Life-Changing Care Close to Home: A Lenoir Patient’s Vascular Success Story

Marilyn Guy had long assumed the pain in her leg was just arthritis, but over time, it began to affect every part of her daily life. The discomfort between her knee and ankle grew worse, making simple routines — like walking through the grocery store — exhausting and overwhelming. “I couldn’t even walk in the grocery store,” she said. “I dreaded going — much less Walmart — because of all the walking.”

Marilyn tried to push through it, telling herself it was just part of getting older. But the pain didn’t go away. It disrupted her sleep and made everyday activities something she dreaded. When she finally learned the true cause of her symptoms, she discovered it was far more serious than arthritis — and it led her to Catawba Valley Vascular Surgery – Horizon, where expert care and a compassionate team helped her reclaim her mobility and quality of life.

Things took a turn when Marilyn mentioned her leg pain to her primary care provider. During the exam, her doctor noticed something unusual. “She said, ‘There’s no hair growing where it’s hurting, and that means there’s no blood flow,’” Marilyn recalled. “So she sent me for an ultrasound, and they said there was definitely something going on.”

Further testing confirmed a serious blockage, and Marilyn was referred to Catawba Valley Vascular Surgery – Horizon, where she says she immediately felt at ease. “I have never been to a doctor’s office that was more welcoming or helpful,” she said. “Even the PA was amazing. She gave me medicine to help the blood flow, and I was just thrilled with how well everything was explained.”

Testing revealed that an artery near Marilyn’s knee was 95% blocked. In October, she underwent a vascular procedure with Dr. Robert Albrecht, which included balloon angioplasty and placement of a stent to restore blood flow. “He came in and talked to me before the surgery,” Marilyn said. “He talked to me during the surgery and told me exactly what he was doing — ‘We’re going to drop this stent in here, and then we’re going to get out of here.’ He was just super nice.”

What stood out even more to Marilyn was what happened afterward. “He talked to me after the surgery, then went out into the hall and talked to my husband and my family,” she said. “I felt a personal touch. I know they’re busy, but that meant a lot to me.”

The results were almost immediate. “In two weeks I could tell a big difference,” she said. “From the surgery, it feels fantastic now. I can bend my leg again.” Even the pain in her toe — so severe she couldn’t stand for a bedsheet to touch it — disappeared. “I thought I had something wrong with my toe,” Marilyn said. “My doctor told me it wouldn’t get better until we got better blood flow. Now that I’m healed, it doesn’t bother me one little bit.”

Follow-up visits have confirmed continued improvement, and Marilyn says the results have been life-changing. “I know it probably sounds like I’m making this up, but it is honestly that much different,” she said. “It’s just amazing.”

Beyond the care itself, convenience made a big difference. “My husband is 74, I’m 70, and we don’t drive in Hickory,” she said. “Finding out the office was right here and so convenient meant everything.” She also appreciated not having to travel far for specialized care. “You hear about people going to Winston or Charlotte,” she said. “I didn’t think Lenoir had a doctor like that — but Dr. Albrecht is excellent, let me tell you.”

Today, Marilyn says what she values most is how genuinely cared for she felt. “From the time you walk in the door to the time you leave, the people are fantastic,” she said. “They even called me after surgery just to see how I was doing and if I needed anything. It means a lot to have someone personally talk to you like that.”

For Marilyn, the outcome speaks for itself. “It definitely improved my life,” she said. “It’s just great.”

To learn more about vascular services at Catawba Valley Health System, visit CatawbaValleyHealth.org/CVVSHorizon