A Journey of Self-Discovery and Transformation
Sarah Stenton’s life should have been filled with joy, especially after welcoming two daughters within 14 months. The early years of motherhood were meant to be a time of happiness, memories, and endless love. However, a hidden struggle began to take shape during her pregnancies – a varicose vein on the outer calf of her left leg. This seemingly minor issue would later become a source of deep self-consciousness that lasted for over two decades.
At just 29, Sarah first noticed the vein after the birth of her first daughter, Ella. Varicose veins are common during and after pregnancy due to increased pressure on the veins and changes in blood flow. While the vein wasn’t severe at first, it was noticeable and caused some discomfort. “It felt itchy and hot,” she recalls. However, things changed significantly after the birth of her second daughter, Holly. The vein worsened rapidly, forming an “S” shape that she humorously referred to as her “blue snake.” It became prominent, lumpy, and impossible to ignore.
The comments from her husband and children, along with the lingering stares from strangers, marked the beginning of a long period of self-consciousness. “I didn’t feel attractive. I was 32, I should have felt the most care-free at that age,” she says. Over the years, Sarah started avoiding shorts and dresses, opting instead for long trousers to hide her legs. This decision made her feel isolated, especially during summer gatherings where she was the only one covering up.
The physical pain from the vein also took its toll. Before becoming a mother, Sarah worked in an estate agent’s office, which involved long periods of sitting. This, combined with factors like obesity, a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and a family history of varicose veins, contributed to her condition. Despite these challenges, Sarah continued to juggle work and family life, running her own business while raising her daughters.
After six years of living with the vein, Sarah decided to seek help from her GP. Unfortunately, she was met with disappointment when her doctor dismissed her concerns as a “vanity project.” “I wish I’d had the confidence then that I’ve got now,” she reflects. “I would have said, ‘I don’t think it is a vanity project.’”
Frustrated by the lack of support, Sarah turned to social media, creating a Facebook page called Middle Age Madness. There, women shared their experiences with the challenges of middle age, including menopause, hot flushes, and varicose veins. Her posts caught the attention of a representative from Veincentre, a London clinic specializing in vein treatments.
Initially hesitant, Sarah eventually agreed to undergo treatment. She underwent endovenous laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy, procedures that sealed and collapsed the vein. After more than 20 years of living with the condition, her legs were completely transformed.
“I feel awful complaining about it because at the end of the day, it was just a vein,” Sarah says. “But I don’t think I realized quite how impactful it was until I had it removed.” When she looked down at her legs after the treatment, she nearly cried. It was the first time in 22 years that she had a pair of legs that matched.
Now, Sarah feels confident walking around in shorts and going to the shops without hesitation. “I haven’t done that for years. I wouldn’t have dreamt of it,” she says. The experience has taught her the importance of seeking help and not letting fear or embarrassment hold her back.
