dedicated to quality care and helping patients feel comfortable throughout the process. One of the keys to a successful outcome is through education and communication. If you have any questions before your next visit, please feel free to give us a call at 773-283-7887. We look forward to helping you get rid of your varicose veins.