What's Your Story?
Hear more from patients throughout Southwest Michigan who have undergone a general surgery procedure.
Back in Circulation
Aaron Wolfe
Jun, 2019
Physicians: Glen Hastings, MD
Fifteen years ago, Aaron Wolfe underwent a procedure to treat varicose veins in his left leg. In the years that followed he knew he would eventually need to have it done again – but he never knew his condition would end up costing him his job.
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins caused by increased blood pressure. They can happen anywhere in the body, but are more common in the legs. While not considered a serious medical condition, they can be painful and uncomfortable and lead to more serious problems.
Last March, Aaron, now 39 years old, began to feel a familiar pain in his legs, but decided to wait and see if it would go away on its own. In the months that followed, the pain only increased. So much so that he had trouble sleeping because a sensation as small as the sheets rubbing on his legs would keep him up at night. He also began to develop an ulcer near his ankle.
“The ulcer grew to the size of a baseball – it got to the point where I couldn’t even get my socks and shoes on,” said Aaron. “I couldn’t sleep and I had trouble driving because my leg would always need to be bent. I was miserable.”
Aaron’s job at the time was physically demanding and required him to be on his feet for most of his day. It eventually got to the point where his condition wouldn’t allow him to stand for any length of time and he had to leave his job.
That’s when Aaron knew it was time to seek help. He went to the Walk-In Clinic at Southwestern Medical Clinic in Niles for further evaluation. Much like he suspected, the physician on duty told Aaron he would need further treatment and recommended vein specialist, Glen Hastings, MD.
Upon his initial consultation, Dr. Hastings suggested sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive procedure that injects a solution directly into the vein causing it to collapse and stick together and the blood to clot. Aaron underwent a series of three different treatments to treat all the effected veins.
“The entire staff was very caring and considerate of what I was going through,” said Aaron. “If I would have put off the procedure any longer I can’t imagine what it would have been like.”
Patients who undergo the procedure notice some veins disappear within days. However, most will take three to four months to fully disappear. Although Aaron still needs to wear compression stockings daily, he was able to start a new job as a forklift driver at Thor Motor Coach in Elkhart, Indiana and is enjoying life pain-free.
“I would encourage anyone suffering from varicose veins or pain in their legs to get checked out – I waited far too long,” said Aaron. “Since the procedure I’ve noticed a real difference in my left leg. If I ever have problems again, Dr. Hastings will be the first person I go to.”
If you suffer from varicose veins, don’t ignore the pain any longer. Dr. Hastings and his team at Lakeland General Surgery, St. Joseph are ready to care for you. Schedule a consultation today – call 269.983.3368 or click here.
Hear more from Aaron Wolfe in the video below: