“I have had problems with my veins for about 25 years. I just always thought I would get it done at some stage without ever seeing anyone about it.
As the years went on, it was not until I was 56 when I thought it was about time I got something done about it.
I have always been a keen cyclist. It was always just a leisure pursuit but I would spend 45 minutes on a turbo trainer and bike 20 miles on Saturday and then another 25 on a Sunday, every single weekend. I then found a 50 to 60 mile route around Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. I always loved cycling as a great way to get fit, but over the last few years I noticed I was experiencing a burning pain in my legs when climbing hills.
It got to a stage where I was putting my body under so much strain that by the time I got to the top of the hill, I wouldn’t be able to peddle anymore at all. But it wasn’t just in my free time. I was a carpenter and would notice pains in my legs, especially in the afternoon.
I sought some medical advice and booked an appointment with Michael Gaunt. He talked me through my various options and we agreed that I needed bilateral Endovenous Laser surgery to treat my varicose veins.
But just four weeks after the operation, I was feeling so much better that I got back on my bike again. In fact, my average mileage is increasing again all the time.
The surgery was absolutely fine and everyone was fantastic, not just Michael but everyone at the Spire. I barely had any pain at all after the operation.
I can now climb hills on my bike much better and, thankfully, pedal off stronger once I reach the top.
Thinking about it, I should have done something about my varicose veins earlier. My advice to anyone would be to get help early and not just leave it to another day.”
