Post-Venous Ablation Home Instructions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.