Back on Her Feet and Walking Without Pain

Nancy Holloman from Sumter, South Carolina, suffered from back pain for several years. She was unable to walk any distance without experiencing severe pain in her legs. Simply walking to the mailbox brought tears to her eyes. Nancy believed the issues with her legs were related to the concerns with her back.

An X-ray by her chiropractor revealed results that prompted a visit to her primary care physician. He suggested Nancy undergo an arterial study, a test that checks blood flow in the arteries and veins. Based on the results of this study, Nancy was referred to McLeod Vascular Surgeon Dr. William Jackson.

Dr. Jackson knew Nancy had severe blockages that were diminishing the blood flow to both of her legs. His surgical plan involved a minimally invasive procedure with the placement of two stents, which would open the blocked arteries and allow the return of blood flow. However, when Dr. Jackson attempted the procedure, Nancy’s blockages were so severely calcified he was unable to penetrate the hardened calcium to implant the stents.

Nancy’s next option for treatment was an Aortobifermoral Bypass, which according to Dr. Jackson is the most extensive surgery performed by McLeod Vascular Associates. This surgery would allow the blood to bypass the diseased areas. It involved a large incision in her abdomen to access the aorta, the main artery that carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. Dr. Jackson sewed in a Dacron graft to serve as a new route for the blood to flow around the severely blocked arteries.

“My nurses had me walking soon after my surgery,” said Nancy. “I knew right away Dr. Jackson had corrected my issue. He truly was a lifesaver for me.”

A heavy smoker for 43 years, a bad lifestyle of unhealthy fast food and country cooking, high cholesterol, family history, and heart disease were all contributing factors to Nancy’s situation.

“My mother preached to me in my youth about the dangers of smoking and how it would take a toll on me when I got older,” said Nancy. “But when you are young you believe you are invincible. I am so happy to have my life back. Previously I avoided going anywhere because I hurt so bad.”

Now that Nancy is back on her feet her life is very busy. She spends her mornings working for a catering company in Manning, afternoons providing after-school childcare for a family also in Manning, and her spare time with her husband Robert.

“I have never experienced a hospital as wonderful as McLeod. From the people who emptied the trash cans and the nurses providing care, to the staff who brought the meal trays, it was such a pleasurable experience.”