PAD at 27?!

[hgrl]

I went to my doctors as I burnt my foot pretty badly 4/5 years ago & have had problems with it ever since. I was told I had an infection & to take antibiotics & it’d clear up. Then I was told I had athletes foot from the open skin so was given a cream & told to use for a year. Nothing I was given helped.

Went back again to see another doctor as it’d also spread to my other foot, expecting to just be told it’s infected again, but she took one look / feel of my foot & booked me in for a doppler type test to check my circulation & blood pressure etc. Was told that it was a concern & she mentioned she thinks I have PAD. I’m now being referred to a specialist at the hospital. But looking in to this, I’m 27. Fit, healthy & don’t smoke or drink. It seemed that most people with it were 40+ min. I’m very confused right now.

Symptoms: I have constant red patchy feet. When I have a warm shower they look & feel like they’re sunburnt & it sometimes goes up my leg. But when I’m cold my foot / toes goes blue / purple & I struggle to feel anything & it feels like chill blames. My nails have yellowed & will not grow either. I’ve actually lost the nail on my big toe. I couldn’t go out wearing sandals in the summer without strangers asking what the heck is wrong with my feet.

I’m just wondering if anyone else thinks this is a possibility or whether I’ve just chosen the wrong doctor to ask. (I mean I’m grateful for being referred nonetheless but I have to wait a month to find out)

I don’t know too much about PAD / other blood / artery diseases so any light on them would be great.

[Heythrop51]

One of the HeartStars comes over as very knowledgeable about PAD suffering it himself. Unfortunately he is not to well at the moment but is out of hospital so hopefully back with the forum soon. I should say each of the HeartStars are very knowledgeable in their areas. The best treatment appears to be be walking.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! As David has mentioned I have been out of action for a while. I thought I was fully recovered but realised yesterday that I was not.

Back to you. Have you had the a Doppler yet? It would be interesting to know the results when you have it done.

Narrowing of the arteries can cause various symtoms including cramp when walking (worse going uphill and on stairs) and skin conditions due to lack of nourishment. In men it can also cause loss of hair on toes and lower legs. A diagnosis of PAD needs both monitoring and management as it can lead to ulcers and potentially gangrene.

Risk factors include smoking, diabetes and the presence of CVD (cardio vascular disease). Excessive alcohol consumption can also be an issue.

Treatment usually includes Aspirin (75mg) to try and prevent a clot in a narrowed section of an artery, and a statin. Walking and a healthy Mediterranean style diet are also helpful.

Now the skin and nail issues. I developed dry cracked skin and was endlessly told to moisturise. Not being happy I booked in to see one GP in the practice who specialises in dermatology. He diagnosed an infection. Whilst this has cleared up the combination of dry skin and scarring means I no longer wear shorts! Yellow nails can be a sign of a fungal infection. It is worth seeing a podiatrist as they are far better on this.

I hope it all gets sorted. Feel free to PM if you wish.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to MichaelJH]

This footnote is just to flag up I have added to my response as I was losing the internet connection!