Larry Sadwin-Three Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Was Diagnosed With PAD
Larry Sadwin is a patient advocate and longtime American Heart Association Volunteer. He currently serves as board chair for the American Heart Association’s Support Network.
September is Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month and I’ve been living with PAD for four years (and coronary artery disease for 30). You can read my full story here , but I also wanted to share a few things I wish I had known before I was diagnosed with PAD in hopes that it helps those of you new to this condition.
We can help each other by sharing what works and what doesn’t and by sharing in a safe space with people who understand what it is like to live with PAD and other conditions.
We have a long way to go with PAD education and often, as patients, this means we will often be left with more questions than answers. But, the more you know and the deeper you can dig with your doctor, the better. So, I encourage you to learn more about PAD and stay up to date on new research. Have conversations with your healthcare team; be empowered.
September is Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month and I’ve been living with PAD for four years (and coronary artery disease for 30). You can read my full story here , but I also wanted to share a few things I wish I had known before I was diagnosed with PAD in hopes that it helps those of you new to this condition.
- Support is out there for people with PAD – actually, it’s right here on the Support Network.
We can help each other by sharing what works and what doesn’t and by sharing in a safe space with people who understand what it is like to live with PAD and other conditions.
- There may be more questions than answers and that is OK.
We have a long way to go with PAD education and often, as patients, this means we will often be left with more questions than answers. But, the more you know and the deeper you can dig with your doctor, the better. So, I encourage you to learn more about PAD and stay up to date on new research. Have conversations with your healthcare team; be empowered.
- This disease can be as debilitating as stroke or heart disease.