More and more men are being affected by a problem normally associated with women. Publican John Grogan tells Regina Daly how he eventually tackled the problem
We all know women with varicose veins, be they our mothers, wives or friends, but an increasing number of men are afflicted.
And while in the past people suffered in silence more and more are now opting for surgery to remove the varicose veins.
Dublin publican John Grogan, the owner of McSorleys in Ranelagh, had two varicose veins operations last year, one on each leg. He hadn't wanted surgery and had been putting if off for years, but such was the pain and discomfort he felt he had no choice.
John, who's in his 50s and originally from the Glen of Aherlow in Co Wicklow, started out in the bar trade in Dublin in the late 60s. The working week was long and he was often on his feet for more than 60 hours a week. Ten years later the varicose veins began to appear, first behind his knees, then progressing to the front shins, upwards to the groin area and downwards to the feet. They were unsightly but not painful, and so he ignored them.
In 1982, he started his own business - the Old Barnhouse in Dolphin's Barn - and progressed to 80 and 90 hours a week.
After a further 10 years, he began to see what he described as "varicose veins on the varicose veins". They were painful and left him with a sensation of tightness in the legs. Weepy ulcers developed on his feet and he lived in fear of having an accident when working on his own behind the bar. He went to his GP Dr John Gibson in Terenure.
"I told him I didn't want surgery. It was cowardly I know, but I wanted the easy option."
Dr Gibson suggested elastic stockings, which he tried, but after several hot summer nights wearing them behind the bar, he'd had enough. He went back to his GP who referred him to Charlemont Clinic to Consultant Vascular Surgeon T. Martin Feely, Consultant Vascular Surgeon. Dr Feely recommended surgery and several weeks later John went for a vascular ultra sound to Tallaght hospital.
As a private VHI patient he had a choice of hospitals for the actual operation. He decided on Mount Carmel's as it offered day care.
He arrived 7 a.m., was sleeping by 8 a.m. and awake shortly before lunchtime, the operation over. His wife collected him later that afternoon, with instructions he stays off his feet for the rest of the day. Over the next 10 days, he had to wear stockings and take short daily walks.
"My legs were black and blue for several days. It was as if I was hit by a train. The discomfort was extreme but it gradually eased."
Now he says he has "no pain and two great new legs." "It has given me a huge confidence boost and I can now stroll the beach in shorts."
"The only downside is the varicose veins may come back, but at least the 80-hour-week has gone."
How they occur
Varicose veins are largely hereditary and often brought on by prolonged standing - people who get them are often on their feet a lot in their work.
They appear just under the skin in the legs and feet, and are unusually large, gnarled and distended due to increased pressure caused by defective valves in the veins.
Functioning valves stop blood from draining down (due to gravity) but defective valves don't.
They let blood pool downwards causing the veins to become engorged and swollen.
These diseased veins are removed in surgery (known as stripping a vein), but they may return over time.
In surgery, a small incision is made in the groin where the diseased vein is clamped and cut (including its branches). Both free ends are tied off and cut.
A small hole is made in the top of the vein and a flexible wire is passed down to the calf or ankle and brought out through a small incision.
The upper end of the wire has a specially shaped metal head to which the vein is tied.
The upper incision is closed and the vein is then removed by pulling the wire out through the lower incision.
Cost of John's operation:
Consultation with Vascular Surgeon - €90.
Operation cost:
Day ward €938.93.
Surgeon cost €438.90.
Anaesthetist €201.
Total €1578.83.