Hi,

I am at 35 year old male who has had trouble with varicose veins in my
legs for years and ignored it. I am beginning to think something has
to be done, but am unsure where to turn.

I am not sure of the cause of my veins, but they are common on my
mother's side of the family. I am not overweight, but was up to my
teens. Since my early 20's I have been at the correct weight for my
height and workout daily. I have very muscular legs from my workouts.

While my legs are hairy like most men and that covers the appearance
of most of the veins, I noticed a year or two ago that sometimes at
night I was feel a light aching in my calf off and on and then it
would ago away. It took me a while to realize this aching was coming
from the same calf where my varicose veins are. I am unsure if it's
related. It will come, then go for months and then return for a day or
two.

In any event, this week I finally look a good look at my calfs and
it's not pretty. I have a very large mess of varicose veins on the
inside of my right calf, a few more varicose veins near my ankle and a
smaller, almost spider vein near the side of my knee on the same let.
My left calf have some smaller varicose veins, but I'd swear that calf
didn't have any a few years ago so I assume this sitution is worsening
and need to take action.

I had read about laser vein removal and saw a local doctor a few
months ago who looked at my legs and said the veins were too large for
lazer methods to me used. He then told me I need to find a "vascular
surgeon" but couldn't name any to refer me to.

I am left with two questions. I want these veins gone, I am a healthy
man in very good shape otherwise and I believe the ache I feel may be
related to the veins. I feel I have to do something before things get
worse. My questions are:

1. Is removel of varicose veins normally covered my health insurance?
This is not just a cosmetic issue and I just can't shell out the cost
of removal out of my pocket.

2. Where do I find a vascular surgeon? I looked in my large book of
providers given to me by my health insurance company but can't even
find a listing for that type of doctor.

I keep putting this off because I don't know how to proceed and want
to take action. I'd like to have this done and over with before summer
when I am wearing shorts again.

Any input would be helpful. Thanks!