Hi again! To answer your question I had multiple MRI’s, PET scans, and CAT scans to determine, first, what was going on with me (this was before I was diagnosed), and, second (once diagnosed), to see how much damage was done. I have been in a lot of pain, especially with my right leg and foot, so a CAT scan/MRI/PET scan (can’t recall since I had so many) showed the 6 inch complete blockage in my right femoral artery. That explains why I’m in such pain! So, what’s happening is that since my major artery is blocked, oxygen and blood are bypassing that artery and going through lesser arteries. It’s like the highway is closed, but the side streets are open! I’m doing PT to increase blood and oxygen flow through a Peripheral Artery Disease program, and it’s helping, but it’s not enough to get rid of the pain. I hope this helps. I’m glad you found this site so quickly after being diagnosed.
Wishing you all the best!