"vascular dept"

At my appointment, today,8/9/2015. 2.15pm. I was informed that I needed a surgical procedure on the main artery in my left leg due to 'narrowing' of the artery of approximately 8-10cm. in length.This condition had been on-going for a considerable time to get to this state. I have been experiencing severe pain,muscle cramps,numbness & mobility problems for a long time.Iconsulted my G.P. fairly recently & an appointment came through for a Doppler Test which I attended last week on Thurs.3/9/2015. @ 1.30.pm. I was niformed by the person who performed the 'scan/test' that I would probably have to have a procdure done involving widening the artery by balloon etc; They considered my position to be urgent enough to try to contact the Consultant there & then to notify them of their findings,however, they were running a clinic at the time so they would contact them later.That's probably the reason why I had to attend so soon after the 'scan'.

A Consultant saw me in the clinic today. They asked me three questions to start with; 1. How old I was.? 2.Which leg was I having problems with.(no medical notes brought into the room) ? 3.Did I smoke ?

I said yes, they then viritually ended any interaction with me and told me they would see me in 6months time.I promised them I would stop smoking as from today hoping to get the procedure done sooner having been given the impression by both health professionals that my symptoms were of a severe enough nature to warrant early intervention. In conclusion,I cannot understand their decision at that moment in time based on me smoking. Do the procedure and I then do not smoke.What if the artery blocked completely & I had no blood supply to my lower limb, amputation maybe? I currently work because I have to even though I am over 65yrs young. I am asking for the decision made today to be reconsidered or referred to others in the hope of being treated sooner.

The Vascular Scientist who performed the US Doppler test was very professional & polite.

I would hope that a reply will be forwarded to me in due course,Many thanks,B.Hipkins