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Peripheral artery disease - measurement and treatment

Posted by urbantraveler @urbantraveler, 4 days ago

How do you measure your progress or lack of progress in treating Peripheral artery disease? Does anyone take a prescription medication to manage PAD? Or does your treatment plan just consist of lifestyle choices?

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loriesco | @loriesco | 2 days ago
In reply to @ezzyem "Thanks for your uplift. Am forming a strategy to get MFR. I do the Vit D...." + (show)
@ezzyem

Thanks for your uplift. Am forming a strategy to get MFR. I do the Vit D. Was exercising 1/2 hr a day but not the pain isn't worth it. Just started generic Lyrica and that has helped the nerve pain. I am 87, and long ago retired RN. Be careful of that percocet. I found that elders can't handle it very well. We tend to get confused and even delusional on it as we get older.
Thanks so much. ezzyem

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Thanks @ezzyem for the benefit of your wisdom! Thank you for your service as an RN. I bet people loved you. I picked up a couple books yesterday because my adult son has mental illness and I had to go to the domestic violence clinic to serve a restraining order. He wasn’t physically violent, but the rants were disturbing the neighbors and getting very public in that exchange at the domestic violence clinic the director gave me a couple bucks and I in exchange gave her some. I think meaningful engagement is a critical component when we leave the workforce. I do feel anthropic work now that keeps me busy and it was such a pleasure to get into some new books last night and turn off the news. I’ve been on the Percocet for 25 years and it’s been very low-dose and very stable. They can’t get rid of the pain in my tailbone And it distracts me from living my life. So as much as I hate being dependent on something to live my life, I think the trade-off works really well. Sometimes I just can’t get out there and do the exercise that helps me without it. Sometimes the exercise can actually put me in more pain. It’s always a balancing act, eh? Also, another thing to mention is social groups. I especially like social groups with young people and people that are older than myself I am 68. I’ve always been that way. I like people who are different. I also don’t like small talk too much so I don’t go to parties and I find events or festivals that are art oriented or best. I love my dog. He’s a pain in the butt, but he makes me happy. I love relaxing. I think knowing what you really love and putting that into action--when it works out for you—and going gently on yourself when you’re not up to the challenge is important. I am very careful with medication and I hope to God that I am taking the right route for my life. My doctor and I evaluate things every year. But thank you for your concern. I appreciate it, best, Lori.

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ezzyem | @ezzyem | 1 day ago
In reply to @neiko1998 "Hello Justin I was diagnosed with Pad in January,2024,the occlusion is behind the right knee, in..." + (show)
@neiko1998

Hello Justin
I was diagnosed with Pad in January,2024,the occlusion is behind the right knee, in the popliteal and tibial areas, below the knee, I underwent 2 angioplasties thru the groin area to try and clear the blockage, Unfortunately, The procedure pretty much failed, a month later, I was told it had
re-occluded, to 100 percent blockage, My only savior was, that I have grown collateral arteries around the blockage, so , life now is daily Xarelto, Plavix and Statins
I have had some success and pain relief doing PT daily and lots of bike riding, forcing myself to walk and exercise at age 65, even though I feel like giving up, This dreadful condition slowly sucks the life out of you, cold Michigan Winters are no friend, Just do the best you can, this condition raise your odds of a cardio vascular event by 5 fold and could possible lead to limb amputation ,Of course your Vascular Dr will recommend quit eating all the stuff you like and dont smoke, you HAVE to keep moving, even though its painful claudication in leg ,Good Luck

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THANK YOU It is good to know I am not the only one who swears under my breath as I walk! Listening to audio stories helps as well as trekking sticks for me. My Dr. said walking was better than biking. Did you Dr. give a preference to either? Wisconsin Winters are the same. Wish I was a bear!!!!!

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talltxlady | @talltxlady | 2 hours ago
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "This is great question @urbantraveler. I'd like to invite @talltxlady, @jlf2, @neiko1998 and @marykayriver to this..." + (show)
@JustinMcClanahan

This is great question @urbantraveler. I'd like to invite @talltxlady, @jlf2, @neiko1998 and @marykayriver to this discussion to share their experiences with PAD and how they, or their loved one, has progressed over time.

@urbantraveler, if you are comfortable sharing, what was suggested for your next steps after your diagnosis? Are there any lifestyle changes you are facing that may be challenging?

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I had some veins in my leg opened to help improve circulation/blood flow from PAD. I'm honestly not sure it did that much. I'm probably not the best one to comment on the subject.

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