Get more time with the doctor

By Dr. Sonja Stiller, Center for Advanced Vein Care

When meeting with a doctor for a medical appointment, have you ever felt like a “number,” as if the entire process is simply a fast-moving assembly line? We hear that a lot from our patients who are surprised at how much time they spend with me and our team during their evaluation and treatment.

As venous specialists, we understand that many symptoms—including leg pain, swelling and fatigue—often cannot be brushed off with a quick fix, such as a new diet, a prescription for a diuretic, or a recommendation for compression stockings without any information as to what specific type of compression would be most beneficial.

Instead, we view each patient as a whole person, and we spend time exploring the many aspects of life that may be contributing to their symptoms—from diagnostic ultrasound to exercise, nutrition and even lifestyle and family concerns. We work with each patient to understand their goals so we can develop the right treatment plan—together.

For example, walking is one of the best things you do for your venous health, and while getting in 10,000 steps a day is a nice goal, it’s far more imperative to get in at least 4,500. We often work with our patients to help them get started toward that goal.

If you do need varicose vein treatments, it’s a good idea to get started now before the hectic fall begins. In addition, start now and you’ll be well down the road to healthy legs before your health insurance deductible resets at the end of the year.

Give our office a call if you are suffering from any of the following symptoms:

• leg pain or swelling
• heaviness or fatigue
• itching or burning
• inflammation
• skin discoloration
• restless legs syndrome

Dr. Sonja Stiller is a diplomat of both the American Board of Emergency Medicine and the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, and founder of the Center for Advanced Vein Care. The center’s newly expanded offices are at 7200 Mentor Avenue, in Mentor. For an appointment, call 440-710-1140. More info can be found at YourHealthyVeins.com.