AboutLauri Ordway Expertise I can answer your questions related to peripheral vacular disorders. This includes all arteries and veins except those inside the head and inside the heart. IE: neck (carotid), arms (carotid subclavian bypases to Thoracic Outlet) belly (aortic aneurysm & occlusive disorders, renal artery stenosis), legs (iliac, femoral, popliteal, peroneal, dorasalis pedis, posterior and anterior tibial) arteries. Aneurysm & occlusive disease, atherosclerosis, leg pain, arterial wounds and gangrene, amputation prevention. Vein disorders: Blood Clots (DVT), post-phlebetic syndrome, varicose veins, venous stasis ulcers. I can help with vascular wound treatments. Also, Raynauds, Buerger`s disease, Thoracic Outlet and other miscellaneous vascular disorders.
I CANNOT answer questions about your heart disease, blood pressure, brain aneurysm, although I can help with questions about the arteries that go to and from those organs.
Experience I am a nurse, I have worked for 14 years with two terrific peripheral vascular surgeons, one of them is also the inventor of very innovative wound care products and surgical instruments to make vascular surgery procedures better and faster. I wrote and manage our clinic website and field questions from patients all over the world.
Expert: Lauri Ordway Date: 5/10/2008 Subject: Questions
Question Hi
I am a 51 year old male that has smoked 2-3 pks of cigs per day for years. I am usually very active until rescently I discovered that I can no longer walk 200 ft or more. I have had ultrasounds upon ultrasounds and I have been told that there is extensive blockage in both femoral arteries. My cardiologist told me about a year ago that there was blockage in both coradits. Frankly I am scared that I may not walk again. By-pass surgery has been mentioned for my femoral but now I am worried about my heart. Heart disease runs in the family. I am trying to stop smoking and am doing pretty good so far. What should I do to prepare for the future? Pre-op questions that I should be asking etc.
thanks so much for reading this
Richard Maes
Answer You need to face facts and see a good peripheral vascular surgeon, get a good work up, like angiography, and take his advice in what order the surgeries need to be done.
also, you must stop smoking or any bypasses that ARE done WILL FAIL and FAIL fast. Use the time before surgery to stop or cut down at least as recovery will be eaasier, and then since you cant smoke in the hospital USE that time t STAY OFF them. As I have said to seval other people, I have actually seen three men chosse amputation of their leg rather than stop smoking. Don't le that chice wind up being one you have to face.
If you tell me where you are (nearest large town or teaching hospital) if you dont have a peripheral vascular surgeon, I may know someone in your area. Lauri
