Elizabeth's story

“I couldn’t be happier with the results. I can now enjoy my retirement and spend more time doing fun things with my grandchildren”

Elizabeth Tipple began to have problems with her veins in the 1960s, after the birth of three children. Being a keep fit teacher, she found standing up for long periods of time problematic, as her legs painfully ached. Her GP recommended that she should have her veins stripped. She went ahead with the operation; and while the results were effective, unfortunately found the whole experience very painful.

She became pregnant again a year after the operation, and sadly her varicose veins reappeared. In an attempt to reduce the size of the veins and ease the pain, she began wearing NHS support stockings, and continued to wear them for the next 15 years. She felt she couldn’t leave the house without wearing them.

69 year old Elizabeth has always enjoyed sport and was frustrated that her varicose veins were getting in the way of an otherwise fit and healthy retirement. She thoroughly enjoys swimming, which was the only time she didn’t wear her support stockings.  She ensured that she got from the changing room to the water as soon possible, as she was so embarrassed by her veins.  Whenever she went away on holiday, she never had the confidence to expose her legs, which limited what she could do. Sunbathing was out of the question!

Elizabeth also enjoyed playing tennis with her grandchildren but wasn’t able to do so for long periods of time, as her legs became extremely painful. Elizabeth felt that her veins were making her appear a lot older than she felt, as she had to sit down most of the time, especially at parties, as it was painful standing up for long periods.

She had always contemplated getting her veins stripped again, although she was put off by the painful experience she had previously and the long NHS waiting lists. Elizabeth’s mother had been impressed with the quality of service and aftercare she had experienced at the BMI Sarum Road Hospital, in Winchester, and so recommended it to her daughter. Following a consultation with surgeon Nick Wilson, it was suggested Elizabeth had part laser treatment on her left leg. The operation only took 45 minutes with a general anaesthetic, and she was able to leave the hospital the next day.

Elizabeth is delighted with the results, the pain has vanished and she has had a major boost in her self-confidence. She is now able to wear skirts and dresses this summer, can enjoy playing sport with her grandchildren and is able to enjoy swimming without trying to hide her body.  Elizabeth is making the most of her retirement by taking up voluntary work again, flower arranging at the local churches and Countess Mountbatten Hospice as well as preparing supper for the local Night Shelter.