They are the butt of jokes, the dread of women and the disgust of men. They are a scourge of aging and a mark of ugliness. They make it impossible to feel comfortable in skirts , dresses, and bathing suits. The saving grace on the fashion scene is the popularity of pants and long skirts.
Even though varicose veins are associated with aging women, my problem began when I was a teen-ager. By the age of seventeen I was self-conscious about those ugly bulges and discolorations along my legs. I was so self-conscious about them that when I became a counsellor in summer camp I wrapped the leg in an ace bandage stretching from my ankle to my knee. I told anyone who asked that I had a torn ligament. (Isn’t it interesting that a torn ligament is socially acceptable but Varicose veins are not?)
Many women dislike wearing panty hose but not me; I appreciate the extra coverage it offers in the endless attempt to cover and conceal ugly veins.
At eighteen I underwent surgery to remove the veins: a drastic measure for a desperate cause. Unfortunately it was also for an un-winnable cause, because what was removed from one spot popped out in another.
Then I went through series of injections of the veins hoping to be finally free of them.
After having three babies I endured another surgery to once and for all relieve the world of having to look at those ugly veins forever. That’s when I learned that forever is an iffy time, impossible to attain or promise.
The battle was won but not by me. There was no such thing, it seemed, to erase the transit ugly lines throughout my legs. I had to admit that that I am cursed with varicose veins. The money I have spent, the pain I have endured and the shame I have felt were all a waste of time and energy.
What has helped the most is a makeup, Dermablend, designed specifically for covering body discolorations.
It could be worse; there are many conditions that are far more serious and dangerous. Many would happily exchange my problem for theirs.
And so I have become philosophical about accepting and dealing with issues I cannot change. Will people avoid me because I have Varicose Veins, or “VV” as a TV commercial might call it? Will I be blacklisted from society? Will I ruin my chances at becoming the first woman president because of discolored legs?
So I have choices; I can ignore mid-thigh skirts and think twice about wearing shorts in summer and not flaunt my legs. Or if I don’t care, and choose to show these gams to the world I am free to do so. These “VVs” are part of my reality but they will no longer cause me to hide in embarrassment.
MorristownMemos 
Comments on: "VARICOSE VEINS AND OTHER TRAGEDIES" (13)
HI, Ronnie! Thanks for stopping by my blog and liking my post on pistachios being good for you. I am enjoying my visit to yours. Regarding Morristown. I know that Dan Quinn, coach of the Atlanta Falcons who will play in the Super Bowl shortly, is from there. Wondered if you know the Quinn family.
I’m sorry, but I do not know the Quinn family. But I think you for tuning in to my blog.
Terrific Ronnie. Those veins have not stopped you from walking like a Duchess or a Vogue model. Gaye
Thank you, Gaye; but I will never speak like a queen, as you do!
Good for you! Beautiful however you are, inside and out.
…as we all are, despite all the self-criticism we all give ourselves. Thanks, Lisa.
Our legs seemed so important in childhood, now they are just a means to carry us on an adventure. I, too, endured having my legs stripped of the surface veins after two childbirths and standing on concrete to teach for several years.
The veins are basically gone in 3/4 of my legs, but I have scars from 140 staples. Ouch!
The other 1/4 was saved in case I need open heart surgery. But that doesn’t stop me from enjoying life.
I wish you maximum enjoyment of your life, Bev. And I hope you will be so healthy that no one would even think of open heart surgery for you!
Well done Ronnie.. Lovely that I caught your post in the reader, this evening, late here..
And yes I wonder why we are driven to be perfect.. Is this not the image we have had instilled upon us in a mans world? I too had a thin cluster of tiny hair like veins on the calf of one leg.. that looked like a large bruise.. I have had these with me as long as I can remember.. And the times people said oh how have you bruised your leg I lost count..
Not the same as large VV.. I know.. But often I would be driven to wear trousers ..
Its not until we become comfortable within our own skins that we accept ourselves as perfection with all our imperfections..
And I love it that is where you are..
Lovely to catch this post from you Ronnie.. Love and warm hugs and I hope your 2017 is off to a magical start as Jan is nearly closing xxx
Many thanks for your warm message, Sue. You are right; we should never be driven to strive for perfection in our looks. It doesn’t last that long, even for those who achieve it.
So very true Ronnie.. 🙂 much love your way xx
There is enormous wisdom you have accumulated through all the.pain and shame. And you have emerged as a beautiful woman.
Thank you, Dor. You sound like a candidate for wisdom of the ages. Were you always so smart? Thanks for your warm comment.