March 3, 2018
As a successful healthcare executive, Fred Goad of Brentwood, Tennessee had access to the best healthcare resources around the country. However, after countless visits and treatment methods, the circulation condition in his legs worsened, and he was told by multiple physicians that amputation was his only option. At 76 years old, Fred reluctantly started planning his future by making prosthetic appointments, speaking with other amputees, and converting his home into an amputation-friendly environment. Then he heard about Dr. Craig Walker at Cardiovascular Institute of the South. After a phone conversation with Dr. Walker, Fred Goad traveled to Houma, Louisiana, hopeful that this last resort would be the one to save his leg, and ultimately, his quality of life.
Fred Goad, 76, of Brentwood, Tennessee did not mind driving 10 hours to see Dr. Craig Walker—because that trip saved his leg and ultimately, his quality of life.
Goad has more than 40 years of experience in managing and growing healthcare companies, founding Voyent Partners, LLC and serving as co-chief executive officer of the transaction services division of the WebMD Corporation. In April of 2016, he noticed a wound on his left foot. He visited a podiatrist, who removed some of the dead skin and tissue, but the wound would not heal. Goad then sought out the help of a vascular physician and received a Doppler test, an ultrasound which determined a lack of blood flow in his leg.
Just like clogged arteries in the heart, blocked arteries in the legs keep the organs from receiving oxygen-rich blood, which raises the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. One in 20 Americans over the age of 50 have PAD, and though it is a common and treatable disease, it is largely unknown, often unrecognized, and its symptoms are commonly attributed to old age. Ultimately, PAD can reduce mobility and be fatal if left untreated. Those at risk include anyone over the age of 50, especially African Americans; those who smoke or have smoked; and those who have diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or a personal or family history of vascular disease, heart attack, or stroke.
“The most severe manifestation of this disease is critical limb ischemia which is the leading cause of major amputations throughout the world,” explained Dr. Walker.
Surprisingly, Goad does not suffer from heart disease or diabetes. “I hadn’t even heard of PAD until 6 months ago,” he added.
For nearly three months, Goad used this treatment method three hours a day, for one hour at a time. After no improvement, Goad had an angioplasty with the hopes of opening blood flow, but a balloon was not able to open the blockage. Another Doppler test showed that the problem was only getting worse, and so much so, that he needed to stop using the at-home assist device.
Running out of options to heal his wound, Goad tried using hyperbaric oxygen therapy to promote re-circulation, reduce swelling, and speed up wound healing. Performed in a pressurized chamber, hyperbaric oxygen therapy typically involves two-hour sessions of breathing 100 percent oxygen. Goad did the maximum number of treatments—40—without the result that he was hoping for. In August, he visited a nationally-renowned health system for an angioplasty to again try to open the occlusion, but with no avail.
In addition to physician recommendations, Goad also experimented with other treatment methods—from whole body vibration technology, to acupuncture, to massage therapy. “I tried everything that I could think of,” Goad recalls. “Everyone said amputation was the only option.”
Goad began preparing for what he felt was an inevitable amputation. “We were planning home renovations, looking into prosthetic options, and discussing specifics with amputation specialists,” he said.
His friend had heard about Dr. Craig Walker and had previously referred another acquaintance to him as well. “I decided to go to Houma to see if Dr. Walker could do a ‘Hail Mary’ and save my leg!” Goad said.
After a series of tests, Dr. Walker explained his plan to open the 18-inch occlusion—a series of three stents in two of the arteries. “After one conversation with Dr. Walker, I could tell that he knew the subject of PAD so well, and he was so passionate about treating it. He was different than any other physician I had seen before.”
Just one week later, Goad traveled to Dr. Walker’s clinic in Lafayette, Louisiana for his procedure. Dr. Walker placed three stents to greatly increase blood flow in his leg. Goad could not have been more pleased. “The recovery time was quick and I immediately noticed the difference,” he said. “I felt great after, and I was anxious to get back on my feet.”
Goad is looking forward to his new quality of life, knowing that he is able to keep his leg and foot. “I can’t tell you what a blessing this has been,” Goad explained. “It is amazing that Dr. Walker was able to get through and prevent the amputation of my leg and foot. He is a superior doctor, and I am most grateful.”
Many people lose limbs each year due to peripheral arterial blockage, but CIS believes that early diagnosis and interventional treatment can prevent disability and save limbs and lives. “Major amputation (above or below the knee) is debilitating, with many patients being unable to ever walk again,” explained Dr. Walker. “Amputation is more expensive, and is associated with more pain, disability and a higher death rate than interventional therapy.”
“I understand Dr. Walker saves legs all the time,” laughs Goad. “But it was truly miraculous for me!”
“You owe it to yourself and to your family to go see Dr. Walker before you make the decision to amputate,” said Goad. “I’m just excited about living a normal life.”
Symptoms of PAD include:
If you think you may have PAD, a simple, painless ultrasound can test the blood flow in your legs to determine your risk. Learn more about PAD here.