I am new to this site and just thought I would ask for information/guidance and just overall people that understand how I feel.
My Dad went to the doctor 10 weeks ago with a very painful leg and struggling to walk..he has been told he has very little pulse in his leg..and would be passed on to a specialist which he was but has been cancelled due to the covid19 . I believed he had a blocked artery which the doctor also said and he also explained the changes of heart attack cardiac arrest stents etc .. I have done a lot of reading about pulmonary artery disease and other disease and know how dangerous this can be. He is never been one to complain so I know he’s in pain as he can’t even walk to the corner shop he is totally house bound before covid19 unless I took him in the car..I just don’t know when enough is enough and take him to hospital. Also how long can this sort of blockage go untreated?? What sign’s should I look out for that’s it’s affecting other organs?? He lives himself has copd (stopped smoking 10 weeks ago after the dr appointment) he also had a small bit of throat cancer removed before Xmas which is all clear. I know so many sites given information but sometimes you just want someone else’s opinion.. sorry for ranting just worried..
Leanne
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LeanneT83
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Hello and welcome to the forum! Arterial disease affecting the legs, and occasionally the arms, is known as PAD (peripheral arterial disease). The pulmonary artery runs between the heart and the lungs.
I have suffered from this since 2010, worse in the left leg. This was treated by balloon angioplasty in 2013 but has reverted.
Does your father have pain on rest or only on walking. Walking as much as possible is important as it helps keep the arteries open. Knowing someone who had a total blockage the pain is off the scale (maybe 11 put of 10). It sounds like your father has severely narrowed arteries rather than blocked ones. Things to look out for are the development of ulcers and/or gangrene. Even the smallest injury must be treated with care as infection can quickly take hold. Dry skin can be a problem so use moisturiser on the lower legs and feet bit not between the toes as this can cause athletes foot!
Yes he has pain on rest..shooting pains and pins and needles..he walks out his back garden and has pain that’s as far as he can go..as the last time he walked he was lucky to meet a friend who had to drive him home. He hasn’t mentioned dry skin but his foot goes freezing cold and white..the doctor Also mentioned amputation..that obviously worried him enough to finally stop smoking.
Cessation of smoking an lead to improvements over time when combined with exercise... Even sitting in a chair raising the legs up and down can help. Has he been prescribed any medication - typically 75mg Aspirin to try and prevent a clot forming and a statin to halt/slow progression. Obviously these may not be suitable for him depending on other factors.
No Micheal the doctor didn’t prescribe anything..I thought he would have been given aspirin...he does have a twist in his spine that has only been picked up about 2yrs ago and has swelling under his rib cage the result came back fine.. but not a big difference in time between the swollen part and the leg pain..the nhs is a great service and the doctors nurses and all the staff do a fantastic job but it definitely is not the quickest place when you need an appointment..obviously different situation and understandable at the moment
Well they usually only deal with the patient but I will definitely make the suggestion..I think I will look into me dealing with his appointments and stuff as he’s all over the place with them..he got dye and a ct scan which he thought was for his leg blockage and it was a follow up for the lump below his ribs..he is the type of man that just shows up and asks nothing..I have to laugh sometimes as I could cry lol
I have PAD in the arteries in my legs, my right one being 100% blocked. And in lots of other places too!
As Michael says, walking is really important, any walking your father can do is helpful as it can help to build blood vessels around the blockage and supply the leg and foot with oxygen.
It does hurt to walk, but it helps to walk and then rest, then walk. Don’t worry about distance for now, just getting and keeping mobile is really important. Short bursts may help to get him moving rather than a long walk.
His GP should be able to prescribe medication that many of us are on , statin, blood pressure tablets, anti clotting tablets. Of course will depend on his medical history.
If needed weight loss helps, simple - if you are lighter you need less energy to walk.
But this walking although it hurts can really help.
This is a link to info graphic from the Circulation Foundation which has been peer reviewed and published and is a trusted source.
No he’s not on medication except inhalers for copd...he also doesn’t need to loose weight probably put some on would be good..what’s happing with you being 100% blocked..sounds crazy leaving you??
Well that sounds positive..I really hope it end’s well for him ...I feel stressed out god knows how he feels inside..apart from my husband and kids I only have my Dad so I hope he has a while left in him yet..and all this worrying works out ..good luck yourself
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