A Mount Union grandmother says she might have lost her leg had she not turned to the Conemaugh Health System for a second opinion. 

“I was petrified when I was told that I should have my left leg amputated. I wanted to discuss it with the surgeon, but I was told his schedule was booked. Instead, I had to talk with nurses and schedulers. It was a total nightmare,” said Amanda Fortson, a 58-year-old grandmother of 10 grandsons.  

Her ordeal began when she complained of stomach pain. Her doctor prescribed laxatives, but soon the pink color of her toes turned purple. That’s when the doctor recommended amputation. 

Amanda immediately sought a second medical opinion.  

“I wasn’t going to give up my leg without a fight,” she said. “For heaven’s sake, I need both legs to run after my 10 grandboys.” 

Amanda turned to the Conemaugh Health System. 

“I knew of Conemaugh’s great reputation, and I had excellent firsthand experience with their doctors, staff and overall healthcare,” said Amanda, who had been a Johnstown resident. “I got an appointment as soon as I could.” 

That’s when she met Conemaugh’s Dr. John Gray, a vascular surgeon.  

“As opposed to the physician who wanted to amputate my leg, Doctor Gray actually sat down, spoke with me and discussed options in great detail,” said Amanda, a former certified nursing assistant. 

“Doctor Gray told me not to think about an amputation and that he was going to get me walking again.” 

The physician discovered a clogged artery that dramatically slowed blood flow to Amanda’s leg. He recommended minimally invasive microsurgery to reopen the artery. If that didn’t work, the next step would be an arterial bypass.  

“He was patient, kind and super-caring. He gave me great hope and confidence,” Amanda said. 

“In addition to being such a great surgeon, Doctor Gray is a wonderful, uplifting person. When I was scared and wanted to cry, he made me laugh and lifted my spirits.” 

Amanda said her family prayed constantly that the procedure would work. Those prayers were definitely answered.  

“I strongly believe in God’s power – and in Doctor Gray. Rather than the horror of a leg amputation, all I have now is a small bandage covering a tiny incision where he went in to clear the clogged artery,” she said, beaming. 

Three days after the operation, she began rehabilitation and was walking the halls of Conemaugh Memorial Hospital. 

“Before the operation, there was no pulse in my leg. Now, I have wonderful blood flow and a throbbing pulse all the way down through my feet. I even have feeling in my toes that I can’t ever remember having.” 

She says words can’t begin to express her gratitude. 

“Doctor Gray is truly a blessing. If I need any similar surgery and if Doctor Gray moves a million miles away, I’ll find him,” she said.  

“Because of him, I’m doing great now, mentally, emotionally and physically. I’m back on my feet – both of them. I’m beyond thrilled. Doctor Gray saved my leg and gave me back my life.”