“I had bad varicose veins for years,” recalls Freda Smith.
“I believe they’re hereditary, and mine had been getting progressively worse
over the years.”
Fortunately for Freda, her unsightly leg veins had not yet
reached the point where they were painful.
“I was only forty-five at the time, but my legs were just
all lumpy-looking,” she describes. “These veins were just popping out all over,
and I felt like I wanted to take care of them.”
Freda visited Vein Treatment Center of Palm Coast, where
she met Charles I. Stein, MD, and N. John Collucci, DO.
“I was nervous because I didn’t know if they could do
anything or not,” she confides, “but they were wonderful. They eased my nerves
and told me what they could do.”
Treating venous disease
Vein Treatment Center’s theory on treatment of venous
disease is comprehensive: they find out what is wrong and then work to resolve
the entire problem.
“We perform a complete evaluation of the leg veins using
duplex and color Doppler ultrasound before we recommend a treatment protocol,”
notes Dr. Collucci.
“Since we opened our Palm Coast office in April 2005, we
have successfully treated hundreds of patients.
“All procedures are essentially painless and are performed
in our office, so there are fewer risks when compared to those associated with
hospitalization and general anesthesia.”
“Several options are available to us in addressing problem
veins,” adds Dr. Stein. “It’s important to determine how to achieve the best
results with the least risk for each patient. Our goal is to provide the most
efficient and compassionate care to our patients.”
Leading-edge solutions
Depending on the severity of the patient’s problem, Drs.
Stein and Collucci may recommend a minimally invasive Endovascular Laser Treatment
(EVLT) for closure of varicose veins or a Microphlebectomy as well as Ultrasound-guided
Chemical Ablation treatment.
“In contrast to many centers, where partial treatments are
performed, we treat the entire vein problem – from spider veins to serious
venous disease,” says Dr. Stein. “Most procedures are covered by Medicare, and
many insurance companies will reimburse for them.”
Drs. Collucci and Stein note the importance of patients
being treated by qualified physicians to minimize potential complications.
“Dr. Collucci and I are both medical physicians and members
of the American College of Phlebology,” Dr. Stein explains, “and we have
extensive experience with these treatments.”
“It’s a pleasure to bring the most advanced techniques
available to people who come to us with these potentially serious health
problems,” adds Dr. Collucci. “Thanks to the latest technology, we can provide
dramatic success stories for these patients, both cosmetically and
functionally.”
Tolerable treatment
Freda admits that she thought the treatment would be
painful, but her fears were soon allayed.
“I was pleasantly surprised by the care that they put into
their procedures. It was very tolerable,” she assures.
Freda completed her treatments in 2006 and has been
thrilled with the outcome ever since.
“The results were just wonderful,” she says. “When I
looked at my ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos, I was floored. I’d almost forgotten
how terrible they looked before. The difference is amazing.”
She thanks Drs. Stein and Collucci for providing the
solution.
“They’re both very nice, and they made me feel very comfortable
and calm,” adds Freda. “They were just terrific, and it was a great
experience.”
Say Goodbye to
Hemorrhoids
It’s true.
More than ten million Americans visit their doctor each year with symptoms of
hemorrhoids.
“A lot of people associate hemorrhoids with painful
surgery, but the truth is, only a small percentage of patients actually require
surgery. New, comfortable office treatments have taken the fear out of resolving
hemorrhoids,” states Dr. Collucci.
What are hemorrhoids?
“Hemorrhoids are a swelling in the rectum or anal area
that may protrude through the anus on straining. They usually contain enlarged
veins and are most common in people over the age of fifty,” explains Charles I.
Stein, MD.
Dr. Stein adds that symptoms of hemorrhoids can often be
felt as a swelling in the area of the anus with additional soreness, bleeding,
discharge or itching.
As for the cause, “We don’t know for sure,” says Dr.
Collucci, “but hemorrhoids are often found in people who either sit or stand a
lot or who have low-fiber diets or poor bowel habits.”
Whether or not hemorrhoids are preventable is a topic for
discussion.
“No one knows for sure. My advice is to avoid straining or
extensive sitting on the toilet,” notes Dr. Stein. “A diet rich in fluids,
fruit, vegetables and fiber is desirable, as well as moderate exercise and
proper bowel habits. And if symptoms develop, one should see a doctor without
delay.”
Help for hemorrhoids
Fortunately for those suffering from hemorrhoids, Drs.
Collucci and Stein provide the latest in advanced treatment.
“All of our procedures are essentially painless and are performed
in our office, and there are several options available to us in addressing
hemorrhoids,” assures Dr. Stein.
One option is
Infrared
Coagulation
(IRC), the most widely used office treatment for hemorrhoids
and the preferred method at Vein Treatment Center of Palm Coast because of its
fast, well-tolerated and virtually problem-free treatment method.
Dr. Stein explains, “Infrared Coagulation is a great
treatment option for patients with hemorrhoids. There’s no pain involved, only
a slight sensation. A small probe contacts the area above a hemorrhoid,
exposing the tissue to a burst of infrared light for about one second. This
coagulates the veins above the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and recede.
“Because it’s a simple, painless procedure, an anesthetic
is usually not required.”
Dr. Collucci adds, “It’s important to determine how to
achieve the best results with the least amount of discomfort for each patient.
Our goal is to provide the most efficient and compassionate care to our
patients.”
The results of IRC
Drs. Collucci and Stein say most patients can return to a
normal lifestyle immediately after treatment and treatment usually requires
only two to three visits.