Hi All,

I am 47 and have had minor varicose veins and swelling in my right ankle and lower leg for years. I have always been strong and vigorous but I tend to be overweight. I have no heart disease and good blood pressure. My work is sedentary. Earlier this year I went on a diet and started exercising, mainly cycling, and lost 50 lb. My leg became painful while execrcising and a vein on my shin (the site of an old trailer hitch injury) became visibly distended.

In the last few months I have taken several long international flights. Each time I fly the discomfort seems to get worse. I can no longer stand up for long enough to see a band in a crowded venue.

I went to a vascular specialist a few weeks ago and he pointed out a major distended vein from calf to groin; the real source of my leg pain. He said that the valves in the vein had failed, putting pressure on the ankle and lower leg. He recommended the (expensive) process of laser ablation because of the quick recovery compared with surgical stripping of the vein. I am booked for the procedure on November 26.

What I really want to know is the length of time for recovery and the degree of recovery I can hope for. I love travelling and mountain biking and I really hope I can continue to enjoy these activities.

Thanks in advance

Rob