Vascular Problems: Diagnosed with PAD

It's been a while now that I feel tiredness in my right thigh, especcially when I walk. As it was just tiredness , not pain, I didn't really consider this seriously. However, this tiredness has recently been getting worse and worse. If I walk up to 500 metres, I need to stop for a minute before going on walking. I mentioned that to my GP who suggested having my blood vessels checked. 

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About a month ago, I was diagnosed with PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease). This is a narrowing of one or more arteries - mainly the arteries that supply blood to the legs and is mainly caused by smoking and high cholesterol.  First I had an ultrasound test for about 10 minutes. This showed there was a problem in the upper part of my right thigh. So I had to go through more tests like the ABP test (Ankle Bracchial Pressure) to check the blood pressure in my ankles and then compare this to the blood pressure in my arm. Fortunately, that was normal - there was no difference between the two pressures.However, this test doesn't identify which blood vessel is narrowed. So, the next step was to take a CT Scan which clearly showed that the narrowing was up to 90% - therefore it couldn't be treated with medication.

Finally, on Tuesday morning I'm having angioplasty. During the procedure, a tiny balloon is inserted into the artery and blown up at the section that is narrowed. This widens the affected part of the artery. I won't be given full anaesthetic and my doctors assure me that the procedure, which takes about an hour, is quite painless. I'll have to stay in hospital for 24 hours, though. I fully trust my doctors and hope that all will go well. Naturally, I've already given up smoking. I promised my doctors that I would do that soon after I was back from the holidays and so I did. It's been 10 days now  and haven't smoked at all. It's not easy but I'm determined to stick to non-smoking however hard it may be at the beginning. My GP prescribed NicoPlus - pills that help people give up smoking. I haven't used them so far and truly hope that I won't need to. When there is a will, there is a way.

Comments

[Andreas]

Thanks to modern technology and expert vascular surgeons, angioplasty of the leg is a piece of cake and a simple procedure that leads to impressive results soon after the ballooning! Just stick to not smoking and trust your doctors!!! Both Taylor and I send your way our love and huge hugs.

[FaithB]

Anastasia, I will be praying. I had angioplasty done twice on my heart and have a stent due to a narrowing of an artery in my heart. My dad has PAD and he was "hoping" it could be fixed with an angioplasty but his could not. His legs, however are 85 yrs old and I am afraid they are just plain tired. He works constantly mowing lawns. I will be with you in thought and in prayer. It is nothing to worry about. I love you.

[Christina]

My dear Anastasia, I hope the best for you. Get well soon!

[FaithB]

OH and congratulations on stopping smoking. Yeah you! Now to get Mesut to stop! What a joy that would be. I am proud of you my friend! I knew you could do it when you were ready.

[Lakis Ioannou]

Take good care of yourself, sugar, don't worry too much, all will go well.

[Constantinos T]

I'm so glad to hear that you are determined to give up smoking. I've never smoked but, I suppose, once you are addicted, it's not easy. However, I'm sure that you will kick off the bad habit. Wishing you from the bottom of my heart a very fast recovery.

[Jean-Paul Bouvier]

Bon retablissement ma chère amie. Ne t'en fais pas trop, tout ira bien. Je t'adore!!! Mille bisous.

[Alexia M]

I was diagnosed with pad 3 years ago due to overweight and high cholesterol. I had narrowed arteries in both legs. This balloon treatment is really painless and works fast. Take care. I love you!!!

[Elena]

Oh, wishing you all the best with the treatment and the quitting with smoking. Have you tried knitting to keep your fingers occupied? I never smoked but love knitting, it is indeed relaxing. Even if for short whiles here and there, as I guess sitting still long times isn't an option currently. If you need knitting ideas or inspiration don't hesitate to ask me.

[Laura]

Give yourself whatever gifts of time and rest you need to feel better - and know that you're surrounded by caring thoughts and prayers and heartfelt wishes. Rest easy. Get well.

[Haruko N]

I'm sorry to hear about your health problem, Anastasia. I want you to know that I care for you and will be thinking of you. Get well soon!

[Sophia]

All my love and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[Marilou Kyriacou]

I was diagnosed with pad of the leg 7 months ago and had this balloon treatment. It's nothing really. You'll hardly feel anything and the next day you'll be as good as new. Hugs and kisses.

[Olga P]

Αναστασία μου, περαστικά και σιδερένια!

[Jim]

Wishing you all the best for a fast recovery, hoping you get back to full health as soon as possible.

[Anastasia]

Thank you so much for your get well wishes. I've been resting a lot this week and feel great. Most importantly, I can walk normally now without that tiredness I felt in the leg before the ballooning.