June Ryan Is Glad She's Not Alone

In the early 90's June Ryan was having trouble walking and had pain in her right leg. When the left leg started to bother her she found her way to the doctor who diagnosed her with peripheral arterial disease or PAD, which is also known as atherosclerosis or poor circulation. The arteries can slowly become narrowed and blocked as a consequence of age, smoking, high blood cholesterol or diabetes. The first obvious symptom of PAD is leg pain, but at least half of those affected have no obvious leg symptoms.

Very shortly after her diagnosis she received the best advice from a young female military doctor who encouraged her to walk every day. Once June warmed up the idea she started walking regularly and still walks about two miles every day.

"I do have claudication (leg pain) every day and it hurts to walk, but I continue on a regular basis because I know it helps," said June. "I also make sure to check my feet every day and often times have to remind my doctor to check them too!"

For many years June felt alone in her diagnosis until she discovered the Vascular Disease Foundation (VDF). She started getting VDF's quarterly newsletter, Keeping in Circulation and realized she was not alone.

"For a long time I felt very alone," said June. "Now I know there are others out there with the same condition and challenges. I'm very glad to know that VDF exists and is providing the knowledge that they do about these diseases."

June, now 83 years old, has a history of heart disease in her family and is a former smoker. She gave up smoking over 40 years ago when the first Surgeon General's warning about the hazards of smoking was released to the public in 1964. She has since had several stents placed in various arteries and is considering having aortobifemoral bypass surgery (blood is routed from the abdominal aortic artery to both femoral arteries).

While her PAD has been progressing through the years, she continues to walk, keeps her attitude positive and her spirits bright. She keeps her cholesterol low, but admits to having a sweet tooth. She credits the walking to her good health and says that she is still able to do most of the things that she wants to. She also feels delighted to know that VDF is working to raise awareness about PAD. Her one wish is the need for more medical personnel to help patients with preventing and treating PAD to avoid surgery.

"I wish more people knew about PAD," said June. "These are serious diseases that can really affect your life. It's so nice to know that you [VDF] folks are out there helping to spread the word, thank you!"

For information about PAD please visit our Web site at www.vdf.org/diseaseinfo/ pad or call us to receive a free educational pamphlet (available in English and Spanish).