"In 2024 I experienced severe pains in my left leg during a walk. After seeing the doctor then a consultant and a scan I was told that I had a blockage in a main artery of my left leg and that it was Intermittent Claudication. I could not walk more than 50/100yds without severe pain. I was advised that the body will compensate for the Claudication and that exercise will help that process. I did do exercise but with after thought not enough and not dedicatedly.

Things didn’t improve that much so I went for a second opinion with another Consultant (Mr Simon Neequaye) and another scan. The situation was explained in much greater detail and the possibilities of surgical procedures and the risks involved. The decision of what course to take was left for a couple of months for me to decide.

After a delay due to another medical problem I made up my mind to do everything I could with the advice given,that was,exercise could help with the condition. I researched and found an exercise program on the internet from a NHS hospital. It consisted of Twelve basic exercises to be done 2/3 times a week,which I started straight away and combined that with walking as far as I could as often as I could. I also practiced going up and down the stairs with my left leg leading to exercise it as much as possible. It was very painful at times but the advice was to push through, then rest then continue. It was very difficult at first but gradually it was easier to do the exercises and my walking distances improved.

After several months at my next appointment/ check up I was able to say that my mobility had increased significantly and that the pain had improved and now was more of an ache than a severe pain. Also I think doing something positive has helped me deal with the situation."