Reginald Davis of Texarkana, Arkansas described what walking used to feel like to him; “It was like dragging cement,” he said. Laboriously slow and difficult work.
But today, his cane has been traded in for his fishing pole. He is able to comfortably walk the trails with his grandchildren, seeking out the perfect fishing spot.
Why the dramatic turnaround? A fortuitous encounter with Dr. Russell Lam of Lam Vascular and Associates.
Not even a few weeks ago, Davis was dealing with the uncomfortable effects of undiagnosed Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), which included poor circulation and pain in both legs and feet and a painful wound that wouldn’t heal on his left foot. He was feeling hopeless.
After a trip to a local emergency room that brought no diagnosis, no answers and zero relief, Davis’ sister turned to the internet and found Dr. Lam. He called and made an appointment, packed up and made the trip to Dallas.
Dr. Lam diagnosed Davis with PAD and scheduled him to have a stent placed and angioplasty performed on that left leg.
“At my exam, I told Dr. Lam, ‘I want to live. I want to LIVE!’” said Davis. “And he told me that I knew what I needed to do then.”
After 40 years of smoking, Davis quit that very day. He modified his diet to exclude pork and white bread, rice and pasta. The procedures went beautifully and Davis was back home that same day.
“My eyes are white again, my lips are pink again, my hands have life in them and there is life in general in my whole body!” said Davis. “I appreciate Dr. Lam so much and his genuine concern for life.”
What You Need to Know About PAD
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the buildup of fatty deposits and calcium in the walls of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Risk factors include aging, diabetes and smoking. Symptoms often include leg pain, particularly when walking.
Quitting smoking, exercising more and eating a healthy diet are often successful treatments. When these changes aren’t enough, Dr. Lam and his team of vascular specialists at Lam Vascular and Associates can help.
The information contained in this article is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice. Patient results will vary based on risk factors, age, disease and medical history and are not guaranteed in any way.
