Living Pain Free After Vascular Treatment

Kami Moon, 44, is a radio morning show host and waitress from Sandusky, Ohio. Her story began in early 2022 when she noticed pain in her leg. Kami guessed it was plantar fasciitis or muscle strain and figured the uncomfortable pain would go away on its own.

The pain became more frequent and even walking short distances for everyday activities was difficult, forcing her to stop and rest. Walking through Toledo Express Airport, on the beach and from the parking lot to the produce section of her grocery store would be so difficult she would have to stop and rest. At this point, Kami realized that her pain wasn't as easy as simple muscle strain.

Kami shared with her family that her foot was always cold and was also grey in color. They urged her to visit her doctor, who ordered tests, including a scan for blood clots. Her tests were negative and she was referred to a vascular specialist. This provider group was not able to get her scheduled for six months. Kami felt like a number and that there was no concern for her well-being.

Getting Treatment at Jobst Vascular Institute

She reached out to her sister, Kelly Vetter, manager of inpatient therapy at Wildwood Spine and Orthopaedic Hospital, to see if there were ProMedica providers she could see sooner.

Within hours of their conversation, Kami had an appointment scheduled with Brett Aplin, MD, vascular surgeon with Jobst Vascular Institute four days later. Kami was so appreciative of the concern and compassion the staff showed before she even saw her provider; it truly made a difference in her outlook.

During her appointment on a Friday, Dr. Aplin reviewed her tests and confirmed that her issue was not a blood clot. Kami previously mentioned to Dr. Oostra that she had a sore on her toe that hadn't been healing. Once again, the staff and Dr. Aplin made time in their schedule to see Kami that same day. She was told she needed a leg catheter within the week, scheduled for Wednesday. Kami shared, "I always felt that my health was their main concern at all times, not the doctor's schedules."

When the leg catheter did not solve the problems Kami was experiencing, Dr. Aplin sat down with her to discuss her options. The treatment recommendation was a vein graft, but Dr. Aplin shared with her that he felt she was too young for this type of surgery. She would be going down a difficult road if she did have the surgery, and his suggestion was she consider other options, such as smoking cessation and exercise.

Kami spent a few days reflecting on this recommendation and watched people around her who were her age and living their lives pain-free. She wanted that for herself! Kami messaged Dr. Aplin on the ProMedica patient portal and told him she was going to try to make those changes. Within a few days, Dr. Aplin called her at home to discuss this at length to be sure she understood the seriousness of her condition and that she was ready to make the commitment. 

After Treatment

A year later and Kami has seen huge gains in her quality of life. She stopped smoking, exercises five or six days a week, and made the dietary changes that were recommended by Dr. Aplin. One year ago, she couldn't walk more than 0.16 miles in 15 minutes without being in severe pain and stopping.

Today, she exercises regularly, walking for 45 minutes and even up to one and a half hours without pain. She traveled to see friends in Atlanta and walked through the airport without pain. She went to a multi-day concert and walked without needing to worry about pain or resting. She lost 30 pounds, though Kami stresses that she is doing this for a better quality of life and not to lose weight. She hopes that her story might inspire others to take the necessary steps for a healthy future.

Kami wants to tell the staff at Jobst Vascular Institute how much she appreciates their kindness and compassion. To the staff at the front desk, the scheduler, the ultrasound technicians, Dr. Aplin and Dr. Oostra, thank you all for providing top-notch care, living the Mission and making our patient's experiences life-changing.