Patient Stories:
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Many patients see a gradual decline over time in their abilities and quality of life. Read what real patients have to say about their journey through seeking help, getting a diagnosis, receiving treatment and restoring their quality of life.
Getting back to an active life with Peripheral Artery Disease.
I had to stop and rest every time I went 30 or 40 feet."
Joe Murphy, 71
I was really active and did a lot of hunting and fishing. The first thing I noticed was the muscles in my legs hurting when I would walk across a parking lot or down the street. I had to stop and rest every time I went 30 or 40 feet. I didn’t know what the problem was. This went on for about two years and it got worse over time. It got to the point where I could only walk 10 feet at a time.
One day, I went fishing and there were a lot of stairs down to the water. When I was coming back up the stairs, I could only go 5 steps and then my legs just would not work. I had to rest and then do a few more steps. Apparently, the muscles in my legs were not getting enough blood but I didn’t know that at the time. I’m not a person that is weak or gives up but this took me down. I didn’t know what was causing it, but I knew something was seriously wrong. That was when I went to my doctor.
I could only go up 5 steps and then my legs just would not work.”
Road to Diagnosis and Treatment
My primary care doctor referred me to a vascular surgeon and I got an intravascular ultrasound of both legs (which allows the physician to visualize the inside of the arteries). It was not painful but I went to three different surgeons before I found one that I felt comfortable with. The ultrasound showed my arteries were clogged up. My left side was more clogged than my right. My doctor presented a plan for a minimally invasive procedure to clean out the arteries (an atherectomy). I was nervous but he reassured me that the procedure could be done safely and it would improve the blood flow in my legs. I had the procedure and there was very little pain involved. I am feeling great.
Since my procedure, my legs are getting stronger every day.”
How Others Can Take the Step Toward Better Health
Since my procedure, my legs are getting stronger every day and I am taking care of myself. If I could talk to someone who had these symptoms, I would tell them not to wait. Go see your doctor. The longer you put it off, the worse it will get. I kept thinking it would get better and it only got worse. I am so glad I took that step to see my doctor and now I feel so much better.
Model for illustrative purposes only.
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DVD Stories
Patients with deep venous disease (DVD) often go through years of suffering with worsening symptoms and other underlying conditions. Learn about Melanie’s path to uncovering an underlying condition and her road to restoring her health.
CLI Stories
Early intervention can be key for critical limb ischemia (CLI). Learn about Mark’s struggles and triumph to overcome CLI.
Helpful Resources
PVD Doctor
Discussion Guide
Get helpful tips and advice on how to talk to your doctor about a PVD screening.
PAD Brochure
Find out more information on DVD by downloading this helpful brochure.
Third-Party Resources
Helpful Websites
Blogs
Apps
A mobile app built by cardiologists, to simplify understanding of most cardiac and peripheral vascular conditions and treatments.
Find a Doctor that Treats PAD
If you think you may have PAD, it is important to get help. Talk to your doctor, or use our Doctor Finder tool below to find a PAD specialist near you.
This tool is not inclusive of all specialists. Consult with your insurance provider to find specialists that are covered within your network.
Are You a Healthcare Professional?
Find out how to register your practice with us.
Disclaimer
The opinions and clinical experiences presented herein are for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient specific attributes and related factors. Dr. Raghu Kolluri has been compensated by Philips for his services in preparing and providing this material for Philips further use and distribution. The patients featured on this page are not patients of Dr. Kolluri. The material on this website is for general information and education purposes only. Information you read on this website cannot replace the relationship you have with your doctor. Philips does not practice medicine or provide medical services or advice as part of this website and the information on this website should not be considered medical advice. You should always talk to your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The patients featured on this page received diagnosis and treatment based on their specific conditions, their physician’s medical opinion and under their physician’s medical care. Philips has obtained the rights to use actual patient images, story content, videos, full names and other content via privacy agreements. Patient stories represent individual experiences. Results may vary. All story content was provided by the patient. The patient testimonial(s) above relates an account of an individual’s response to treatment. The account is genuine, typical and documented. However, the patients’ response does not provide any indication, guide, warranty or guarantee as to the response other people may have to the treatment. The response other individuals have to the treatment could be different. Responses to the treatment can and do vary. Not every response is the same. Specific references to hospitals and/or physicians are not intended to imply promotion or endorsement by Philips. Models shown in photographs on this website are stock photography models (Models) and are not actual patients of, nor are they affiliated with, Philips or the physicians mentioned on the website. The photographs showing the models are used on this website for illustrative purposes only. We offer links to third-party websites that may be of interest to our website visitors and in no way, represent any affiliation or endorsement of the information provided on those linked websites. These links are provided solely for your convenience and to assist you in learning more information on this topic. However, Philips does not control, endorse or guarantee the accuracy of the information contained on the linked sites. In addition, Philips makes no representations or warranties of any kind with regards to any third-party websites or information contained therein. If you have any questions or concerns about the information on the linked third-party websites, please contact the third-party websites directly. For additional information contact Philips at 1-800-228-4728.