By Sheriff Deputy John

“The harder I worked the more enjoyable my life became.”

I am a Deputy Sheriff. With my years on the road and my years in corrections, I have about 20 years on the force. I’ve always considered myself an active guy. I had to be as a Defense Tactics instructor. It’s kept me striving to stay in decent shape and strong. I’ve always been a big guy as well, weighing in at 275 lbs despite running five to seven miles each morning. Over the years I’ve sustained a ton of injuries but fortunately nothing really serious. But in 2015, limb threatening symptoms started. I had several blood clots in a my left leg restricting blood flow. Complications from a thrombectomy procedure to remove the clots led to a trip to the emergency department where surgeons performed a fasciotomy to relieve the pressure. Recovery from that procedure was a long road, about three to four months learning how to walk again on that leg. I had learned lots of people had overcome the muscle wasting and lack of strength following a fasciotomy, and I was determined to do the same. I thought “Well I know I’m stronger than these other people, I know I’m tougher … so I know I’ll be okay.”

Fast forward one year in 2017, when I thought I was on track to good health by walking and doing squats daily, a new problem arose. I noticed unexplainable pain in my calf muscles. A cut on my left foot also would not heal. My family doctor first suggested the cause was diabetes. But then he said, “Take off your shoes and socks.” That’s when he checked my dorsalis pedis pulse and noticed it was faint. He said, “Let’s get you back in with your vascular surgeon as you have Peripheral artery disease.” I was like, “Peripheral what???” I was shocked that they hadn’t diagnosed me with that upon my first presentation of artery clots the year before. This time their efforts to unblock my artery was unsuccessful and there was talk of amputation. Even more demoralizing was doctors telling me I would need to find a new line of work, that I couldn’t be a sheriff’s deputy anymore. I was thinking, “Who in the heck do they think they are telling me what I can and can’t do?”

At this point I was gearing up for the fight of all fights. I set out online in search of answers. The game changer for me was a video about how to develop a “natural bypass,” by building up the body’s collateral vessel network. I thought, “I can’t build anything else, but I bet I could build those veins.” So, I set out on a mission to do just that and delay any procedures.

Goal setting was key for me, starting with walking, doing calf raises, and then came the stairs. With the stairs I experienced a lot of setbacks. But I kept at it and got it done. The pain was unreal at first. I honestly could feel the veins cutting their way through my legs. But each day it would take longer and longer for that pain to set in before I’d have to rest. The pain is not gone completely. I can just exercise longer before it becomes debilitating. What has kept me motivated was noticing that the harder I worked, the more enjoyable my life became.

My workouts have now accelerated to lifting weights six days a week. I also do heavy bag training, jump rope, farmer carries (an exercise), and walking (of course!). My fiancé and I also do what we call “feel good” workouts, which DO NOT FEEL GOOD!! LOL! It’s weight lifting with light weights and cardio incorporated into it. But I am olling into 2022 feeling better than I have in years. I am still blessed with both legs. I have my job as a sheriff’s deputy! Most importantly, I have an amazing support system with my fiancée Jennifer, and my son Jordan who are always putting in the work with me, with my two step children who treat me like I’m Superman, and with my mom who thinks I’m the strongest man in the world. So, my life is good. I am blessed beyond words.

Disclaimer:

The patient testimonials shared on this platform are intended for informational and educational purposes only. Each patient’s story is unique to their individual experience and should not be construed as representative of all patients. It is important for individuals to consult their healthcare providers, who have a comprehensive understanding of their medical history, to obtain personalized advice regarding the most suitable treatment options for their specific condition.

For individuals seeking further information about neuropathy, leg pain, leg cramps, or non-healing wounds, we encourage them to contact the Global PAD Association’s Leg Saver Hotline at 415-320-7138. Additionally, they can visit the www.padhelp.org website to access additional support and resources.

We urge individuals to exercise caution and seek professional medical guidance before making any healthcare decisions based on the testimonials shared.