Patient Spotlight Series: Shirley

In October 2022, Shirley started to feel pain in her left leg when she walked more than a few kilometers. Expecting to find out about an injury that would require physiotherapy, she was surprised when her doctor asked her to take off her shoe and sock to feel the pulse in her foot. Her doctor booked her a vascular ultrasound appointment, and Shirley was diagnosed with moderate PAD. 

One major thing Shirley learned when she was doing her research on PAD was that walking and quitting smoking were two of the best actions she could take to improve her vascular health and combat her PAD. After 50 years of smoking, Shirley committed to quitting. She began biking to help build her circulation: “Biking allows me to go further than walking without pain, and my dog follows behind and is keeping healthy too!”

Her circulation has improved and Shirley has began building collateral circulation in her legs. She also shares that walking, stretching, and climbing stairs in her house have been helpful, along with activities like bocce ball. She’s looking forward to beginning golf soon as well! Shirley finds inspiration in this Facebook group, and is motivated to keep working towards enjoying a healthy life.