Last week I attended the monthly local medical society meeting at the Benton Club in St. Joseph. The bartender gave me a tour, attempting to squeeze in every highlight of its 100+ year history, while all the other member physicians gathered and greeted each other in the reception hall. Soon we were watching a local cardiologist give a presentation on the use of a non-invasive CT Scan to compute in seconds the risk of a heart attack in patients.
As I watched the colorful pictures on the screen, I thought of my mother, who passed away at a fairly young age after living with “heartburn” for years, that was treated with medications for indigestion. Being a woman and a diabetic are both major factors that confound the symptoms of heart disease. A slightly higher index of suspicion could have saved her life and one of the newer diagnostic tools such as the Coronary Calcium Scan could have kept her health in check.
My thoughts shifted to one of my recent patients, a 93-year-old woman with advanced venous disease in her legs. She was brought to my clinic in a wheelchair by her two daughters. When I asked her what changes she hoped to accomplish, she promptly responded, “Can you help me get me out of this wheelchair?”. There was no hesitation in her voice as she expressed her desire to not only live longer but also enjoy her life along the way.
Life is a beautiful journeyI witness the daily hopes and aspirations of numerous patients like this amazing woman who is 93 years “young”. Some have the usual symptoms of heaviness in the legs, cramps, restlessness, and swelling. Many others have lived long enough with vein problems in their legs and present with clots or sores in their legs. Hope tends to be contagious. Earlier this week, while treating a patient who came with a clot in her leg, I found out that her husband was also on my schedule. He has lived with swelling and sores in his legs for many years. She indicated with pride that, “I diagnosed his problem myself and told him to come and see you”. I won’t be surprised if he will soon be able to enjoy the full use of his legs without the constant fear of ongoing pain, infection, or even risk of amputation.
My kids did not have an opportunity to spend time with my mother, their grandmother, and I never had a chance to be her doctor. I take consolation from knowing that my work allows many of my patients to enjoy a longer, healthier life. Life is much more beautiful when mothers and grandmothers are part of the journey.
Left untreated, symptoms of varicose veins such as pain, fatigue, and swelling of the legs or ankles worsen over time. You may develop venous ulcers. Ulcers due to varicose veins are painful and difficult to heal unless the underlying venous backflow is corrected. Blood that pools in the varicose veins is depleted of oxygen and nutrients. The walls of these veins are already weakened and increased pressure allows red blood cells and fluid to leak into the tissues of the leg. This in turn causes swelling, pain, tingling, and numbness in the legs and feet.
Chronic inflammation that develops from leakage makes the skin dark and discolored, commonly known as hyperpigmentation. Over time, the skin and surrounding fat under the skin can also get increasingly irritated and inflamed turning the tissue rubbery and firm; a condition called lipodermatosclerosis.
Another possible consequence of untreated varicose veins is spontaneous bleeding from the varicose veins. Bleeding may occur even from a minor injury to your legs and cause significant loss of blood in a short amount of time.
Your Venous Ulcer Specialist at Alsara Vein Clinic will perform a detailed examination and discuss the best treatment options. It is never too late to seek care. Call 816-396-0245 for a Consultation.
Progression of Varicose Veins can lead to Venous Ulcers and Infection
Very friendly and explained the proceeding in a friendly way.
Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:
All were friendly & made me comfortable.
Billing/Patient Account Services:
They took care of all necessary to let me know.
Call Center/Patient Service Center:
Very welcoming & friendly.
What made you choose us?
My daughter picked up a brochure showing some of the problems I was having.
What symptoms were you experiencing?
Ulcer on one leg, tiredness, heaviness in legs, cramps, sore feet.
How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?
Sore, achy, hard to get into cars & step up on curbs. I couldn't walk very far to buy groceries or any shopping. [Now], I feel a lot lighter in my legs & feet. I can shop & not be exhausted.
What improvements have you seen in your legs?
Just feels weightless and no cramping.
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 appreciated the feeling of family and friendship from the moment on entering the clinic. All the smiling faces and Dr. Gupta took enough time to explain what needed to be done in terms that an elderly lady could understand. I can't think of a thing that needs to be changed.
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!
Open ulcer on ankle & very red discolored legs, pain & soreness.
How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?
Constant pain & redness. Could not sleep or function at work. [After treatment:] It is a miracle – no pain and color is coming back!
What improvements have you seen in your legs?
Ulcer has healed & the pain is gone. Color is getting 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 Doctor & staff have a great personal touch and they really care about the patients. It is one of the best clinics I have ever been to. I highly recommend them. Thank you sooo much.
As I watched the colorful pictures on the screen, I thought of my mother, who passed away at a fairly young age after living with “heartburn” for years, that was treated with medications for indigestion. Being a woman and a diabetic are both major factors that confound the symptoms of heart disease. A slightly higher index of suspicion could have saved her life and one of the newer diagnostic tools such as the Coronary Calcium Scan could have kept her health in check.
Life is a beautiful journeyI witness the daily hopes and aspirations of numerous patients like this amazing woman who is 93 years “young”. Some have the usual symptoms of heaviness in the legs, cramps, restlessness, and swelling. Many others have lived long enough with vein problems in their legs and present with clots or sores in their legs. Hope tends to be contagious. Earlier this week, while treating a patient who came with a clot in her leg, I found out that her husband was also on my schedule. He has lived with swelling and sores in his legs for many years. She indicated with pride that, “I diagnosed his problem myself and told him to come and see you”. I won’t be surprised if he will soon be able to enjoy the full use of his legs without the constant fear of ongoing pain, infection, or even risk of amputation.
