Denise
01/08/2009 12:32:47 »
Thanks for the IT instructions Andrew. As you can probably tell, I'm a bit of a technophobe. happy I've managed to paste my original message to you on here so there's a start!
I've read through the entire thread from Daryl, Karen, Alun, etc and it's all very interesting.
I would like to take part in your study if you want me to. Next hurdle will be downloading pics on here! wink
I have now been sleeping on an inclined bed for 10 nights.
I have a prominent/varicose vein on my left calf over the muscle. It isn't very big and I noticed it in a lift mirror whilst on holiday about last September. That's not to say it wasn't there before but I don't tend to go round looking at the back of my legs for fear of walking into something!
I also have some flesh coloured bumps on the inside of my right leg down near my ankle with no visible vein beneath.
I'm 38, I'm very slim (size 6/8, 5' 6" tall) and I do masses of fast walking, running, cycling and horse riding so I'm pretty fit.
Anyway, these lumpy veiny things are knocking my self confidence a bit even though they aren't that noticeable and finding this study has been quite exciting especially hearing about and seeing photos of shrinking veins!
We have a memory foam mattress and my other half has put 2 bricks under the head end one brick under the middle section so we have the right incline.
My hubby is a light sleeper/insomniac. Since inclining the bed, he has been sleeping like a proverbial log. Also, he tends to get up most nights to go to the loo and this has stopped. The best thing is that the snoring has almost stopped completely too so he is a convert already.
As for me, I'm Mrs Impatient and keep getting told off for expecting immediate results with this therapy. I sleep well but am waking up feeling very refreshed. My ankle lumps are always well up in the morning when I get up and stay that way until about 4pm when they start to subside a little and virtually disappear towards the end of the day. The calf vein does the same. I'm not sure whether this is down to IBT as I never studied them so closely before this!
When I am relaxed, my calf vein virtually disappears. It is only prominent when I am moving about and it contracts and relaxes with each step. I'm not sure it is varicose but it does appear to be slightly smaller than it was and ever so slightly flatter.
The little lumpy bits seem to ache since I started IBT. They don't hurt at all to touch and it might even be something to do with my running as that does make my legs ache from time to time.
My hubby is working away but is home tonight so I will get him to do his David Bailey impersonation and get some photos so you can all laugh at my sparrow legs
A couple of questions for you old hands at IBT;
1. If you go on holiday and sleep flat for a few nights, will the veins come back?
2. Do the raised areas flatten and disappear completely over time?
Oh well, enough rambling. I have 7 guinea pigs to muck out in between rain showers!