My name is Ron, and when I was 16 years old, I developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) through blood clots in both legs. At the time, the doctors had no clue what was going on.

Fast forward three years, and I developed my first venous leg ulcer. After three years and many different doctors with many different treatments, I was lucky enough to discover a "vascular surgeon who healed me in only two weeks" with a very simple method. 

I had been suffering from excruciating ulcers on my leg for the past four years. I had visited countless doctors and vascular surgeons, hoping to find a solution to my pain. After seeing over twelve doctors and hearing different opinions, one vascular surgeon finally suggested a rather drastic solution: an operation to strip the bad veins from my leg.
The thought of being in the hospital for two weeks and being off work for three months made me hesitate. I decided to seek a second opinion before making any decisions. My current surgeon warned me about another vascular surgeon who had unconventional methods. However, I was willing to explore all options.
I made appointments with two different vascular surgeons. The first was the head of the vascular surgery department at a large local hospital, and the second was a renowned vascular surgeon in a bustling city. My present surgeon cautioned me about the second surgeon's unorthodox methods, but I was curious to see what he had to offer.
During my visit to the first surgeon, he inspected my ulcers and gave me some crystals to dry them out. The pain was excruciating when the ulcers started to dry. I realized that ulcers hurt a lot when they become dry. Despite the initial discomfort, I held onto hope that this treatment would finally bring relief.  Alas they didn't heal!
Intrigued but skeptical, I went to see the second surgeon with the unorthodox methods. He carefully examined my ulcers and then asked me to lie on the examination table. To my surprise, he grabbed some foam, cut it to size, and meticulously cleaned and dressed my wounds. He elevated my leg and wrapped it snugly with a tensor bandage, with the foam positioned underneath.  As he worked, he confidently assured me that "My ulcers would heal in 2 weeks". I couldn't help but roll my eyes in disbelief. After all, I had been told the same thing by numerous doctors before without any success.
Days went by, and to my astonishment, the pain began to fade. Ulcers usually worsen when they became wet and mucky; and feel felt better. By the end of the two weeks, all of the pain had vanished.  When I revisited the surgeon's office, I prepared myself for the worst. However, to my utter amazement, my leg was completely healed. 

“The ulcers that had plagued me for years had miraculously disappeared” . I couldn't believe my eyes.

From that day forward, I became the surgeon's patient for the next 35 years. I relied on him and his partner, even after he had passed away. Their unconventional methods had worked wonders for me, and I continued to seek their expertise in keeping my legs healthy and pain-free.

My Deep Venous Treatments

What Didn't Work For Me : 

1.  Skin grafts - twice in hospital -  2 weeks in bed with legs raised -  always broke down when released from hospital after not elevating my legs all the time.

2. viscoplaste cast - compresses the whole leg as it dries.  It was very painful and didn't help at all.  Might have helped if compression was put directly on the ulcer as well.

3.  Removal of Greater Saphenous Vein - didn't do anything that I could tell did accidentally cut a nerve so the back of my leg went numb.

4.  Vein Stripping - asked for a referral for a second opinion and decided not to go ahead with it.  That was when I met Dr Sladen.  

5.  Using Foam Compression - Healed my ulcers in 2 weeks and for the rest of my life still use to this day.

6.  Compression Stockings -  Work very well to keep the blood moving.

7.  SCLEROTHERAPY - Had this many times.  using a doppler ultrasound to find veins with poor valves then injecting a fluid to close them down.  My doctor would refrain from doing this when I had an open ulcer and waited till it healed.  He always raised my leg above my heart (interesting positions) before putting the fluid in the wrapped the injection site with it elevated.  This closes down leaking veins to .  Helps to reduce venous insufficiency

     All in all I would have to say the first 4 years of my life was full of pain and despair.  Although all physicians had great intentions and I appreciate all of their hard work and compassion sometimes you get lucky and find something simple that changes your life.  Thanks Dr Sladen!