Andy Scaife, from Darlington, who now works as an emergency care assistant at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, had been suffering with the condition for more than 25 years after it was discovered during his entrance medical to the police force, in 1989. However, it wasn’t until recent years that the varicose veins progressively got worse.
After being prompted by his physiotherapist to seek advice and then subsequently told by his GP that treatment wouldn’t be available on the NHS, Andy’s partner, Linda, suggested private medical care.
Not-for-profit healthcare provider Nuffield Health Tees Hospital carried out the treatment, by way of the radio wave treatment method, which involves emitting radio frequency energy to heat the veins until the walls collapse and sealing the vein shut.
Varicose veins are caused by a malfunction of valves in the veins. Each vein contains a series of valves, similar to locks in a canal. When they fail, blood flows backwards and pools in the veins causing a bulging appearance.
Mr Scaife, 54, said: “I can see how people might feel self-conscious and allow their varicose veins to affect their confidence. Fortunately, mine weren’t too discomforting, but they were a bit of an eye sore, so I am happy with the end result and can now move on from it.
“I am quite active as I am still working and regularly exercise, so I am glad that they didn’t prevent me too much from carrying out my day-to-day duties, but it would always be at the back of my mind, particularly when wearing shorts which I often do. When cycling I would occasionally catch them on the chain ring which would cause heavy bleeding and be very painful!”
Andy added: “It is something that can affect people’s everyday lives so I would certainly recommend anyone with the symptoms to seek an initial check and take it from there.”
According to statistics from Nuffield, the proportion of men being treated for varicose veins has increased by 40% in the past 10 years, but the treatment is still mainly sought by women, as only 28% of these procedures were performed in men over the past 12 months.
This is despite research published in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology showing that more men (40%) suffer varicose veins than do women (32%).
Andrew Parry, consultant vascular surgeon at Nuffield Health Tees Hospital, said: “Men are generally less likely to discuss their health than women. When male patients seek treatment for varicose veins, it’s usually because they have become advanced causing symptoms such as aching pains, heaviness of the legs and itchy skin.
“If you have large veins just under the surface of your skin; mild swelling or itching of your ankles or feet; achy, heavy or throbbing legs it is advisable to seek a consultation with a vascular specialist. A simple scan of your veins will help a surgeon diagnose the condition and develop a treatment plan.”
Nuffield Health Tees Hospital is hosting an open event for people suffering from varicose veins, on March 16, which will explore the different treatment options available to people. For more information about the event, or to book a place, visit http://www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/tees/events.