Varicose Veins Attacked by Rooster Leaves Elderly Woman Dead
While the internet is filled with “fake news” stories, there is now a lot of buzz about a recent publication in the medical journal Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology. The case reported about a month ago describes an elderly woman in Australia who was feeding her fowl, when a rooster started pecking at her legs. She was known to have fairly extensive bulging varicose veins, and the resulting trauma caused uncontrolled bleeding, leading to her death. Both the article and the author have been authenticated by others, and it brings to light various health warnings.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12024-019-00159-6
At the Kimmel Institute, we have not seen this type of injury, however we do see all degrees of leg vein problems and their complications. And to put things in perspective, it is extremely rare for someone to die due to bleeding from varicose veins (thus the case report in the medical journal). However, other pets, scratching an itchy leg or bumping into things around the house, for someone with bulging varicose veins, can result in bleeding and other complications. If this happens, put pressure on the area for 15-20 minutes and elevate your leg. If this does not control the bleeding, then call 911 or go into your nearest emergency room. Follow up with an experience vascular surgeon who treats venous disease is always advised.
For those who do not have any symptoms or signs of skin changes, observation may be acceptable. However, there can be many different complications from varicose veins and the underlying venous insufficiency. Aside from the often-unsightly appearance that patients are concerned about, many of these patients have symptoms that may include swelling, pain, burning, throbbing, itching and leg fatigue. In addition, skin changes with darkening of areas in the lower legs, discoloration, extensive spider vein complexes and ulceration are often signs of progressive or advanced venous disease. When these symptoms interfere with a patient’s quality of life, that is when intervention is advised.
If you, or someone you know, is concerned about their veins, we offer a free screening in our office with one of our highly trained staff. Consultations with Dr Kimmel are also available to discuss your options for the management of your vein problems. Often covered by insurance, treatment of venous disease is the primary service that Dr Kimmel performs. As a highly experienced Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgeon in Boca Raton since 1991, you can trust him to help you make the right treatment decisions for you.
Call the Kimmel Institute at 561-477-0210 for your appointment today!