NEWLY DIAGNOSED WITH PAD

Just want to share my history so that others will be aware. Had a heart attack in 1997, quit smoking, got a stent, life goes on. Had pain in my legs then. Continue to complain over the years, am told I must lose weight, I have arthritis in my knees, it is sciatica. Fast forward to November 2011. I am finally diagnosed with peripheral artery disease. Needed gortex artery replacement of my right femoral artery, got that in April. Last week left femoral artery was stented. I am shocked that I fell into the trap of denial again with this while having gained so much knowledge thru my work with WomenHeart. Keep in mind that this stuff can create a blockage anywhere. My next stop is to have my carotid arteries checked out. -Eileen Mayo '05