Question:
My biggest problem is a pre-existing varicose vein condition in one leg. After a C section 28 yrs ago, I had a DVT which is a Deep Vein Thrombosis, and it was a big deal ... now ... that leg is going NUTS on the diabetes meds. I have sometimes been unable to put a shoe on, much less a sock. Other days, everything seems OK. One leg is normally 2-3 inches bigger than the other at the calf. When I can't put a sock on in the a.m. I do get worried. Sometimes by 3 PM I have to take my shoe off on that side. Yikes. I have to get in the car and go places. I do it sockless in 20 degrees F. if need be. I have found a vascular doctor in our area who will see me in a couple weeks. Anybody got these two problems together? I think something is way, way off and while diabetes may be life-shortening, another blood clot in my leg or some such could be life-threatening. Getting sick of specialists, who define their zone of expertise and leave it up to me to be the "General Contractor". If you have similar history, and solved the problems, let me know how please.

Answer: -I will leave the general diabetic information to others who type better than I do. I have had varicose veins since my fris son wsa born 40 years ago. They were not like yours, ewith a thombosis, but there adn have been with me since. At first I ust regular suppose=type stockings all the ime, but hav enow "graduated" to heavier duty elastic stockings, wering those with a compression range of 30-40 whatevers they are measured in. I pu them on when I first get up or right after I shower and sit for a few minutes adn wear them unti I go to bed. With them ny legs are quite comfortable adn without them,if I walk around much, they get achey. I have had no reaction with them from my diabees meds. I am on Metformin and a tiny dose of amaryl (1 mg) at night to help with the mornign blood glucose numbers. I have no idea if my experience is any help to you at all but I offer it in case it can help. I think seeing the vascualr person is a great idea. If I ws having your problems it is exactly what I would do. -I do have a varicose vein or two, but they're not very bothersome. What is bothersome is venous insufficiency. That means the blood goes down to my feet and stays down there. My feet and lower legs can get VERY swollen! I also get weak muscles because the blood isn't getting to the veins like it should be. I wear compression hose and am suppose to keep my feet elevated above my heart as much as possible. I know what you mean by the specialists. I've been that route and am doing it yet again. Wish there was one Dr. who could do it all, but that's not the case.