Five years ago, Jose joined our Global PAD Association Facebook group with a simple question: “What does everyone do when your feet get cold?” What followed was an extraordinary journey of resilience and determination.

At nearly 700 pounds, Jose was suffering from severe peripheral vascular disease affecting both his arteries and veins. His symptoms were alarming - cold feet, swollen legs, wounds that wouldn’t heal, and even toenails falling off. Doctors couldn’t help until he lost weight.

Through the support of our community and a complete nutrition overhaul, Jose lost over 300 POUNDS WITHOUT surgery or medication! Today, his A1C has dropped from 9+ to a healthy 5.1, his blood pressure is normal, and he’s experiencing healing in areas where blood flow had been severely restricted.

“Don’t give up on yourself,” Jose shares. “If you’re alive and breathing, there’s still a chance for your situation to get better.”

Watch his full interview to hear how he transformed his health, saved his legs, and reclaimed his life for himself and his family. This is why our PAD community exists at www.PADsupportGroup.org - You can also call the Global PAD Association's Leg Saver Hotline to learn more at 1-833-PAD-LEGS ! ❤️

#PADWarrior #PeripheralVascularDisease #WeightLossJourney #SaveYourLegs #DiabetesRemission #GlobalPAD #HealthTransformation #peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #padsupportgroup

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Can't walk because of knee pain? This could save your legs AND your knees! Join hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips as they interview interventional cardiologist Dr. Sid Rao about Genicular Arterial Embolization (GAE) – a groundbreaking minimally-invasive procedure targeting the root cause of osteoarthritis knee pain. What makes GAE revolutionary: • Performed through a tiny nick in the skin • Targets inflamed blood vessels feeding the painful knee • Can provide significant pain relief without major surgery • Potentially delays or eliminates the need for knee replacement • Quick recovery compared to surgical alternatives This innovation is especially crucial for peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients caught in a dangerous cycle: They need to walk to improve circulation and grow natural bypasses around blocked arteries, but knee arthritis pain prevents them from this essential exercise. Dr. Rao will explain how this procedure works, who's an ideal candidate, and how it could be a game-changer for maintaining mobility and independence. ] #KneePain #PAD #ArterialDisease #MinimallyInvasive #WalkForHealth #InnovativeMedicine #VascularHealth

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In El Salvador, where diabetes affects approximately 12.5% of the adult population, vascular surgeons like Dr. Fernando Javier Martínez Irigoyen face a daily battle against limb loss due to peripheral artery disease (PAD).

While specific amputation statistics for El Salvador are limited, the reality in developing nations is sobering: • Patients in low-resource settings often present with advanced disease due to limited healthcare access • Treatment options for PAD are significantly constrained by availability of specialized equipment • Geographic and socioeconomic barriers can delay critical interventions that could save limbs

Join us on the next episode of "The Heart of Innovation" as host Kym McNicholas and special co-host vascular technician Jill Sommerset interview Dr. Fernando Javier Martínez Irigoyen about:

✦ The unique challenges of practicing vascular surgery in El Salvador ✦ His fight to introduce cutting-edge treatments despite resource limitations ✦ The devastating impact of preventable amputations on patients' lives ✦ Innovative approaches to limb salvage in resource-constrained settings

This conversation highlights a global health disparity that receives too little attention. Learn how dedicated medical professionals are working to change outcomes for patients at risk of limb loss in developing nations.

- Don't miss this important discussion on saving limbs and lives! #LimbSalvage #VascularCare #GlobalHealth #ElSalvador #TheHeartOfInnovation

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