For decades, Steve Chrisman built a life around baseball. The former University of Tulsa Baseball Hall of Famer started playing at age 7, eventually becoming a junior college All-American and helping Tulsa finish as national runner-up in the 1969 College World Series.
“God gave me the ability to be accurate,” Chrisman said. “I was the only kid on the team to get those strikes.”
At 77, however, Chrisman found himself facing a challenge far bigger than any game he had ever played. Severe circulation problems and painful wounds that would not heal threatened to cost him his leg.
“I was really scared I was going to lose some legs, and you saved me,” Chrisman told his doctor during a follow-up appointment.
Chrisman sought treatment from vascular surgeon Dr. Carlos Rueda at Cardiovascular Health Clinic in Oklahoma City. Dr. Rueda said Chrisman’s condition was serious and required immediate attention.
“If you’re not getting enough blood flow and you develop a wound, that wound can progress rapidly to the point that it becomes necrotic, infected, and you could lose a toe, half your foot or the whole leg,” Dr. Rueda said.
An initial bypass surgery failed, forcing doctors to pursue a more complex and less conventional approach. Chrisman had only one artery below the knee supplying blood to his foot instead of the three most people have, making treatment especially challenging.
Dr. Rueda used newer stent technology and accessed the artery from both Chrisman’s foot and groin to restore blood flow in what he described as a “Hail Mary” effort.
The procedure worked. Blood flow returned, Chrisman’s wounds healed and he avoided amputation.
“When my patients have a good outcome and they’re happy, there’s really nothing better,” Dr. Rueda said.
Now, Chrisman is back on his feet and grateful for a second chance.
“Baseball was very good to me,” he said. “Very good.”
But the biggest save of his life happened far away from the baseball field.
“I wouldn’t know what I’d do without that leg,” he said. “You know, he’s great, man.”
Doctors say recognizing the warning signs of poor circulation early can help prevent serious complications and improve outcomes for patients.
