Phlebectomy

Such a fun word to say: Phlebectomy.  Say it with me: "Phlebectomy"

Well, in case you're wondering why we're focusing on such a fun word, it's because Chris had a Phlebectomy last week.

Essetially a Phlebectomy is: a technique to remove varicose veins. In this procedure, several tiny cuts (incisions) are made in the skin through which the varicosed vein is removed.

Chris has had a clump of vericose veins on his left calf for years.  In the last couple years, this clump has gotten worse and worse, to the point where he was in constant pain, would get leg cramps, etc.  I finally convinced him to go to the doctor (typical male, he didn't want to do anything about it!), and the doctor referred him to a vascular surgeon who recommended the Phlebectomy.

Anyone who knows Chris knows about his severe aversion to anything medical, especially when it involves needles and blood. Sooo.... the prospect of surgery was more than a little unsettling for him.

Last Thursday morning he got up, shaved his leg from toe to groin (his comment to me?  "Shaving wasn't so bad, I don't know what women complain about!!" grrrrr.....), and got ready to go to the hospital.  By the time we were driving, he was dead quiet and obviously quite stressed and nervous about the whole thing.  I dropped him off and prayed for the best.

When I returned after the surgery, he was still loopy from the anesthetic.  he kept making the nurse tell me: "yes, he really was an EXCELLENT patient", "he did such a great job!"

And now we are in the recovery phase.  His leg has been wrapped for a week, and Chris has been unable to drive as well, soooo.... he's going a bit nuts.  Add on to that the fact that he really can't do much due to the incisions and bruising all down his leg, and you have a sore, cranky Chris. 

But, he did say that for the first time in three years his calf isn't hurting him any more.  Just need to make it through the recovery phase and Chris will be as good as new in no time at all.