I started feeling the symptoms of this disease when I was approximately 40 years old. I put off going to the doctor until walking became almost something I could no longer do. 20 years later I have had numerous by-pass grafts and one amputation. My life has been altered and it is something I would not bless on my worst enemy. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do, stop. Make sure you are tested for cholesterol levels, including triglycerides, which is my problem. The minute you feel the symptoms, go to your doctor.

I started about 4 years ago with my heart pounding and burning through my entire body at night. I have been on beta blockers which help some, however the side effects of dry mouth and unusual dreams keep me up at night. I have been diaganosed with micro vascular disease and still having problems

I have had "collapsed" arteries for years and had four tries at bypass surgeries. It not only didn't work, but I got leg infections and had to be hospitalized 3 times. The next suggestion was to have veins from my right side and put in place of my left leg femoral artery. I then got a second opinion that said that would only work (if it did at all) for about 5 years. That scared me as I am only 60 years old.

I have peripheral vascular disease and scared to death of what the doctors want to do to me. Now, after reading what these people say has happened to them, I'm terrified. I know I am right not to let them start cutting me up and putting stents in me. That seems to be the only answer they know and I was sure I knew where it would lead. Readers, thank you for your comments.

After having calf and foot pain for 3 months I went to get tested for PAD. I had a blood vessel that was blocked and had surgery. It was behind my knee and so a stent wasn't used. The surgeon just went in the artery in my groin and cleaned the blockage. Now, two weeks later I am taking Plavix and Zocor and still have the claudication in my calf. I thought the surgery would fix it, I am very disappointed.

I first noticed the cramping in my right calf about three years ago and thought it was somehow related to a slight tear in my meniscus. In any event, it was an orthopedic surgeon who ordered an ultrasound and the determination of intermittent claudication was made. I stopped smoking the day after that dx, and for two years thereafter I remained a walking testament to healthy living. However, I fell off the smoking wagon on a trip to Italy, and it was not long thereafter that the symptoms returned with an even greater intensity. My advice, in short: Don't smoke and watch your diet. You can't control all aspects of your health, but this is something entirely within your power to aid by your own efforts.

I am 55 year old female. I started having leg pain, heaviness, and falling in the early 90's when I was about 47-48 yrs old). I assumed the falling was just because I was so clumsy. I went to the doctor many, many times and I was not taken seriously. I told the doctor what was happening...bad pain whenever I was walking on an incline, pain and heaviness after walking to mailbox and back. I show the doctor the toes of my shoes that were all scratched up because of falling and not picking my foot up enough which would cause me to trip and fall. No tests. Then, in 2001 I was told I may need to see a psychiatrist. I started crying and then he told me he would send me to a vascular surgeon for some tests. I had 98% blockage in right leg & 95% blockage in my left leg. I was scheduled for aortobifemoral bypass surgery right away. My advices is to seek 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc.. if you are having problems and your doctor does not order tests...

I was diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease. I have been having severe pain in my right leg upon waking in the morning. It almost feels like I'm having a stroke in my leg. In the past month, this has happened three times now.

Having PVD is really painful and scary. I really feel better about my options after having been on this site and I am doing all the self-care options and I will also be sure to follow doctor's orders.