Life in Motion Again: Brian’s Experience with The Vascular Care Group
An Active Lifestyle Interrupted
Staying active has always been a way of life for Brian, whether it was golfing, heading out on the boat, casting a line, tossing cornhole bags, or tackling projects around the house. But gradually, a persistent health issue began to chip away at the everyday moments he enjoyed most.
What began as occasional discomfort in his legs soon turned into debilitating pain, cramping, and fatigue that stopped him in his tracks after just 200 – 300 yards.
“I couldn’t even walk down to my boat at the slip without severe pain in both my legs,” Brian recalls. “Golf was the same problem. Walking long distances just wasn’t possible. My left upper leg would get numb, and my calf would burn. It was getting worse.”
Eventually, even walking 50 yards became nearly impossible. Pain radiated from his calf to his buttock, numbness spread through his thigh, and constant cramping made daily life unbearable.
A Serious Diagnosis
Brian’s primary care provider at Atrius Health referred him to Dr. Scott James at The Vascular Care Group’s Plymouth office.
Testing performed in the office-based lab revealed advanced vascular disease, including:
- 90% blockage in the left common iliac artery
- Total occlusion of the left proximal superficial femoral artery
- 50% blockage in the popliteal artery (above-knee)
- Chronic occlusion of the left peroneal artery
Comprehensive Treatment with Immediate Results
On July 16, 2025, Brian underwent a multi-step endovascular intervention to restore the blood flow to his leg. The procedure included:
- Laser lithotripsy (breaking up the plaque with short, high-energy pulses) and laser atherectomy (vaporizing the calcified plaque) of the left superficial femoral artery
- Balloon angioplasty of the superficial femoral artery
- Angioplasty and stent placement in the common iliac and left superficial femoral artery
“All with good results,” Brian says.
The difference was noticeable right away:
“I could feel the change walking out of The Vascular Care Group office to my brother’s car,” he says. “A couple of days later, I really knew something had changed when I could walk distances I hadn’t been able to walk in years.”
Back to Life Fast
Just five days later, Brian was back at work, averaging 13,000 steps a day in a job that requires extensive walking.
“Before surgery, I was struggling with that…really struggling. Now it’s not a problem,” he says.
His recovery has been remarkable: the numbness is gone, leg muscles feel strong, and pain-free mobility has returned.
“I can walk without pain now. I can’t put into words how different my leg feels compared to before surgery; it’s like I have a whole new lease on life.”
Care That Inspires Confidence
Brian credits Dr. Scott James and the Plymouth team not only for excellent results but also for compassionate, patient-centered care.
“Dr. James answered all my questions, even ones I didn’t know to ask,” Brian said. “The day of surgery, from the receptionist to the nurses to every person who was part of my care, it was top-notch. I felt I was in the hands of the best people in the field, with the best equipment, delivering care at the highest level.”
Why Seeking Vascular Care Matters
Brian’s journey is a powerful reminder that leg pain, numbness, and limited mobility are not just signs of aging, they can be symptoms of treatable vascular disease.
Thanks to expert treatment at The Vascular Care Group, Brian regained his independence and returned to the activities he loves most, golf, boating, and living pain-free.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If you or someone you love is struggling with leg pain, cramping, or mobility issues, don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Schedule a consultation with The Vascular Care Group today and get back to life in motion.