CLEVELAND — It’s been three years since doctors had to amputate Leroy Williams' right leg.

Just a year later, he was having the same symptoms in his left leg, including not getting any blood to his foot.

“My big toe on that foot became gangrene,” Williams said.

If he didn’t get blood to his left foot, he would need to have another amputation. But this time, he was referred for a second opinion.

“I saw him on a Tuesday and he scheduled me for surgery that Thursday,” Williams said.

Williams was referred to Dr. Mehdi Shishehbor, an Interventional Cardiologist at University Hospitals.

William’s x-rays show that there was only one artery carrying blood down to his foot.

“There’s supposed to be three arteries coming down,” Shishehbor said.

Williams suffers from peripheral arterial disease or PAD, a blocking of the arteries that carry blood to the legs.

Shishehbor performed a minimally invasive procedure on Williams under twilight anesthesia.

Shishehbor said losing one leg has a 50% mortality within two years and his ultimate goal is to try to and save limbs.  

He used wires, a balloon and stents to get blood flow down to Williams’ left toes and save his leg.

“It’s tremendous impact on longevity, on quality of life,” Shishehbor said.

He said it’s important for people to know that they can reach out for second opinions.

“A lot of our patients don’t even ask for that. They don’t even know that there’s a possibility to ask for a second and third opinion,” he said.

Patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease are at higher risk for amputations and should have routine screening evaluations of their toes and feet even if they have no symptoms.

Shishehbor said patients need to evaluate themselves as well.

“If you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease, you need to check yourself. If it’s hard for you, you should get a mirror so you can check the bottom of your feet,” he said.

Williams was not able to save his left toe because the damage was too advanced, but he’s grateful that he was able to save his leg.

“I do a door-to-door ministry, so I’m up walking around in the neighborhood all the time, knocking on doors. Moving around is really part of what I do,” Williams said.

His faith is central to his life, and he’s grateful to Shishehbor and his team.

“When I thank God for the blessings in my life, I include Dr. Shishehbor and his team,” Williams said.