I started to develop symptoms about 2 years ago. I thought the problem was my worn-out shoes and some weight gain. It got to the point that nothing I tried relieved the pain in both legs. I could no longer walk even a block w/o pain and it was affecting my job. The first vascular surgeon I saw said I was wasting his and my time because I was a smoker. That was a year ago. I am currently going through treatment which has included 10 inches of stenting in my left leg and an upcoming bypass in my right leg. I am only 49 years old and my surgeon says I have vascular disease of an 80 year old. If you smoke, please stop. If you have symptoms of PAD, most likely treatment will not be started until you QUIT SMOKING !!!!!!!! You have a choice here. How does dead tissue and amputation sound to you??? Published: October 06 ::

I have had peripheral vascular disease for three years. I have had my arteries in my legs cleared about six times. I have seven stents in my legs, one stent in my left kidney, and one stent in my pelvic area. I take Plavix and warfarin each day. I am researching a new drug called cilostazol that I will discuss with my doctor. Published: September 10 ::

I have had pain, numbness, extreme weakness, tingling in my right leg and foot for a couple of years. Great difficulty climbing stairs and sometimes not able to walk. I have had several PAD tests - about twice each year for the past 3 years - with negative results. I have been doctoring for one year for this discomfort which became progressively worse. I had xrays, epidurals, MRIs, etc. One week ago, I underwent a Lumbar Laminectomy to relieve pressure on my sciatic nerve only to awaken to the same degree of pain and weakness and above symptoms in my right leg which all continue 8 days later. This article on PAD describes my symptoms exactly. It's a great website and I thank you for the information. I plan to present it to three physicians and my surgeon. Published: October 06 ::

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. Published: September 10 ::

I am a 54 year old female with peripheral vascular disease, COPD. I’m a 32-year smoker, trying to quit. I have a history of heart disease and have chronic degenerative disk disease from my neck to my tail bone, along with spina bifida occulta. I have constant aching pain in both my legs, grinding hip pain and I'm dizzy when standing or walking any distance. My doctor has me on Plavix, Crestor, Lisinopril and Trilipix, as well as an aspirin regimen along with several other medications including Metformin for my diabetes. I'm a recovering alcoholic with 3 1/2 years of sobriety and my liver is finally healing. The harder I try to quit smoking the more I want to drink, so I go back to the cigarettes. My doctor has informed me that I have a 100% blockage in my right leg, and approximately 80% in my left. I will probably lose both of my legs if the smoking cessation doesn't work and if the medications fail. I am on Medicaid and they don't cover cessation products so each time I quit, it's cold turkey. I use a wheelchair for outside activities and try to walk as much as I can inside as long as I have things to grab hold of in case I fall. My attitude is fairly good and no history of depression so I'm safe there. Published: October 12 ::