For years, Stephanie Byrum lived with discomfort and self-consciousness caused by a vein issue in her right leg—something that gradually worsened over time and began to impact both her daily life and confidence.
Her condition first began in 1995 during pregnancy, when weight gain contributed to a damaged vein. At the time, life was busy, and she put her health on the back burner. But as the years went on, the problem became more difficult to ignore. “As I got older, it started to seriously affect my work and daily life,” Stephanie shared, noting that her symptoms had significantly worsened over the past decade.
When she decided it was time to seek care, Stephanie turned to Catawba Valley Vascular Surgery – Horizon in Lenoir, where she was treated by Dr. Robert Albrecht and his team.
Beyond the physical discomfort, the appearance of the vein took a toll on her confidence. She avoided wearing shorts, skirts, or anything that would show her leg. “I became extremely self-conscious,” she said. “I didn’t want anyone to see it.”
Although she felt nervous going into her first appointment, Stephanie quickly found reassurance in the care she received. She recalled the ultrasound experience as a turning point. “The woman who did my ultrasound was amazing. We had such an enjoyable conversation—we laughed together, and she made me feel extremely comfortable. She assured me everything would be okay.”
That same level of support continued during her procedure. “The team talked to me the entire time and let me know everything that was going on,” she said. “I felt no pain.”
Now, Stephanie says choosing treatment was one of the best decisions she’s made. “I’m extremely happy that I had the procedure done. I’m no longer self-conscious. I feel a lot better, and I’m able to do more on my feet. There is no pain—I would do it again in a heartbeat if I needed to.”
Reflecting on her experience, she encourages others who may be hesitant to take the next step. “This gave me back my self-confidence,” she said. “From the staff to the procedure, everything let me know I made the right decision. I’ve done nothing but brag about it—showing off my leg and recommending the facility to others.”
This content is sourced from
Catawba Valley Health
. It reflects the author's views and has not been edited by our newsroom. It may have been generated using AI assistance.
