Post-Venous Ablation Home Instructions

Compression Stockings

• You will have compression stockings on when you leave the hospital.
• Wear the compression stockings day and night for 3 days after the procedure. Remove only to shower.
• After 3 days, you may remove the stockings only for showering and at bedtime.
• Continue to wear the stockings during the day for the next 2 weeks.

Dressing

• There will be gauze and band-aids over the laser insertion site. Band-aids will also be put over the injection sites.
• 24 hours after the procedure, you may shower. Remove the gauze dressing and apply antibiotic ointment. Cover with band-aid until site is healed. 
• All other band-aids may be removed after your shower and may not need to be replaced.
• Do not rub or pick at the insertion sites.

Medications & Potential Symptoms

• You may have some pain, redness and bruising after the procedure.
• A small amount of oozing from the site is common.
• If not contra-indicated, starting today take Advil or Ibuprofen 400mg, 3 times a day for the next 5 days.
• A written prescription may be provided for pain medication to be taken as needed.

Activity

• Maintain your normal level of activity.
• Avoid activities such as weight training or running for 10 days.
• No baths for 3 days. Avoid lakes, pools or hot tubs for 1 week.
• Walk at least 30 minutes daily to promote healing. Walking will help with pain and limit risk of complications.
• Do not sit or stand for long periods of time for the first week.
• Elevate your legs at least 3 times a day for 5 to 10 minutes for the first week.
• You may apply warm packs for 30 minutes, 3 times a day. This will help with pain and healing.
• You may continue with all other normal activities including work.

When to call your doctor

• Pain not relieved by rest and/or pain medications.
• Fever greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Difficulty breathing or feeling short of breath.
• Uncontrolled bleeding from the insertion site.
• For problems or concerns call St. Cloud Hospital at 320-251-2700 and ask to speak to the On-Call Interventional Radiologist.