Left untreated, PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. can lead to amputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe)
A second opinion could give you more information
You should know that there are many treatment options available for peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. (PAD). When you discuss this with your health care provider, ask how familiar he or she is with PAD treatment options.
You also could ask if he or she has a limb salvage programA hospital-based, physician-led, comprehensive program in which health care providers coordinate your care among the multiple specialties involved with the goal of saving your legs, feet or toes from amputation.. If your doctor is not a PAD specialist or does not have a limb salvage program, GET A SECOND OPINION.33 Not all health care professionals are PAD specialists. It’s OK to get a second opinion.
Know your options
For example, your doctor may ask you to make long-lasting lifestyle changes34 or have a minimally invasiveIn minimally invasive surgery, surgeons use a variety of techniques to operate with less injury to the body than with open surgery. In general, it is safer than open surgery and allows you to recover faster and heal with less pain and scarring. medical procedure.35 Or if your PAD has progressed significantly and diet, exercise and medications are not enough, your health care provider could recommend an amputation, a common treatment for the most severe stage of PAD.9
Amputations are often performed before additional tests are completed.16 If amputation is suggested, talk to your health care provider about other options and request a second opinion from a PAD specialist before committing to amputation.
Ask questions, don’t wait
Learning about all of your options is important. The earlier you are diagnosed and treated for PAD, the better. Receiving treatment in the earlier stages of PAD may help you avoid progressing to advanced stages of the disease.
There is a connection between amputation and putting your life at risk. It’s possible some treatments might help you avoid amputation.25 Contact another health care professional or PAD specialist today to get a second opinion.
Learn more about PAD and schedule a time to talk with your doctor, or use our Find a Doctor tool to locate a PAD specialist near you.
THE GOOD NEWS: There are many TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR PAD. So don’t wait. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor now.
Talk to Your Doctor
Only a health care professional can diagnose you with PAD. Our Symptom Quiz can help guide the conversation about your treatment options.
Take the Symptom Quiz
Click below to take the interactive Symptom Quiz. You can print your answers out and take them with you to a doctor to help guide your conversation about PAD.
Stop ignoring the signs. Talk to a PAD specialist. Take control of your health.