Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Very good.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Friendly and knows her stuff!

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Very polite.

What made you choose us?

My wife and I saw your ad on TV and called for an appointment, thinking it could help with my swollen legs.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Swelling & heaviness in the left leg, with discoloration or, as I call them, "rust spots".

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

When getting into my truck, I would have to lift my left leg. I couldn't lift it with just leg muscles. Now, I can get in with no trouble.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

Less swelling, more strength.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Very friendly. They know their stuff.

Ultrasound Technologist:

I only had one and she was the best – Kati.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

My doctor [Dr. Gupta] was excellent, very friendly.

Billing/Patient Account Services:

Excellent service.

Call Center/Patient Service Center:

Fantastic lady, knows her stuff.

What made you choose us?

Dr. Randalls of M.C Northwest Health told us about your clinic. I'm so glad she did.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Blisters turning to open sores. Legs red and covered in scabs.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

I couldn't get my sores under control. They kept getting worse. With the right treatment, my legs finally start to heal. I can wear shorts and am not embarrassed to show my legs.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

My blisters are gone. No more scabs; not 100% yet but getting closer.

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

I appreciate the hard work Dr. Gupta & Kati did to make me better. I haven't been to another clinic so I can't compare. You could not do any better than you did for me. You don't need to change a thing, you're already doing it right. To all your future patients, this is where you want to be!

Please describe your experience with us:

Very friendly and knowledgeable. Awesome! The Alsara Clinic is very professional, friendly, and knowledgeable from the top to bottom. From the time I entered the clinic until I leave, your clinic is Top Notch! Every employee is A+.

What made you choose us?

After meeting Dr. Gupta and his staff at the Chillicothe YMCA, I wanted to pursue your alternatives.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome), cramping.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) & cramping – I had a difficult time going to sleep & waking up with cramps.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

They look & feel better.

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

The thing I most appreciated was your patience in meeting my treatment needs. You were very focused on using several steps in solving the issue with my legs. The whole experience took some time to fix my legs but very satisfied that I didn't feel rushed to complete the solution. I wouldn't change a thing within the clinic – Keep doing what you are doing. I have referred other people from Chillicothe to your clinic.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Excellent.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Excellent.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Excellent.

Billing/Patient Account Services:

Excellent.

Call Center/Patient Service Center:

Excellent.

What made you choose us?

The News you were on.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Heaviness, big veins, swelling.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

[I was] embarrassed to wear shorts. I could not ride my bike. [After treatment] my leg feels young again.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

No heaviness, no pain, no swelling, no tiredness.

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

I love how you guys made me important. You guys care a lot for patients.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Very helpful, personable & accommodating.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Knowledgable, careful & considerate.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Knowledgable, careful & considerate.

Billing/Patient Account Services:

Very helpful, personable & accommodating.

What made you choose us?

Referral from Urgent Care.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Blood clotting in leg veins.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

Restless legs in the evening, painful muscle cramps in right calf and foot a couple of times per month. [After treatment] as of 3 weeks out, no problems with either issue.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

Well, they both look a lot better! I'm thinking about becoming a middle-aged male leg model next summer.

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

It was nice to feel like everyone at the clinic knew me and cared how things turned out for me. No suggestions for improvement, other than hiring smaller "mosquitos".

Click to Play Video

My name is Rodney Dwayne Stephenson. 

 I own a small machine shop downtown. It’s called Metal Works Unlimited, Inc. I’ve had it for about… this would be 15 years that I’ve had my own business. I was partners for several years previous to that. And I have a wife and four great children.

I had a lot of fatigue in my legs, and the biggest symptom was leg cramps at night that would wake me up and keep me up for hours – I mean to the point to where I was almost in tears. And my late father-in-law is actually the one that gave me the tip. Now, he didn’t tell me where to go, but he gave me the tip. He said, you know, you really ought to have the varicose veins in your legs either taken out or at least looked at; at least have a scan. And when Doctor [Gupta] did the scan, he said ‘yeah, you’ve got a lot of blockage’.

And it’s unbelievable the difference [after treatment]. I haven’t had a cramp since they were removed; not one. And I have so much strength and energy in my legs. I always worked out, but now, it’s like I have the energy to go along with the enthusiasm.

Actually, one of your technicians, Kati Ussary, is the one that set it all up for me. And everything that she did, and your staff and doctor – top notch, five stars.

My consult: I loved the way that they explained it in detail. And sometimes, Doctor [Gupta] would say things that – like I’d have a confused look – and then he’d have a simile that would go with it, like compare it to a river, or blockage in a river, you know, things that would make it simpler for me to understand. And he thoroughly went through the process, step-by-step. And it played out exactly the way that he said.

During [the procedure], I was scared, you know, because I don’t like some of the things that go along with the procedure. But after, it’s like nothing whatsoever. And they always had things that you did after the procedure on each legs, and I just followed those [instructions] to a tee. I had zero problems.

Actually, it really… there’s a little bit of pain, but the anxiety was probably ‘cause I’m scared to death of needles. And as long as… but the way they handled me, they put cold wash rags on my head, and they just… they handled me perfectly.

Oh, everyone looks at my legs. I mean, my legs are beautiful, and the energy, and no legs cramps. If I have to put one… if you put me down to just one thing that benefitted: the legs cramps and being able to sleep at night.

There’s not a lot of things that I couldn’t do [before treatment], it was just that I couldn’t do ‘em as long or to the extent that I wanted to, like, I couldn’t walk a long distance. Now, I can walk for miles. It’d never affect me at all. And sleeping: ha, I’m able to sleep all the way through the night. Anybody that has paused sleeping, where you wake up and try to go back to sleep because of leg cramps or fatigue in your legs, it’s awful. And it has made me to where I can sleep all night. I don’t have to get up in the middle of the night with late cramps, try to stretch my legs out, and roll on the floor, and all the things that went with it.

How professional he was and how he explained the detailed procedures in – I’m gonna say laymen terms – to where you can understand ‘em. Ah, it’s hard to describe how genuinely simply he made it sound. There was a step-by-step procedure, like, you do one leg, and not all of it, you know, ‘cause [when] you get around the ankle areas and stuff, there’s bone, so they have to do a little different procedure. He explained everything and explained all the [ultrasound] scans – pre and post – that was just excellent. I mean, I’ve never had a doctor that explained things in a way that you could understand it. So, I tip my hat. I still can’t pronounce his name, that’s why I keep saying “doctor”.

It probably gets overused – awesome, five star – but, all the way from the office manager down to the people that clean the floor, it’s totally awesome. It’s very clean, and everything is explained to you. The processes, they’re all explained in detail where you can understand. They’re great. I would recommend… in fact, I recommended my mom. She turned 76 this year. But she has so much pain while she’s walking. And [Alsara] did the scan – she needs it. She just got scared. And I think that maybe after a little bit of time she’ll come back to it.

But, yes, I highly recommend it to anybody that’s having leg cramps, fatigue. At least have the scan to see if it’s necessary, and if it’s not necessary, then you’re not out anything. But, yes, I would highly recommend it to anybody that was experiencing things like I was.

Doctor Gupta is a unique individual. He has that unique mix of sternest and then he has that comical side that I’m sure a lot of people don’t see. It kind of breaks up the monotony of the procedures. There were several times that I was starting to experience some anxiety, and Doctor Gupta calmed me down, or like, before he would insert a needle he’d say “Like a little bee sting”. You know, he made things genuinely low-key; it took all my anxiety away. By the time he was all done, we were laughing and telling jokes! 

It’s a very well-run business and I just loved everything about it. And the way that I was treated, the way they handle their billing, everything is top notch. The way they call you, email you, text you, work around whatever communications [regarding] the time of your procedure, to the end of it, to post [treatment] – everything –they do a great job of all of it.

Well, you know, I run my own business, and when somebody tells you ‘thank you’ and gives you high praise, it leaves you with a good feeling, and it speaks a lot of the reputation of this company [Alsara Vein Clinic].

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Friendly, helpful.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Friendly, thorough.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Friendly, explained clearly.

What made you choose us?

Saw ad on TV.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Cramping, slight swelling.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

Severe cramping, tired walking stairs. [Now I] can do 14 min. max training no problem.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

Not tired.

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

[You] took time to explain things in detail. [The procedure] was almost painless. Glad I had it done.

Click to Play Video

I had some awful, painful legs. I had circulation not going through my veins, had blockages in the veins. Cause I had this done once before - didn't work. I went through the old way, don't want it.

Couldn’t ride in a car for very long. I had to get out, my leg was heavy. I had to get out of bed and lift my legs. Then I had to stand there a bit so I could get ‘em motivatin’.

And not anymore. I slept good last night - couldn’t believe it. This laser's great. I can sit in a boat now. I don't have to stand up all the time. I can sit down and relax, fish, and mushroom hunt. Just excited I got my legs back. Cause it was gettin' where they gonna take 'em off.

This place is just awesome. He's [Dr. Gupta] a great doctor. I'd recommend him to anybody.

Ain't no wheelchair for me!

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Sam Gupta, M.D., M.P.H. ("Dr. Sam"), Vein Specialist, completed his medical training at the Mayo Clinic and Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine.

Vein Specialist: Dr. Sam Gupta

Doctor Sam Gupta has worked for many years in various settings including Primary Care, Urgent Care, Emergency and Wound care departments. It was in these settings where he saw countless patients who came with symptoms and complications of venous disorders (such as clots, bleeding veins, frequent infection, and poorly healing sores in legs). Sam Gupta, M.D., Vein Doctor, received certification from the American Board of Phlebology in 2009. Dr. Gupta has devoted his career solely to the diagnosis and management of the entire spectrum of vein disorders, offering the best vein services and vein treatments available. Named America's Top Doctor in 2007-2009, Dr. Gupta, Vein Specialist, sets the standards for vein treatment in Saint Joseph, MO, and greater Missouri.

Dr. Sam enjoys spending time with his wife, Priya, and their two girls, Alisha and Sara, as well as their dog, Caeser. He enjoys music, traveling all over the world, and fitness exercises.

Dr. Gupta is a Diplomate of the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine

A Message from Dr. Sam

Treating vein problems is my passion. Although the science of medicine is not perfect and our healthcare system is constantly changing, I have had the privilege of helping thousands of patients. Many came with unsuccessful vein treatments in the past and some were told that nothing more could be done. Restoring their health (and lost smiles) has been a very humbling experience.

The wealth of knowledge and experiences that I have gained in practice is priceless. Many patients have told me that my work has changed their lives. The truth is that along the way they have changed mine!

Life is a beautiful journey; I wouldn’t trade the experiences for anything in the world.

Sam Gupta, M.D., your St Joe Vein Doctor

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Friendly and helpful.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Friendly, informative,, and helpful.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Friendly.

Billing/Patient Account Services:

Friendly.

What made you choose us?

Needed help with my legs.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

RLS [restless leg syndrome], heaviness, achiness, burning sensation.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

Couldn't walk hardly and couldn't chase and play with my almost 4 year old 🙁.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

Not as restless or achy. Can walk and run around [now].

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

How nice everyone is. [At other clinics,] not everyone is nice.

I had a real good Christmas and one thing that really made my Christmas so great was you, Dr. Gupta. Because of you and your staff taking such good care of my legs. Because of your good work on my legs, I was able to walk all over the place when we went Christmas shopping. You don't know how nice it is to go to Wal-Mart or wherever and be able to walk all over the store and not have your legs hurt.

Before I started coming to you I couldn't walk without my legs hurting so bad. My legs would hurt so bad that I would stay at home or in the truck. My mom said you can go with me and I would push you in a wheelchair. But I didn't like to ride in a wheelchair because I didn't like for people to stare at me. And now thanks to you Dr. Gupta I don't have to worry about that anymore. Because I have one of the best Drs. in the state of Missouri. Probably in the United States. Because you are the best. You all are so caring and understanding. And the girls always call the next day and ask how I am doing. Anyway, I want to thank Dr. Gupta and the Staff.

God Bless everyone.

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I just got married last year on July 29th. It’s been just over a year in July, and I’m happily married. And if it wasn’t for my husband checking this place out [Alsara Vein Clinic], I wouldn’t have been where I’m at right now.

We discovered [Alsara Vein Clinic] from just ourselves. We searched it on the internet and figured it would be a great place to get healed.

I had leg cramps. I had l leg cramps so bad that I couldn’t… it was hard to walk, and it’s hard to enable myself to do the walking and enjoy myself. I was basically just laying on the couch just complaining of the ache and the pains and the… I just wasn’t comfortable doing anything. It has been over 10 years or so that I have experienced that. And it wasn’t a very comfortable feeling [having to say] to my friends [who were] saying: ‘Well, you wanna go do this today?’, and I’d say: ‘Well, I can’t because my legs are not up to par’. Waking up with leg cramps in the middle of the night, ‘cause there’s nothing that no one could do. And it hurt so bad that, even if you did move and start walking it, I had to get up and walk around to get the leg cramps gone.

The staff and the physician are very friendly and knowledgeable about what they’re doing. Now that I’ve had treatments, I am able to walk a lot better. I’m not waking up with leg cramps in the middle of the night, which is a relief. I’m not kicking in the middle of the night and at my spouse! So, I’m saving… saving a little bit [laughs]!

Well, the pain was so great that I would start crying because I wouldn’t have any relief of any sort until I started to come here. I tried medication for Restless Leg Syndrome and that wasn’t working. And, finally, I came here and sought relief, and I found it. My legs are a lot healthier. I’ve got a lot more strength. I’ve gained the freedom of not having… not to walk so far and not have no pain in my legs.

Be sure to come [to Alsara Vein Clinic] because it does really help. It gives you relief to know that when you are hurtin’ as bad as I was, that the treatments they give are working.

Oh, I’m happy to be here because if it wasn’t for them, I would not be where I’m at right now. I’m just so happy to know that I’ve got legs now. Before, I didn’t have any.

Nitrous Oxide and Needleless Numbing

Beautiful, healthy, pain-free legs may have been a dream in the past, but now they are a reality, thanks to the advances in medicine and technology. Treatments are very safe, effective, and require no downtime.

As icing on the cake, almost all insurers cover treatments of symptomatic varicose veins. Unfortunately, many patients miss this opportunity due to the fear of pain and anxiety.

While we celebrate our three-year anniversary in St. Joseph, I want to take this opportunity to reach all of those patients and their relatives who may have heard about us or even visited us, but were unable to garner enough courage to take the next step.

It is often reasonable to fear pain with a medical procedure, however, the treatments at Alsara Vein Clinic are virtually painless. Many of our patients have graciously shared in their testimonials attesting to that. We go to extreme lengths to make sure that the entire process is comfortable and as pain-free as possible. To help take the edge off a patient's anxiety, a nitrous oxide (laughing gas) option is available for a $30 charge. 

At other times, it is not really the fear of pain but rather anxiety that serves as a barrier. Some anxiety is normal and considered an adaptive response. For instance, I suffered from anxiety (or even phobia) when going to an urgent care center for a sore throat or even a well-child visit at the local doctor’s office. I had a deep-seated fear as a child that somehow I would end up in the hospital, like some kids I saw on television, with needles in my arms, struggling to breathe through a mask. In retrospect, this would be considered normal anxiety, as I still made it to the doctors’ offices.

An important step in dealing with anxiety is to substitute it with knowledge. Having a complete understanding of the procedure, how its performed and the numerous ways it would make a difference in your life could help replace fear with hope or even excitement. Sometimes it is the fear of the unknown or recollection of a bad experience in the past that holds patients back.

At Alsara Vein Clinic, we have performed thousands of procedures that have improved countless lives. Please take a moment to read and listen to our patients’ stories in Testimonials. Many patients who have come to us have had prior treatments elsewhere. Some had painful vein stripping and some had newer treatments, such as sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation (VNUS Closure), that were unsuccessful or offered only partial relief of symptoms. Remember you have not failed until you have given up!

While understanding the procedure doesn’t help alleviate the anxiety or the fear of needles, there is still hope. We offer in-office anesthetic using nitrous oxide (laughing gas). For our needle-phobic patients, we have the revolutionary J-Tip™ that uses forced air to deliver numbing medicine without the use of needles. You will still be alert enough to enjoy a lollipop and be able to drive yourself back home after the procedure.

Click to Play Video

Above all, the pampering that you receive at Alsara Vein Clinic remains a secret with us so that you can still attempt to gain all the sympathy from your loved ones when you reach home.

Call us at 816-396-0245 for a Consultation

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

The Front Desk was very friendly and helpful..

Ultrasound Technologist:

Explained everything she was doing. Love the service.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Was very concerned that everything was done.

Billing/Patient Account Services:

Great service.

Call Center/Patient Service Center:

Great service.

What made you choose us?

Advertisement.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Leg cramps, pain, swelling, restless legs.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do?

I could not walk very far without hurting, loss of sleep.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

No restless legs, can walk without hurting. No cramps.

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

Everyone was very friendly and informed me of what I needed to do. I appreciated being told what the colors on the [ultrasound] screen meant. I was very confident about my before and after care.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Very courteous and helpful.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Very professional and informative.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Excellent job of explaining the process.

Billing/Patient Account Services:

Very efficient, with no complications.

Call Center/Patient Service Center:

Very courteous and helpful.

What made you choose us?

I was introduced to the organization through a health fair.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Heaviness in my legs, spider veins, swelling.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

Swelling, heaviness. My legs would be tired. [After treatment] minimal to no swelling or heaviness, more energy.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

My legs feel really good. I have minimal to no swelling or heaviness.

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

I thought the staff on all levels had excellent customer service skills and were very helpful. Dr. Gupta did an excellent job of explaining the vein process & procedures. I would recommend your services to others.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Excellent.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Excellent. I mainly had Kati but both girls are great.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Dr. Gupta is the best!

What made you choose us?

Meeting Dr. Gupta at Josephine Expo.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Very severe Restless Legs.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

On medications for my legs that really weren't working anymore.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

Restless legs have improved greatly.

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

I was always greeted & seen very quickly. No long waits in the waiting room or exam room. The staff was all friendly & knew me when I came in the door. I felt like I was their only patient. I have recommended your clinic to others.

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I had heaviness, [leg] pain, a lot of movement in my legs, which they call ‘Restless Leg Syndrome,’ and it would bother me at night mostly.  And since I’ve been coming here, he’s done a great job on me, a great job!

Now I can ride in a car or plane without the aching that was before.  I sleep much better.  I don’t have restless legs or aching, so it is great that I can sleep without moving my legs all the time.  I’m so glad and I can walk without hurting.

The treatments were very easy.  I didn’t have any pain, and I was very comfortable with the way the doctor did [the treatment].  I didn’t feel anything.

I came here because you’re right here in St. Joe.  I didn’t have to travel 30 minutes to Kansas City.  I’ve been to two different [clinics]and this [Alsara Vein Clinic] is the best.  I think it’s much better.  [You’re] friendlier than the other places I’ve been.  The doctor is very, very nice, very kind, and he explains things thoroughly.  I really like him.

I have inherited this vein disease from my mother and my father.  My mother had her [veins] stripped at least two times that I know of.  She always had trouble with her legs.

I started noticing them in my sixties because I walked about five miles every day.  I think that helped the circulation in my legs. But then I got kind of sick and I couldn’t get up and do what I normally did, and my legs really started hurting.  It was very uncomfortable.

The doctor was very thorough.  He would explain things so you could understand them He would take time to answer your questions.  It was excellent.  Recovery was excellent.  You have a little bruising sometimes but that all went away, it was very satisfying.

I was on a plane ride last year and my legs didn’t ache or anything like they had before.  I can walk the dog a little farther now. He wants to go, so I got right behind him, and my legs are not hurting while I’m walking him.

My whole experience with the clinic has been wonderful.  I would tell everybody to come here.  The staff is wonderful.  The doctor is wonderful.  I just really like it here.

He’s a very kind doctor, he’s very concerned about how it feels, ”are you uncomfortable", he’s very concerned about how you are taking the treatment.  So, [I’m] very satisfied with him.  Dr. Gupta was very easy on me.

I love the staff.  They’re so friendly and helpful.  I have a lot of fun with them when I come.  I’m very satisfied.

I would absolutely recommend this clinic to people with vein problems.

As living beings, we are part of the natural world and interdependent. As you rest and renew, you can also better meet the needs of those who depend on you. My sister passed away recently and unexpectedly at the young age of 56. Anyone who has lost a loved one knows the intense sense of loss and emotional pain that is involved in the grieving process. The absence of the person who contributed so much to your life is deeply felt while you bereave. In fact, the term bereavement means “to be deprived of someone through death”.

In pursuit of spiritual healing, my wife and I toured some small, quaint towns nestled in the Himalayan Mountains, also the home of many Buddhist monks. It was then that I realized if you befriend nature, it reciprocates with its timeless beauty and power of healing. From the radiant sun to the ice-cold water of the countless streams and the vibrant colored flowers to the succulent fruits native to the region, one must experience personally to fully appreciate it.

Due credit goes to our energetic and young tour guide, a native to the Himalayan region, who enjoyed narrating history, pausing only when he sensed that his audience in the back seat were napping. He shared stories of his childhood, growing up in a family where his father was a truck driver who had to quit working due to severe recurrent leg cramps and swelling in his legs. Having turned “black and brown”, his legs were set to be amputated by a local surgeon; however, a knowledgeable dermatologist recognized the features of chronic venous insufficiency and actually performed a phlebectomy (removal of veins). Although the legs were saved, his father continues to live with swelling and debilitating leg pain. Over the years, his condition took a toll on the family and his father resorted to alcohol abuse.

Since I was on a retreat to nurture my own spirituality far from the realms of modern medicine that I left behind in America, I maintained silence. Nevertheless, at the conclusion of my trip in the Himalayas, I shared with the tour guide how minimally invasive procedures such as EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) allow us to easily correct the circulatory problems caused by venous insufficiency in the legs. He appeared astonished to hear that a simple, 1-hour procedure could have potentially restored full function to his father’s leg.

When we are faced with loss, it is sometimes difficult to feel a sense of gratitude in our lives, yet I had another opportunity to recognize the blessings soon after. Upon conclusion of the 10-day trip, as we made our way through the airport security checkpoints, I crossed paths with a security officer who politely asked me to stretch out my arms while he whisked his “magic wand”, checking for any metal items. In doing so, I struck up a casual conversation with him about how busy the airport was and, out of habit, mumbled about the adverse effects of gravity on blood flow in legs. This astute officer was quick to recognize that I was a Physician and appeared eager to know my area of expertise. His eyes lit up when he learned that I specialized in the treatment of venous leg disorders. He shared that his father has severe swelling, tingling sensation, and numbness in his legs that had already caused numerous falls and injuries. I explained how swelling in the legs was the most specific sign of underlying, chronic venous insufficiency. The tingling and numbness experienced in the feet are often caused by the mechanical pressure of the fluid that builds up throughout the day in the legs. I offered him my business card so that he could contact my office for further guidance (and to avoid holding up the security line!). I had never imagined that a 30-second airport security screening could culminate in a varicose vein consultation.

The loss of my sister has brought my family closer together, all with a deeper sense of compassion and appreciation for the loved ones in our lives. Hence, even through loss and grief, the blessings continue. Without grief, there is little appreciation for joy. Although my sister leaves behind a void, her absence has propelled me to a spiritual path for a more meaningful existence. Life is still a beautiful journey after all!

If you are concerned about varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency., leg pain, leg cramps, tingling, numbness, swelling, discoloration, or leg sores that are slow to heal, call Alsara Vein Clinic at 816-396-0245 to set up a Consultation today.

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I was recommended to come here by my physician. I’ve had some problems with my legs and I decided to come here [Alsara Vein Clinic] and see if I could get helped. I’m disabled now. I’ve had a liver transplant 12 years ago. I was having some problems with my legs swelling and discoloration and things. And I have diabetic neuropathy. And it really got down to the point where my legs just couldn’t take the pain anymore.

Well, each year it’s gotten worse and worse, and I just get down to the point where I have to sleep in a recliner, and then I prop my legs up even higher than that, trying to get the swelling down. And I was having an awful time, you know, sleeping in the recliner.

And, so, I decided to come here and see if he [Dr. Gupta] could take some of the pain away, you know. I know he can’t get rid of everything, ‘cause it, you know, it’s just not going to happen. I know that. But anything is better than nothing! That’s the way I looked at it.

And he did an awesome job, I believe, you know, and that’s all that really matters.

They really made me feel welcome. They explained everything: why they were doing it; how come; and this and that; and what they were doing. And it really made me feel comfortable, you know, to see that and understand it. And that [means] a lot to the person, you know.

My priorities [were]: get rid of some of the pain that I had, and being able to tolerate it, you know. I’ve lived in pain all my life and I’m tired of it, you know. I mean, a person can only deal with so much. But ah, no, that’s probably about the highlight – the results.

You know, I was more than impressed. Well, I mean it’s just a 100% change around. When I first came here, you know, my legs really hurt bad. And [Dr. Gupta] explained what he was gonna do, and if he couldn’t make any results, he wasn’t gonna do anything, and I understand that. But he felt that he could ease some pain to me, and he did. And now, each and every day gets better.

I hadn’t played pool in 15 years. And now, I’m able to go play pool for a couple of hours a day. And, to me, that’s quite a bit, you know, ‘cause I enjoy that. Yup. Yeah, it really is awesome, trust me! You ain’t [got] nothing to do all day – and now, you got something to do now, you know.

So I would definitely recommend people – if they have [leg] problems – to come here. And if the doctor can’t help you, he won’t; and if can, he will! And to me, he’s awesome. He’s helped me tremendously. Yeah.