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South Pinellas County Edition For additional information and to read our blog, visit us at TAKE ME HOME! www.ifoundMYdoctor.com Spring 2016 Featured ARTICLES Hearing Solutions The Joy of Better Hearing 2 6 An ear, nose and throat doctor entrusts Sound Advice Hearing Solutions to treat his hearing loss. D Health Care Patron Carrier-Route Pre Sort PRSRT.STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Tampa, FL Permit No.2397 r. David Hill, 77, says he treated hundreds of patients over the years as an ear, nose and throat doctor long before he began experiencing the perils of losing his own hearing. “My wife, Sarah, noticed I was turning the television up extremely loud when we were sitting and watching it together, and that I was having trouble hearing in social situations,” he explains. “As an ear, nose and throat doctor, I know how important early intervention is in hearing preservation. I knew I needed to get some help right away.” Luckily for David, he already had an established relationship with hearing specialist Audrey Hawley, HAS, BC-HIS, at Sound Advice Hearing Solutions in St. Petersburg. “David and I had a longstanding professional relationship,” Audrey explains. “At my practice, I referred patients who needed medical intervention to David so he could clear them for hearing aids. When he came to me for his own hearing loss, it was an honor 12 Bowers Vein Institute Return to Top Form Pasadena Eye Center Customized Cataract Removal Infinity Medical Institute A Better You Also In This and a privilege to treat someone with such deep knowledge of the ear.” David says Audrey was the perfect person to help him address his hearing loss. AUDREY HAWLEY, HAS, BC-HIS DON HAWLEY, MS-ENG, HAS, BC-HIS KELLY BREESE, AUD, F-AAA, CCC-A “She’s friendly, professional and has a great deal of expertise in her trade,” he says. “Most of all, I know many patients and close, personal friends of mine who have received successful treatment of critical hearing loss thanks to Audrey and her team. Choosing Sound Advice Hearing Solutions was really a no-brainer.” Leading technology Audrey repor ts that David was experiencing classic high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss, a typical condition in someone his age. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss, occurring in 23 percent of the population older than 65 years. The term “sensorineural” is used to indicate that there is either a cochlear or an eighth nerve lesion, and causes may include prolonged severe noise exposure, or trauma, but advanced age is the most common culprit. If caught early enough in the aging process, high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss can be treated with aids that restore nearly all hearing. “As you age, you start to lose the high-frequency sounds first,” she explains. “David knows the ear well enough to know that we have to nip this in the bud right away, before any irreversible hearing loss occurs. That’s why it’s so important to come in and see us as soon as any hearing loss begins. I tell all my patients, the sooner you come in, the more hearing we can save.” Audrey says one of the things that deter people from promptly coming in and receiving hearing treatment is their preconceived notion about “big, chunky hearing aids.” “What people don’t realize is, there have been major advancements in the field of hearing aids,” she reports. “Patients have so many choices these days; these are not your grandfather’s huge hearing aids, the big bananas that sat behind the ear and made a lot of squealing noise. New hearing aids are extremely small, discreet and fully automatic. Some are even completely invisible and inserted into the ear canal, staying there for three months at a time, kind of like an extended-wear contact lens for the ear. The options really are limitless.” Audrey tested David’s hearing, identified the problem and fit him with state-of-the-art hearing aids. She says he was most excited about the Bluetooth® technology features included in his new hearing aids. EDITION 3 5 8 Minimally Invasive Spine Care West Florida Pain Management, P.A. Kyphoplasty for Vertebral Fractures Regenerative Orthopedic Institute Back in the Swing of Things Loren J. Miller, DPM Free to Run Again 8 9 10 11 South Florida Eye Clinic Eye Floaters? Coastal Jaw Surgery Same Day TeethTM Florida Interventional Specialists New Relief for Prostate Enlargement Mack Center: Cosmetic Surgery – Facial & Eyelid Keep Your Chin Up Find us online at: or on (see The Joy of Better Hearing, page 4) Page 2 | Pinellas Health Care News | Spring 2016 | South Pinellas County Edition Venous Disease, Varicose & Spider Veins Return to Top Form Treatment turns back the clock for patient with unsightly vein disease. O collapsed and are eventually absorbed by the body. EVLA is done right in my office using local anesthesia, just like at the dentist’s office.” A second technique used on both of Lara’s legs was ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (UGS). Sclerotherapy uses a specialized solution that is injected into the more superficial veins to make them close. With UGS, Dr. Bowers uses ultrasound imaging to view even the smallest branches of the veins to be treated. It, too, is performed in the surgeon’s office. Dr. Bowers performed a third procedure on Lara’s right leg to remove a diseased vein. It is called phlebectomy, and it also can be performed in the comfort of the surgeon’s office. Phlebectomy removes problem veins through a series of very tiny incisions that heal with little to no evidence left on the surface of the skin. The incisions are so small, they are closed with steri-strips™, no stitches are required. “These and other minimally invasive vein procedures are less traumatic than vein stripping, require little to no downtime and are virtually pain free,” observes Dr. Bowers. “Most patients are back to work and normal activities the same day. “There’s another benefit to choosing a center like Bowers Vein Institute that is dedicated to the treatment of vein disorders. Our services are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare.” riginally from Upstate New York, Lara Mota always enjoyed the sunshine and warmer temperatures of her adopted Florida home. She liked to take advantage of the climate to walk outdoors for exercise, but it became more difficult to do over time. Lara knew it was because of the lack of circulation in her legs. They were both unattractive and uncomfortable . “I had a lot of very bad bumps (varicose veins) in my leg,” she describes. “I also had pain and cramps in both legs. If I walked a lot, they would start to ache. My feet and legs would swell, and my legs would feel very tired and fatigued. My right leg was worse. My leg with the bumps (varicose veins) would get really hot sometimes, like it was generating heat. It was not fun.” It was not pretty, either. Lara was embarrassed by the appearance of her legs and kept them hidden as much as possible. “I can’t even remember the last time I wore shorts,” she shares. Eventually, Lara realized she needed medical attention for her condition. She thought about her family history and noted her possible future if she continued to leave her legs untreated. “I finally decided to do something because my father always had bumps in his legs when I was growing up, and he just let it go,” explains Lara. “We almost lost him in July of this past year because he developed blood clots that got so massive and severe that he was hospitalized for more than a month. I decided it was time to do something with my own legs because I didn’t want them to turn out like my father’s.” Expertise and trust Once Lara decided to find a physician to care for her legs, she was determined to find one she could trust. She succeeded when she discovered William D. Bowers, MD, at the Bowers Vein Institute in Pinellas Park. Dr. Bowers is double board certified in surgery and in venous and lymphatic medicine. He performed vascular surgery for more than 25 years before dedicating his skills to treating only vein disorders. Dr. Bowers’ practice, Bowers Vein Institute, is devoted exclusively to helping patients with vein disease, including varicose veins, spider veins, restless legs and other forms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). At her first appointment, Lara was impressed by Dr. Bowers’ expertise and supportive manner. She felt reassured by his detailed description of her vein condition and his explanation of the proposed treatments. “Dr. Bowers was so sweet and nice, and I felt very comfortable with him,” says Lara. “I had actually gone to a different vein center last year, but I didn’t feel like I had Before After Smooth sailing “The bumps are gone! I’m absolutely amazed.” – Lara Mota gotten the attention that I did when I was with Dr. Bowers. “At the other place, they were trying to set up procedures without having me even meet the doctor. At Bowers Vein Institute, I had my ultrasound and the same day I was talking with Dr. Bowers, and he explained everything. I thought he was very thorough and knowledgeable, and he definitely put me at ease with what he was going to do.” Advanced techniques Prior to 2000, the only option available to treat varicose veins was a serious and painful procedure to surgically remove the diseased veins, called vein stripping. With this procedure, which is performed using general or local anesthetic, one or more incisions are made, usually in the groin or leg, through which the vein is pulled out from the body. “Today, a variety of minimally invasive procedures have been developed to treat venous insufficiency,” states Dr. Bowers. “I used three of these processes to address Lara’s specific vein condition. “First, I used a laser procedure called endovenous laser ablation or EVLA. With EVLA, a very thin laser fiber is guided through a tiny needle placed in the leg vein. Using laser energy, diseased veins are gently William D. Bowers, MD, FACS, RPVI, RPhS, earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in general surgery at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Dr. Bowers is the founder and medical director of the Bowers Vein Institute and has more than 25 years of experience in vascular and general surgery. He holds certifications from both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. Dr. Bowers practiced vascular and general surgery in Tennessee for more than 20 years before relocating to the Tampa Bay area. He now devotes his practice exclusively to the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease. For more information online, please visit www.BowersVein.com. Like so many patients, Lara is thrilled with the results of her procedures. She no longer feels any heaviness and fatigue in her legs. She is also free from the swelling and pain. “My legs feel much better, especially after he removed the vein in my right leg,” remarks Lara. “I haven’t had any night cramps at all, and I haven’t woken up with any charley horses.” Best of all, the appearance of her legs has improved tremendously since her treatments. Now, Lara is looking forward to the warmer weather when she can show off her now smooth and attractive legs to the world. “The bumps are gone!” she enthuses. “There’s not a bump there. I’m absolutely amazed. “This summer, I’ll be wearing shorts.” Dr. Bowers and his staff earned kudos from Lara, who felt they made her experience pleasant and comfortable. Her procedures were made that much easier thanks to the support she received from everyone at Bowers Vein Institute. “Everybody is awesome,” Lara comments. “Dr. Bowers is a very nice guy and he explains everything. The entire staff is just amazing. They really take good care of you. They comfort you. They make you feel so relaxed when you’re there. They’re all great people.” Lara is extremely pleased with how her legs look since Dr. Bowers worked his magic on them, but she’s also pretty happy with the freedom she has since the symptoms have disappeared. Without the cramps, pain and swelling in her legs, Lara is back to being fully active. “I do Jazzercise® and I do a lot of walking and a lot of working out,” she relates. “It all feels pretty good.” FHCN article by Patti DiPanfilo. Photos by Jordan Pysz. Before and after images courtesy of Bowers Vein Institute. Relief from Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) If you have varicose veins, spider veins or restless legs, you deser ve a highly experienced physician like William D. Bowers, MD, FACS, RPVI, RPhS, for diagnosis and treatment. CVI is a medical condition covered by insurance, including Medicare. Don’t delay! For a free consultation, call the Bowers Vein Institute at (727) 623-9999 or 1-800-VARICOSE. The Institute is located at 4900 95th Ave. N. in Pinellas Park. South Pinellas County Edition | Spring 2016 | Pinellas Health Care News | Page 3 Minimally Invasive Spine Care Kyphoplasty for Vertebral Fractures Refinements in treatment of compression fractures offer relief in less than an hour. O “ n January sixth of 2014, I fell against my dresser and hit the bottom of my spine,” recalls Jim Doyle. “I called my family physician, Dr. Michael Zimmer, who has been my doctor for the last eighteen years.” Dr. Zimmer suggested he alternate ice and heat to alleviate the pain. “They told me, Hot and cold, hot and cold, and it should heal,” he explains. “But I couldn’t do anything. I was in the chair most of the time, because it was very painful. When it didn’t get better, Dr. Zimmer sent me to Dr. Trimble.” Gerald E. Trimble, MD, is a board-certified pain management practitioner at Minimally Invasive Spine Care, with offices in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Although he was still in excruciating pain, Jim says the staff there helped him feel at ease right from the start. “The girl at the front desk was very, very helpful,” he reports, “and when I explained everything to the doctor and his nurse, he told me that he could take care of it.” Dr. Trimble referred Jim out for an MRI, which revealed a compression fracture. “There was a crack in the bottom of the spine,” he describes. “When you’re younger, it heals, but when you’re older, it won’t. So they had to fill in that crack.” About compression fractures Dr. Trimble observes that acute pain can be beneficial for a patient to some degree – it serves as a warning signal that a medical condition needs to be addressed. “Chronic pain, however, serves no purpose except to make a patient uncomfortable – even miserable,” he explains. “At Minimally Invasive Spine Care, we view chronic pain as a disease process, not merely a symptom that has to be tolerated as part of an underlying condition. The first objective is always to determine where the pain originates and then apply specific techniques to treat it. MI SC MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE CARE OFFERED BY THE DOCTORS AT WEST FLORIDA PAIN MANAGEMENT, P.A. GERALD E. TRIMBLE, MD SUSAN K. SAMLASKA, MD “We believe that the source of pain, the pain generator, should be identified, the underlying pain mechanism addressed and treatment scheduled accordingly. In each case,” he adds, “we approach pain relief with the least invasive methods available, with the goal of postponing – or even eliminating – the need for invasive surgery.” Dr. Trimble warns that a fracture in the spine can be an extremely painful, even dangerous, problem. “The bones in your spine are called vertebrae,” he reminds, “and if the thick block of bone at the front of a single vertebra fractures and collapses, we call that a vertebral compression fracture.” When a patient consults Dr. Trimble about back pain and the diagnosis is a vertebral compression fracture, the doctor will typically treat the fracture with conservative measures, such as a back brace or medication management. Find help for your pain Drs. Trimble and Samlaska welcome questions regarding the management of chronic pain. For information or a consultation, please call (727) 553-7313. Offices are located at 1831 N. Belcher Rd., Suite A2, in Clearwater and Bayfront Plaza, 603 7th St. South, Suite 320, in St. Petersburg. Jim Doyle “Vertebral fractures can sometimes be treated conservatively,” he explains, “because some will eventually heal on their own. With a patient whose symptoms are mild, or who is essentially asymptomatic, we can prescribe a back brace to postpone or even eliminate the need for additional treatment. “If the fracture continues to compress further, however – or if the patient is simply not improving – we don’t hesitate to recommend taking more aggressive action to alleviate the pain.” The kyphoplasty solution Newer technologies have enabled surgeons to provide a fast, effective solution to vertebral compression fractures, says Dr. Trimble. “We now offer an alternative called kyphoplasty, which is proving its value in three key areas – providing significant pain relief, stabilizing the fracture and reestablishing much of the lost vertebral body height. In the event that the patient has an acute fracture on top of an old fracture, that can often be treated with kyphoplasty as well.” Kyphoplasty is actually a refinement of a procedure called vertebroplasty, but offers additional advantages: during the procedure, the insertion of a balloon into the fractured vertebra elevates the compressed bone, helping to return the spine to a more natural position. The newly created space allows for the injection of fast-drying bone cement, which helps achieve the correction in the deformity of the vertebra. “As we inflate the balloon, we can often reproduce much of the height in the bone,” describes Dr. Trimble. “The other advantage to the balloon is that it pushes the healthy bone to the periphery, leaving a cavity which can then be filled with bone cement.” The doctor adds that the kyphoplasty procedure contrasts favorably with its predecessor, vertebroplasty: “Vertebroplasty is an injection of cement without inflating a balloon into the area first,” he clarifies. “It doesn’t attempt to correct the deformity. Secondly, the vertebroplasty procedure requires us to put slightly more pressure on the cement in order to get it between the cracks of the fracture. Consequently, I prefer the kyphoplasty procedure to vertebroplasty. “The bone cement hardens quickly, stabilizing the fracture,” continues Dr. Trimble, “and the stability from the cement offers significant pain relief for the patient – usually within hours of the procedure or even sooner. We are happy to offer this fast, effective treatment to our patients.” “No pain whatsoever” Jim’s progress has been significant, although it took some time due to the fact that he had been down for months before getting the kyphoplasty treatment. “I still kind of wiggled after walking for six months with a cane,” he explains. “I started to walk without it, and I’ve been walking around with no assistance at all ever since. I do have a rolling walker if I need to get up in the “I’ve been walking around with no assistance at all,” says Jim after successful treatment for a vertebral compression fracture. middle of the night. I’m being careful, and I haven’t had any more falls, and I have no pain whatsoever.” He thanks Dr. Trimble and his staff for all their care and concern. “They’re all super,” assures Jim, “from the girl who greets you and gives you the clipboard to fill in your information, to the girl at the switchboard. The nurse is out of this world and the doctor is wonderful. It’s been very, very good.” FHCN staff article. FHCN file photo. Tried Physical Therapy or Chiropractic, but Still Hurting? “If conser vative treatment or even surgery has failed to relieve your pain, our procedures may be able to help you,” says Dr. Trimble. “We encourage patients who have tried these other measures to give us a call to schedule a consultation.” Gerald E. Trimble, MD, is board certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology, specializing in pain management. After receiving his medical degree from the University of South Florida College of Medicine, he completed a transitional internship at Michigan State University and Edward W. Sparrow Hospital and a residency in anesthesiology at the University of South Florida, where he served as chief resident and was awarded a fellowship in pain management. Dr. Trimble was awarded a certificate of additional qualification in pain management by the American Board of Anesthesiology, the only pain management certification recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiologists, and a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Florida Society of Anesthesiologists and American Society of Regional Anesthesia, and has published and lectured on numerous pain management topics. Susan K. Samlaska, MD, is board certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology, specializing in pain management. After receiving her medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, she completed a transitional internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Milwaukee and a residency in anesthesiology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Dr. Samlaska was awarded a pain management fellowship from the Chronic Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation. For more information, please visit www.westflpainmanagement.com. Page 4 | Pinellas Health Care News | Spring 2016 | South Pinellas County Edition Hearing Solutions The Joy of Better Hearing (continued from page 1) “David was so enthusiastic about the leading-edge technology,” Audrey says. “I explained to him that we have designs with endless wireless features. You can connect your hearing devices wirelessly to your iPad® or tablet of any sort, any kind of cell phone, including smartphones; your landline phone, your television or your ycomputer. Everything wirelessly connects via Bluetooth technology. I was so happy he was open to everything and wanted to take full advantage of all the options available.” “The technology really is amazing,” David agrees. “I’m able to watch early-morning television news through the hearing aids with the television speakers silenced, so as not to disturb family and guests. I can literally have the news playing directly through my hearing aids! Now, if my wife and I are watching television, I can choose my preferred volume directly through my hearing aids while she listens at normal sound levels. It’s truly fabulous.” Audrey says in addition to receiving Bluetooth signals directly from the television, David’s hearing aids also allow him to take his cell phone calls through his hearing aids, which delights him. “The benefits of the new advancements really amaze patients when they come in,” 215 Bullard Parkway Temple Terrace, FL 33617 (813) 989-1330 Spring 2016 she reports. “More than anything else, I think the most impressive aspect of the improved devices is the incredible intelligence they have in being able to determine what is noise and what is speech, which helps immensely with getting sound levels right. I’m just so happy to offer all of these options to my patients.” Barry P. Levine Executive Publisher Gina L. d’Angelo CFO/HR Manager Judy Wade Editorial Manager Michelle Brooks Creative Director Brian Levine New hearing, new life Thanks to his new hearing aids, David says his quality of life has improved substantially. “My wife, Sarah, is so happy to talk to me without having to yell! Since she is the one who identified the problem, I am thankful she is no longer frustrated by it. My whole life has been improved, really. I am enjoying so many activities with a newfound joy. I’m traveling, bicycling, improving my physical fitness at the YMCA, all with such greater fulfillment,” he says. “I recently retired from my medical practice, and I often tell people, I’m busier now than when I was working. It’s great to be able to hear everything so clearly now, and live my retired life to the fullest.” Audrey says she noticed an immediate improvement in David as soon as he was fit with his hearing aids, and she adds that this is a common occurrence among her patients. “I see great differences, even Pinellas Health Care News Project Coordinator Patti DiPanfilo Susan Hemmingway Editorial Staff Laura Engel Production Assistant Nerissa Johnson Graphic Designer David can listen to the TV through the Bluetooth technology of his hearing aids, while his wife, Sarah, enjoys peace and quiet. between when they come into the office and when they leave the office with their new hearing aids on their ears. It can be as simple as how they carry themselves or how much more smiley and jovial they are as they’re making their next appointment. Sometimes, I really can’t believe it’s the same person coming in and going out.” David has nothing but good things to say about the treatment he received from Audrey and the team at Sound Advice Hearing Solutions. “Working with Sound Advice for years prior to receiving my own hearing aids taught me a lot about the values of their practice,” he shares. “They genuinely care about everyone who comes into their office. In my experience, they never failed to successfully treat any of our shared patients. They’re sharp practitioners, and they really know what they’re doing.” His thoughts about Audrey’s personality and competence are most complimentary. “As for Audrey, she is extremely confident, always cheerful and available, and she was so good at understanding my particular needs,” he continues. “I became an ear, nose and throat doctor because I wanted to preserve the senses. I get the feeling that Audrey feels the same way about her craft, and that’s why I respect her so much. You can tell she really cares about what she does and takes pride in restoring hearing to her patients. My life is definitely better for having gone to Sound Advice Hearing Solutions.” FHCN article by Susan Hemmingway. Photos by Jordan Pysz. Nerissa Johnson Jordan Pysz Photography Steve Turk Vincent Ortiz Dennis Mazanec Distribution Contributing Editors Sound Advice Hearing Solutions Hearing Solutions Bowers Vein Institute Venous Disease, Varicose & Spider Veins Minimally Invasive Spine Care West Florida Pain Management, P.A. Minimally Invasive Spine Care Regenerative Orthopedic Institute Stem Cell Therapy/ Pain Management Pasadena Eye Center Ophthalmology and Optometry Loren J. Miller, DPM Podiatric Surgery South Florida Eye Clinic Ophthalmology Coastal Jaw Surgery Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Florida Interventional Specialists Interventional Radiology Audrey Hawley, HAS, BC-HIS, is a licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist. She completed her studies through the International Institute for Hearing Instruments Studies. She is Nationally Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences. Audrey is a member of the Florida Society of Hearing Healthcare Professionals and the International Hearing Society. Call or visit for a free hearing test! The friendly staff members at Sound Advice Hearing Solutions welcome you to call or stop by anytime. They’ll answer your questions and give you resources for learning about the many invisible hearing solutions available. Ask about upcoming seminar dates, or inquire about a convenient, complimentary appointment. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, Sound Advice Hearing Solutions is available to serve you at one of these locations: 3173 4th St. N. in St. Petersburg, (727) 822-2132, and 861 West Bay Drive in Largo, (727) 518-1111. Don Hawley, MS-Eng, HAS, BC-HIS, is a licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist. He completed his studies through the International Institute for Hearing Instruments Studies. He is Nationally Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences. Don is a member of the Florida Society of Hearing Healthcare Professionals and the International Hearing Society. Kelly Breese, AUD, F-AAA, CCC-A, is an Audiologist. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Florida and attained a doctorate of audiology at the University of Arizona. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and member of the Florida Academy of Audiology. Kelly serves as a member of the board of directors for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services of Florida and also is qualified in American Sign Language. For more information, please visit www.soundadviceflorida.com. Mack Center: Cosmetic Surgery – Facial & Eyelid Facial Cosmetic/ Oculoplastic Surgery Infinity Medical Institute Bio-Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy Pinellas Health Care News is published by Florida Health Care News, Inc. Florida Health Care News, Inc., reserves the right to decline any advertising/marketing article. Pinellas Health Care News is provided for information only and should not be construed as health care advice or instruction. If you have questions concerning articles in this edition, feel free to call our contributing editors. Pinellas Health Care News provides a paid forum for health care professionals to present their ideas about various aspects of health care treatment and procedures. Florida Health Care News, Inc. is not responsible for the health care delivered by the contributing editors presented in this edition. Articles reflect the opinion of the sponsoring professional or organization and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of other contributing editors. Contributing editors have approved all text contained within their respective articles. © 2016 Florida Health Care News, Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication, including articles, may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. FOR ALL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS HAVING ARTICLES IN THIS PUBLICATION: THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF, AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO, THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR A FREE, DISCOUNTED OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT. South Pinellas County Edition | Spring 2016 | Pinellas Health Care News | Page 5 Stem Cell Therapy/Pain Management Back in the Swing of Things Stem cell therapy regenerates aching knee joints. W hen he’s not playing the top courses, golf pro Joe Blanc spends hours instructing his students in the finer points of the game. He’s a traveling pro who spends most of his time teaching the game up and down the east coast of Florida. Joe’s position is demanding of both his skills and his body. Not only does it require traveling, it also requires strength and stamina. “I teach golf for National Golf Schools,” he relates. “These are not one-hour golf lessons. They are usually three-day, eight- to nine-hour, very intense, boot camp-type golf lessons. They’re also known as resort lessons.” He loves his job, but those long hours on his feet put a great strain on his legs and, especially, his knees. Soon, kneeling down to line up a putt became more and more difficult. Pain and stiffness in his knees began to interfere in other areas of his life as well. “I’d say about ten years ago, I felt my knees start acting up,” shares Joe. “Just a little tightness and soreness at first, and then over the past five years, it got bad enough that I quit in-line skating. I was constantly wearing braces and living on ice packs and Aleve®.” Joe’s remedies did help him manage, Joe no longer needs knee braces, ice packs and pain relievers to spend the day on the golf course. but he knew he was just masking the pain, which he rated an eight on a scale of one to ten. His bigger concern was how the changes in his knees were affecting his activities, especially those related to his livelihood. “It was debilitating,” states Joe. “I was representing the Putter Company, which I loved, but I had to give that up because my legs couldn’t take the eight hours on demo days.” With that, Joe had had enough. He wasn’t interested in any type of surgery on his knees, but he knew he had another option because a neighbor had been to Erick A. Grana, MD, of Regenerative Orthopedic Institute in Tampa. Dr. Grana offers leading-edge treatments for joint conditions using the patient’s own stem cells to regenerate tissue and heal injuries. “One of my neighbors recommended Regenerative Orthopedic Institute,” says Joe. “He had the procedure with the stem cells done, and I followed his progress, which impressed me. That’s what led me to Dr. Grana.” Skip the surgery The knee problems faced by Joe are commonly seen at Regenerative Orthopedic Institute. Dr. Grana and his staff have extensive experience treating them, as well as treating other joint issues. “In Joe’s case, he is a professional golf instructor, and he was having a difficult time playing golf,” explains Dr. Grana. “He came to us with complaints of knee pain that was interfering with his activities. He wanted to avoid surgery.” ERICK A. GRANA, MD Pain, blood loss and scarring are associated with invasive surgery, so many patients with joint issues seek to avoid this. There is a revolutionary technology today that gives patients like Joe the chance to avoid taking on the risks of a surgical procedure. “There are other options now that can be offered to osteoarthritis patients, especially before they get to the stage where they need joint replacement,” informs Dr. Grana. “Not only can we relieve the pain, but we can also reverse some of the damage that happens from osteoarthritis. This is accomplished by regenerating the cartilage and connective tissues in and around the joint area. “Regenerative medicine treats diseases and injuries by harnessing the body’s own healing powers,” continues the doctor. “The natural healing process is accelerated by a combination of growth factors and bioactive cells, resulting in a safe, effective, nonsurgical treatment.” Dr. Grana has developed a system for the delivery of stem cells, platelet-rich plasma and growth factors into the pain generators in and around joints, such as shoulders and knees. This treatment is called RegenaJoint. He has also developed a system to treat the spine in a similar manner using fluoroscopic, or live x-ray, guidance, a process called RegenaSpine. These treatments restore function and improve quality of life, enabling patients to avoid surgery and reduce, or eliminate, the need for narcotic medications. “They work especially well for those people who have moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis and have been told they need surgery,” states Dr. Grana. “This is a great way to avoid surgery, whether it is a meniscus repair procedure or even knee or hip replacement, because these treatments work.” Procedure plus RegenaJoint and RegenaSpine use stem cells from the patient’s own body, called autologous cells, to regenerate cartilage and connective tissue in joints, spinal discs, tendons and ligaments. When combined with concentrated platelets and growth factors, the stem cells become a powerful repairing mechanism for aching backs and painful joints. Don’t Operate, Regenerate For more information, or to schedule a consultation, please call (813) 868-1659. Regenerative Orthopedic Institute is located at 8011 North Himes Avenue, Ste. 3, in Tampa. “We extract stem cells from bone marrow or fat and platelet-rich plasma from the patient’s own blood to use in the problem areas,” Dr. Grana explains. “We perform RegenaJoint by placing injections into the knee joint and ligaments surrounding the knee; the ligaments around the shoulder and inside the shoulder joint; or into the hip joint area. If the problem is in the back, the RegenaSpine procedure can be performed on the discs, facet joints and ligaments of the spine.” The main culprit in many of the joint complaints patients bring to Regenerative Orthopedic Institute is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of the joint that happens over time. It is a mechanical as well as a chemical disease, where harmful chemicals inside the joints prevent them from repairing themselves. “Within three minutes, RegenaJoint reduces chronic inflammation,” he educates. “It restores the normal chemistry of the knee joint so there’s balance again, allowing regeneration that can heal the wear and tear occurring inside the joint. At the same time, it can repair some of the damage that has occurred previously. “With treatment, patients usually have three goals: first, to get their pain relieved; second, to resume former activities that they were not able to do because of their arthritis; and third, to avoid surgery. These are the main goals that most patients want to achieve, and Joe achieved all three of them.” Amazing relief A huge advantage of regenerative therapy over surgery is the quick recovery and return to activities. It also requires no rehabilitation after treatment. “Six weeks after treatment, I was on my feet for nine hours a day because I give lectures for group classes from eight in the morning until eight at night,” reports Joe. “I was on my feet teaching and going up and down the hills of North Carolina. Not once did I take a pain reliever. No ice packs. No braces. “My golf game is back to where it was. I’m not worried about twisting. I’m not worried about pain afterward.” The personalized patient care he received from the doctor and staff at Regenerative Orthopedic Institute also impressed Joe, and he’s happy to pass along the news. “If you ask Dr. Grana a question, you’re going to get an answer and you’re going to get a good answer,” he states. “I think he has a nice personality, and to me that’s critical. The staff is very helpful. They are always on time, and they make sure that everything works out well. “I would recommend them to anybody.” FHCN article by Patti DiPanfilo. FHCN file photo. Erick A. Grana, MD, is a diplomate of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine, with subspecialty certification in pain medicine. After he received his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, he completed his internship and residency at the university’s hospital and was subsequently awarded a fellowship from the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle. Dr. Grana is a former assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and a member the American Medical Association, the International Spinal Injection Society and the Florida Academy of Pain Medicine. Visit Regenerative Orthopedic Institute on the web at www.dontoperate.com. Page 6 | Pinellas Health Care News | Spring 2016 | South Pinellas County Edition Customized Cat As a teacher, Karol is grateful to no longer have a need to wear eyeglasses. K Ophthalmology Cataract surgery can be customized to the p arol Gotte was prescribed her first pair of eyeglasses in the third grade and remembers the experience like it was yesterday. “They were awful!” she bemoans. “They were very thick, like Coke® bottles! I just really hated them.” In high school, Karol was thrilled with the idea of contact lenses and maintained those through her college years until her eyes decided they had had enough. “I developed astigmatism and suddenly the contacts just no longer wanted to cooperate,” Karol explains. “I could not wear them for long periods of time without my eyes becoming irritated. My only option was to go back to wearing eyeglasses, and there was just no way I wanted to do that. That’s when I decided to have LASIK [laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis] surgery.” In her search for an experienced surgeon, Karol was referred to David E. Hall, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist at Pasadena Eye Center. That was in 1998, and she’s been a patient there ever since. “I’ve been a school teacher for over thirty years, so I know a lot of people, and everyone I know seemed to recommend Dr. Hall, so I felt really good about going to him,” Karol shares. “He just made me feel at ease and comfortable from the moment I met him.” On the day of the LASIK procedure, patients receive eye drop anesthesia to numb the eyes. Then, a specialized The doctors and staff are dedicated to providing the highest quality eye care to patients, along with the latest advancements in ophthalmology. Services: • Complete eye exams • Personalized glaucoma care • Bladeless cataract surgery • SLT & ECP laser treatments for with implant lenses and glaucoma astigmatism correction • Contact lenses • TECNIS® • Full-service optical shop with • ReSTOR® custom fittings and digital lenses • Alcon® AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL Pasadena Surgery Center is a state-of-the-art facility, conveniently located in St. Petersburg, offering excellent patient care in a comfortable setting. The facility utilizes new, top-of-the-line equipment to perform surgical procedures. David E. Hall, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist. He graduated from the University of Mississippi and received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. He completed his internship at Erlanger Hospital and his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Tennessee. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of the Florida Medical Association, Pinellas County Medical Society, American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons. He is also on staff at Palms of Pasadena Hospital and Pasadena Surgery Center. instrument called a microkeratome is used to lay back a flap on the corneal surface, allowing the laser to reach the underlying corneal tissue. Careful measurements from an eye exam are used to guide pulses of cool laser light, reshaping the tissue and changing the way the cornea transmits light and focuses it on the retina. “I had the LASIK surgery done on my birthday in 1998 and within twenty-four hours, I was out with my husband at the mall Christmas shopping,” Karol remembers. “That is how fast the recovery was.” “At that time, LASIK was an amazing breakthrough in refractive surgery,” describes Dr. Hall. “As a result, patients see clearly immediately following the procedure and have no further need for glasses.” Karol’s vision was crystal clear, she says, until a cataract developed in her right eye in 2004 and then in her left eye just recently. “Back when I had the LASIK, he adjusted the right eye for distance and left eye for reading. So, I really did not notice when the right eye started to develop the cataract back in 2004. The left eye was the one where I really noticed a change when I was reading, especially when it came to trying to grade papers and do my job. It was very, very cloudy. And I always thought it was odd that they developed so far apart, but Dr. Hall assured me it happens a lot.” “Cataracts are going to develop in all of us at one point or another,” Dr. Hall assures. “We are all prone to them, but I want to stress that cataracts can be removed easily, even after someone has undergone eye surgery, like LASIK. The procedure itself may be different, but the results are always the same.” With Karol, because of the change in the shape of her eyes following the LASIK, Dr. Hall chose to proceed with traditional surgery. In traditional cataract surgery, surgeons use a hand-held metal or diamond blade to create an incision in the area near the cornea. Then, the cataract, which is located just behind the pupil, is broken up and removed. Next, an intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted and implanted to replace the cloudy, natural lens. “Without the laser being used, the procedure takes a bit longer and requires a lot more precision,” Dr. Hall says. “Because of the prior LASIK surgery, the shape of the eye does change a bit, so there are specific adjustments made when calculating the kind of implant lens to use in order to achieve maximum results. We don’t typically make the same adjustments in an eye that has never had surgery before.” Pasadena Eye Center for three decades. In fact, she’s been a patient longer than Dr. Hall has practiced there. She says she would never entrust her eyecare anywhere else. “I’ve worn glasses since I was a teenager, and once I moved to this area, I started going to Pasadena Eye Center,” she relays. “I was going there even before Dr. Hall joined the practice. They are experts in the field, DAVID E. H especially Dr. Hall, NATHAN R. and they do everything DENNIS C. R so effortlessly.” In her spare time, Kathleen keeps busy dabbling in painting and cross-stitching. Prior to cataract surgery, she says she had a difficult time threading the needles and choosing the proper paint colors. “I like to keep busy and those are two of the crafts I really enjoy,” she says. “It can be frustrating when you want to do something but you can’t because you can’t see clearly enough. I could not wait to get the cataracts removed once and for all.” Kathleen says over the years, her eyesight grew worse. In fact, her glasses were the first thing she reached for when she rolled out of bed each morning. “I went from only needing them for reading to needing them all the time,” she recalls. “Then, of course, as I aged, cataracts developed. They got so bad that even the paint on the walls looked like a different color than it actually was. So, it was then that I knew I needed them removed. And I was also really happy to hear about the femtosecond laser Dr. Hall uses. It sounded scary, but wasn’t.” Laser-assisted technology Dr. Hall says the staff at Pasadena Eye Center is thrilled to be able to offer patients, like Kathleen, the femtosecond laser technology. “With the femtosecond laser-assisted tool, a laser makes the incisions, both at the surface of the eye and inside the eye, and it Patients for decades Kathleen Dusil has been a patient at Nathan R. Emery, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist. He completed his undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, before serving a two-year mission in England. Upon his return to the United States, he completed his medical degree at the Chicago Medical School in Illinois. He served his internship at Resurrection Medical Center, Chicago, and completed his residency at the University of South Florida, Tampa. Dr. Emery is a diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of the Pinellas County Medical Society, American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons. He is on staff at Palms of Pasadena Hospital and Pasadena Surgery Center. Please visit Pasadena Eye Center on the and South Pinellas County Edition | Spring 2016 | Pinellas Health Care News | Page 7 Optometry taract Removal Kathleen can do her stitching much easier now. patient’s needs, even after LASIK™ surgery. is always a precise, flawless cut,” Dr. Hall explains. “It is computer generated; therefore, it is exact and there is no chance of errors. The cut made by the laser is sharp and exact. The laser divides the cataract into segments that are then removed. And the surgery is performed much more quickly and accurately with the femtosecond laser. As a result, it more accurately treats HALL, MD patients with astigmaEMERY, MD tism, like Kathleen. RYCZEK, OD Her astigmatism was totally eliminated after this surgery. Overall, the femtosecond laser leaves patients with sharper vision and less dependence on glasses in the future.” Lens options Dr. Hall reiterates that it is routine for patients to have IOL implants after cataract removal. “Based on the health of the eye and factors determined in the exam, we’ll decide which lenses to use and discuss lens and surgical options with the patient. In today’s market, we have many options to choose from that will suit the needs and long-term goals of the individual.” Monofocal lens: These lenses are the most commonly implanted lenses today. They have equal power in all regions of the lens and can provide high-quality distance vision, usually with only a light pair of spectacles. Monofocal lenses are in sharpest focus at only one distance. They do not correct pre-existing astigmatism, a result of irregular corneal shape that can distort vision at all distances. This does not make the surgery more risky. People with significant astigmatism require corrective lenses to have the sharpest vision at all distances. Patients who have monofocal intraocular lenses implanted usually require reading glasses. Multifocal lens: Multifocal intraocular lenses are one of the latest advancements in lens technology. These lenses have a variety of regions with different powers that allow some individuals to see at distance, intermediate and near ranges. While promising, multifocal lenses are not for everyone. They can cause significantly more glare than monofocal or toric lenses. Multifocal lenses cannot correct astigmatism, and some patients still require glasses or contact lenses to achieve the clearest vision. Toric lens: Toric lenses have more power in one specific region in the lens to correct astigmatism as well as distance vision. Due to the difference in lens power in different areas, the correction of astigmatism with a toric lens requires that the lens be positioned in a very specific configuration. While toric lenses can improve distance vision and astigmatism, the patient still will require corrective lenses for all near tasks, such as reading or writing. A clear choice Karol says the cataract surgery was “a piece of cake” and would recommend it to anyone. “I went in around seven in the morning, and I was sitting in a restaurant by ten-thirty, having breakfast with a friend,” she recalls. “That’s how fast it was. And it was so easy – nothing to worry about at all. And the results are well worth it.” Karol says the fact that so many people referred her to Dr. Hall was a sign that she had to go see him and not another ophthalmologist. “With so many people singing his praises, I had to give him a chance, and I am glad I did. He’s fantastic, the staff is great and the experience was wonderful!” Kathleen says her experience with cataract removal using the femtosecond laser was fast and easy. Now, she says her vision is so clear, it’s as if she were given a new set of eyes. “That waxy, yellowish coating that was on everything I looked at is gone, finally,” she says. “I can see to thread the needles, and I see colors much clearer now. It is truly amazing. The world looks so different.” FHCN article by Judy Wade. Photo by Jordan Pysz. FHCN file photo. What are cataracts? When cataracts develop, patients describe a variety of symptoms, including a loss in the vibrancy of colors or the need for frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions. It also becomes increasingly difficult to read, especially in low-light situations. As a cataract becomes more advanced, a decrease in clarity of vision, not fully correctable with glasses, is noticed. In addition, there is a loss of contrast sensitivity, meaning shadows and color vision are less vivid. Cataracts occur when “protein clumping” clouds the eye’s lens to negatively affect vision. During traditional cataract surgery, an ultrasonic device is used to emulsify, or break up, the cloudy, natural lens. Once the broken-up material (cataract) is removed, an intraocular lens (IOL) is usually implanted into the eye to permanently correct vision. Cataract surgery generally takes less than 15 minutes to perform. Including preparation and post-op observation, the stay at the surgery center is about 90 minutes. The vision may be blurry for the first few days, but is nearly always much better within a few weeks. Annual, comprehensive, dilated eye examinations are recommended for anyone age 60 or older. Early-detection treatment for eye diseases such as cataracts may save your eyesight. Common symptoms of cataracts include: • • • • • • Blurry or cloudy vision Colors appear faded Glare, especially in regard to lighting such as headlights, lamps and sunlight Poor night vision Double vision or multiple images Changes in prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses Envision great results Dennis C. Ryczek, OD, is a Florida-certified optometrist. He attended St. Petersburg Junior College and the University of South Florida. He graduated summa cum laude with a doctorate in optometry from the University of Houston, TX, and completed his externship at Hermann Hospital, Houston. Dr. Ryczek has received extensive training in primary eye care, including pre- and postoperative care for cataract and refractive procedures. He currently serves as a Clinical Investigator for both Johnson & Johnson’s Vistakon Division and Bausch & Lomb and is a member of the American Optometric Association, Florida Optometric Association, Pinellas County Optometric Association and American Optometric Association’s contact lens section. web at www.pasadenaeyecenter.com. Pa s a d e n a E y e C e n t e r o f fe r s l e a d i n g - e d g e, comprehensive eye care. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call the office, located at 6950 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg, at (727) 343-3004. Pasadena Eye Center also offers the services of a top-rated optical shop, which can be reached directly by calling (727) 347-9648. Page 8 | Pinellas Health Care News | Spring 2016 | South Pinellas County Edition Free to Run Again G Podiatric Surgery Outpatient treatment relieves chronic bunion pain. abrielle Ringler is only 26 years old, but the bunion on her right big toe, possibly caused by years of ballet, was becoming more and more painful. “I like to run 5Ks, and even after a simple workout, I had to come home and really stretch out my foot,” she recalls. “I always thought it would get better, but I noticed it was just getting worse. So when it started causing me a lot of pain, I knew it was probably time to do something about it.” She decided to seek bunion removal surgery and consulted podiatrists on her insurance plan. In her search for a foot surgeon, Gabrielle was looking for a doctor she felt comfortable with and who would answer all her questions. She chose board-certified podiatrist Loren J. Miller, DPM. “I felt like I had Dr. Miller’s undivided attention. He made me feel very much at ease and was reassuring,” she notes. Treatment options “A bunion is usually a hereditary and progressive deformity. Shoes can aggravate it, they can make it worse, but typically shoes are not the cause,” says Dr. Miller. “Certain inherited characteristics of the foot are most likely to predispose a person to bunions, and those who have pronated, or flat, feet are particularly susceptible,” he explains. “When a person’s arch flattens out, the foot has a tendency to roll, or overpronate. The repetitive motion weakens the tendon that stabilizes the big toe, allowing the bone to drift and eventually causing bone enlargement and pain.” Although bunions tend to worsen over time, symptoms can begin at a young age like they did for Gabrielle, notes Dr. Miller. Special shoe inserts or spacers to control foot movement may resolve modest bunion discomfort or prevent further problems with asymptomatic bunions, the doctor continues. He also may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or suggest careful selection of accommodating footgear. “For patients who do not find longterm relief from these remedies, or for those, like Gabrielle, who have pronounced bunions, a surgical procedure performed in an outpatient setting is recommended,” says Dr. Miller. “Age is not the determining factor for seeking treatment, and the pain doesn’t need to be severe,” he adds. “If a bunion is bothersome, either with shoes or during certain activities, that’s an indication for having it corrected.” Dr. Miller uses an osteotomy (a surgical procedure whereby a bone is cut to shorten or lengthen it or to change its alignment) to realign the bones of the toe, securing the corrected position with a small, titanium screw. His advanced technique uses leading-edge instrumentation and fixation devices. In most instances, patients begin wearing soft, comfortable shoes within just two weeks, and return to wearing their favorite shoes soon thereafter. Running again Gabrielle’s surgery was “easy breezy,” she reports. “I think Dr. Miller is awesome. His staff is very thorough and nice, too.” Now that the bunion is removed, the pain she once felt is gone as well. She can wear dressy shoes for her job as a real estate agent. She can also run during her off-hours without discomfort. One of Gabrielle’s favorite pastimes is competing in 5ks that raise money for charities. “My foot is feeling awesome now,” she enthuses. “I wore my first pair of heels on the day I got a new job.” FHCN article by Susan Hemmingway. Photo by Jordan Pysz. Gabrielle can wear dressy shoes again. LOREN J. MILLER, DPM 4167 5th Ave. North St. Petersburg (727) 321-3100 Loren J. Miller, DPM, is board certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, and is also a certified wound care specialist. He completed his undergraduate degree at Wayne State University, Detroit, and received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Dr. William Scholl School of Podiatric Medicine, Chicago. Dr. Miller completed a postgraduate residency in medical and surgical treatment of foot and ankle disorders at Wayne General & Podiatric Hospital, Orrville, OH, and the Foot Clinic of Youngstown, OH. He has additional training in ankle arthroscopy, endoscopic foot surgery and laser foot surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and a Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. Dr. Miller is a member of the American, Florida and Pinellas County Podiatric Medical Associations. He is affiliated with St. Anthony’s Hospital, St. Petersburg General Hospital, Bayfront Medical Center, Columbia Northside Medical Center and St. Anthony’s Physician’s Surgery Center. Ophthalmology Eye Floaters? E ye floaters − those tiny specks or strings that float into your field of vision periodically − can be concerning. Typically caused by age-related changes to the vitreous humor, the thick fluid inside the eye, eye floaters become more common with age. But can they cause blindness? SOUTH FLORIDA EYE CLINIC SCOTT L. GELLER, MD “By our usual definition, of course not,” says Scott Geller, MD, a boardcertified ophthalmologist at South Florida Eye Clinic in Fort Myers who has a special interest in the treatment of eye floaters. “But imagine if you only had one good eye. Imagine that the floater in it was so large that when it came across your field of vision, you could not even see the big E on the eye chart. Imagine if it were a car on the highway or a road Laser treatment for eye floaters is safe and effective. sign. By the statutory definition of legal word to more ophthalmologists that this blindness, that would qualify, if only for is a safe technique,” he explains. “And the short period of time the floater was even more than that, we need to educate in your field of vision.” ophthalmologists that in many instances, Patients with eye floaters of this size − eye floaters can disable. even if their vision is perfect − are actually “The current ophthalmic dogma is quite disabled, stresses Dr. Geller. “Most that an ophthalmologist will say, Well, I ophthalmologists don’t seem to under- have floaters; what are you complaining stand that when a patient is complaining about? So they write off the patient and of serious eye floaters, but their vision is tell them it will go away. In most cases, 20/20, they are actually having a real prob- this is true, but the patients that come to lem,” he says. “It’s not something that’s me have serious problems.” only in their mind.” When eye floaters are severe, some Dr. Geller should know: he is one ophthalmologists may offer a vitrectomy, of the most recognized eye floater laser the surgical removal of the gel where specialists in the United States and the floaters reside. However, this is rare around the world. because the operation has some serious “We have had patients come from drawbacks and complications, and it is all over the world to our facility in Fort an expensive, invasive procedure. However, the complication rate for Myers for treatment,” says Dr. Geller. laser treatment of eye “Many patients come floaters is very low. from countries where “ONE OF THE LEADING Furthermore, there is medicine is socialized, and there is a lack of EYE FLOATER FACILITIES no risk of infection with laser since there is no training and proper IN THE US” equipment. During the cutting with a scalpel. past twenty years, we www.vitreousfloaters.com Dr. Geller has have treated thousands treated many medof patients and have performed nearly ical doctors for their eye floaters as twenty thousand laser sessions.” well. “When other doctors and ophthalmologists come to you for their Master of floater treatment own problems, I would say that speaks Dr. Geller is a master of this treatment for itself. We love doing laser surmodality. He has trained doctors from gery on eye floaters, and love dealing Holland, Italy, the United States and with our patients on a personal basis.” Central America. “We need to spread the FHCN staff article. FHCN file photos. Scott L. Geller, MD, is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and Rush Medical College. While in medical school, he was awarded a student fellowship to study tropical medicine at a missionary hospital in India, and pursued additional studies at the famous Brompton Hospital in London, England. He interned at Presbyterian Hospital, Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, and completed his residency in ophthalmology at Sinai Hospital of Detroit, which was affiliated with Wayne State Medical School and Kresge Eye Institute. Dr. Geller was fellowship-trained in anterior segment and refractive surgery with Dr. William Myers of the Michigan Eye Institute. Dr. Geller is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and has presented papers on eye floater laser treatment at the International Congress of Ophthalmology, European Congress of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, European Congress of Ophthalmology and the Florida Society of Ophthalmology. For eye floater solutions... Call Dr. Geller at (239) 275-8222 or toll-free at (877) 371-3937. South Florida Eye Clinic is located at 4755 Summerlin Rd. in Fort Myers. www.vitreousfloaters.com Oral and South Pinellas County Edition | Spring 2016 | Pinellas Health Care News | Page 9 Maxillofacial Surgery Same Day Teeth ™ It took Coastal Jaw Surgery only one day to erase decades of dental embarrassment. F or years, Edward White had a secret. His mustache was more than a fashion accessory; it was also a cover-up. Decades ago, while serving his nation through the US Army, his teeth began deteriorating. Three of his top teeth had to be pulled and replaced with a denture while he was still just a young man. “So I grew my mustache long,” admits Edward. “I used it to cover my teeth so no one noticed.” Later, as a blue-collar father of three who also had to care for his mother, he had to work for the phone company six to seven days a week in order to pay the bills. Such a schedule and unselfish Edward is ecstatic to have a full mouth of teeth again. THE DOCTORS AT COASTAL JAW SURGERY are affiliated with five area hospitals and are members and officers of numerous professional organizations, including the Florida Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons; American and Florida Dental Societies of Anesthesiology; American, Florida, West Coast, West Pasco, Upper Pinellas, and Hernando County Dental Associations; Academy of Osseointegration; and American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Additionally, the doctors sponsor dental implant study clubs for the area’s general dentists. lifestyle made it difficult for him to find the time to sit in a dentist’s chair to have his teeth cleaned. Consequently, his bottom teeth began falling out as well and were also replaced with a denture. “It was terrible,” Edward says of the bottom denture. “The upper denture was easy to handle. It sat right and had the right suction so I was able to chew effectively. But when my bottom teeth had to come out and get replaced with a denture, everyone told me I would never be able to handle it. I laughed at them and said that I could – no problem. Well, let me tell you, they were right; I couldn’t handle it. “I’m not a foodie, the type of guy who needs to eat all day. I’m simple; I only eat when I need to. But even that was tough. Having to take my dentures in and out to eat just doesn’t cut the mustard.” The bottom denture was so bothersome that he often chose not to wear it, preferring to be seen toothless rather than deal with the discomfort. A mustache couldn’t hide the bottom of his mouth, nor did he care. He lived the next few decades showing off his missing teeth to the world. After a lifetime of putting others above himself – first his country and then his family – one of his daughters recently convinced him to finally do something for himself and get his teeth fixed. It was at Coastal Jaw Surgery that he received new teeth, and he did so in just one day. Same Day Teeth Michael A. Pikos, DDS, is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with Coastal Jaw Surgery on the west coast of Florida. Dr. Pikos is one of the world’s most respected clinicians and educators in the field of dental implantology. He is founder and CEO of the Pikos Implant Institute, where he has taught advanced grafting techniques to clinicians from all 50 states and 32 countries. Since 1983, he has placed more than 15,000 implants and performed thousands of hard- and soft-tissue grafting procedures. Dr. Pikos and his team provide surgical, restorative and laboratory protocols for full arch and full mouth reconstruction that include placement of implants and new teeth all in the same day. The Pikos Institute has trademarked the procedure Same Day Teeth. MICHAEL A. PIKOS, DDS G. THOMAS PEAK, DDS JOSÉ F. LÁZARO, DMD ANDRÉS E. GUERRA, DMD more than rebuilding a smile; they are also rebuilding self-confidence. Furthermore, Coastal Jaw Surgery believes they are doing more than improving patients’ appearances; they are improving their overall quality of life by making it easier for them to eat. “I’m enjoying the teeth,” declares Edward. “It’s the little things that most people take for granted that I am enjoying. For instance, who knew that eating a pizza could be so easy? Until I went to Dr. Pikos, I didn’t. I used to have to cut it into four squares to eat.” Edward’s new teeth don’t mean he is ready to shave off his mustache, though. “I’ve had it for forty-five years,” he says with a laugh. “I don’t think I could cut it off, but I am ready to cut it back a little bit. I can finally show off my smile.” FHCN staff article. FHCN file photo. 24 Graphics from istockphoto.com. This comprehensive approach begins with a complete diagnosis and treatment planning appointment featuring the use of 3D cone beam CT (CBCT) technology. The CBCT provides three-dimensional views that allow their surgical, restorative and laboratory teams to determine an appropriate diagnosis and customized treatment for each patient. In addition, the CBCT allows for evaluation of the quantity of bone that will anchor the dental implants as well as for precision placement of the dental implants. Finally, this unique protocol minimizes complications. “After Dr. Pikos performed all his tests, he said I was a good candidate for implants,” recalls Edward. He was also told that on the same day he received them, he could walk out with a mouth full of teeth. Such a process in one day did not seem possible to Edward. He was relieved to learn he was wrong. He hid his mouth for decades, but it took Dr. Pikos just one day to erase all of Edward’s insecurities. Improving lives The doctors of Coastal Jaw Surgery take pride in how they treat their patients, looking at each as a member of their extended family. They find the experience of providing a patient with a new smile to be one of the most rewarding of their jobs, knowing they are doing Improve your bite! Coastal Jaw Surgery, The Center for Dental Implants/Facial & Oral Reconstruction, welcomes calls regarding this article and other oral surgical topics. For a free brochure about dental implants or to schedule a consultation visit, please call any of their locations: 4372 Commercial Way, Ste. 4, in Spring Hill, phone (352) 596-6804 or (800) NEW-LOOK; 2711 Tampa Rd. in Palm Harbor, phone (727) 786-1631 or (800) NEWLOOK; or 8845 Hawbuck Street in Trinity, phone (727) 375-0469 or (800) NEW-LOOK. Download free reports at www.CoastalJaw.com. Call today for a complimentary consultation and a CT scan. See educational videos at www.CoastalJaw.com Facts You Need to Know about Dr. Pikos • High school class president and valedictorian • Summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa – The Ohio State University • Completed dental degree with honors from Ohio State College of Dentistry • Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon • Diplomate, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery • Diplomate, American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry • Diplomate, International Congress of Oral Implantologists • Has completed over 4,000 hours of continuing studies • Aaron Gershkoff Memorial Award for outstanding contributions in implant dentistry • Founded Coastal Jaw Surgery (1983) • Has placed more than 15,000 dental implants • First in Tampa Bay area to acquire cone beam computed tomography equipment • Founder of the Pikos Implant Institute • Has taught over 2,700 dentists – at least one from 35 different countries and each of the 50 United States – surgical techniques relating to dental implants, bone grafting and soft-tissue grafting • Named Dentistry Today Leader in continuing education 2008 – 2013 • Founder of Pinnacle Study Club in 1988 • Serves on the editorial board of Journal of Implant Dentistry and Case Reports in Dentistry • Scientific board member of Implant News Magazine • International educator and lecturer on dental implant reconstruction • Consultant for international surgical and regenerative technology-based companies • Adjunct Assistant Professor, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, and Nova Southeastern University School of Medicine; Courtesy Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Periodontics, University of Florida College of Dentistry; and Courtesy Assistant Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, University of Florida College of Dentistry • Named Health Care Hero by Tampa Bay Business Journal • Direct affiliation with Sheriff ’s Youth Ranch, Gulf Coast Dental Outreach and St. Jude’s Research Hospital • Advisor to the Board for the Shepherd Center of Tarpon Springs, Florida Page 10 | Pinellas Health Care News | Spring 2016 | South Pinellas County Edition Interventional Radiology New Relief for Prostate Enlargement A promising procedure that shrinks enlarged prostates offers a new treatment option for one of the most common health complaints of older men. The prostate is a male reproductive gland normally about the size of a walnut. It tends to grow larger, sometimes much larger, as men age. In fact, the condition occurs so frequently that more than half of all men are affected by an enlarged prostate by age 60. CLIFFORD R. DAVIS, MD SHAWN R. MEADER, MD Prostate enlargement, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is unlike prostate cancer in that it isn’t a malignancy. But for some men, it can have a strongly negative effect on their quality of life. “The most common issue that men start complaining about early on is needing to urinate frequently,” states Clifford R. Davis, MD, of Florida Interventional Specialists. “They may have to go five or six, maybe seven times during the day. When it really starts becoming an issue is when they wake up three or four times at night. At that point, it has been proven in sleep studies that deep REM sleep is interrupted, and men become sleep-deprived. “One of the things we always look at when evaluating patients is quality of life. If they’re having complications, such as urinary tract infections, or feeling tired all day from waking up so much, or experiencing frequent urination during the day or night, that’s when they need to seek treatment,” adds Dr. Davis. The trouble starts with how an enlarged prostate affects the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. The urethra passes through the prostate and is squeezed when the prostate grows. Not every man with an enlarged prostate is affected by symptoms, but for many, the urge to urinate becomes more frequent. At the same time, the condition can make it more difficult to fully empty the bladder. “Not being able to empty the bladder can lead to two things we’re really concerned about,” warns Dr. Davis. “It can injure the kidneys because they are constantly infected or not draining all Minimally invasive procedure requires only light sedation. the way. Sometimes, there is a sudden inability to urinate at all, which is called acute urinary retention. The urethra has become so tight that one day you wake up and it’s closed – this has to be treated as a medical emergency.” Prostate artery embolization Traditionally, enlarged prostates are treated with medications to relieve troublesome symptoms, or through surgery called transurethral resection of the prostate, or TURP. The surgery physically removes excess prostate tissue to create more space for the urethra. At Florida Interventional Specialists, Dr. Davis and Shawn R. Meader, MD, are now treating patients with a new, minimally invasive procedure called prostate artery embolization, or PAE. The outpatient procedure is performed in less than two hours while the patient is under light sedation. Microscopic particles are injected through a catheter into the arteries that supply blood to the prostate. This results in reduced blood flow, which causes the prostate to shrink. “The technique is similar to how uterine fibroid tumors are treated through embolization,” says Dr. Davis. “Tiny particles are injected into arteries that supply the uterus, resulting in shrinkage of the fibroid growths.” PAE Studies Recruiting Patients Interested in learning more about how to participate in studies now underway on prostate artery embolization? Contact patient coordinator Haydy Rojas at (813) 347-8695. PAE has been used to treat men in Europe and South America. Dr. Davis and Dr. Meader have traveled to Brazil to train with Francisco Carnevale, a medical professor in Sao Paulo who is one of the world’s leading experts on PAE. The procedure is now in the evaluation process needed for approval by the US Food and Drug Administration. Florida Interventional Specialists is part of a multi-site study in the United States currently underway to evaluate the procedure’s effectiveness. Dr. Davis is also leading another FDA-approved study on the procedure at Tampa General Hospital. The studies at Florida Interventional Specialists and Tampa General are being conducted in cooperation with USF Health Urology and Florida Urology Partners. As there are several diseases that can mimic the symptoms of BPH, including early prostate cancer, Dr. Davis always performs the procedure in cooperation with a local urologist to assure no other diseases are present which would not improve with the prostate embolization procedure. Urologists specialize in treatments of the lower urinary tract and offer tests that can differentiate disease. “Most men feel that if they have difficulty urinating, they just have an enlarged prostate but that is not always the case,” notes Dr. Davis. Patients are being recruited for both studies. “The patient coordinator for the studies can discuss the procedure and evaluation process in more detail and discuss criteria,” says the doctor. “We think PAE is going to offer a great alternative to traditional surgery,” he continues. “The promising aspects are that currently there have been no reports of associated erectile dysfunction or serious bleeding associated with PAE. Those are two major risk factors of traditional surgery.” Continued improvements Because PAE requires only light sedation, it’s safe for men with other significant health issues who aren’t able to undergo general anesthesia and therefore can’t have traditional surgery for prostate enlargement. “This is one of the big advantages of PAE over traditional surgery. We can perform PAE on patients who have heart disease, lung disease, cancer or other problems and need treatment for prostate enlargement just to improve their quality of life,” explains Dr. Davis. Another favorable difference is that PAE only requires a urinary catheter during the procedure itself. Patients who Clifford R. Davis, MD, earned his undergraduate degree at Virginia Polytechnic I nstitute and received his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. He completed his residency in diagnostic radiology and a fellowship in interventional radiology at the University of Florida. Dr. Davis is board certified by the American Board of Radiology and is an assistant professor of vascular and interventional radiology at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. For more information, please visit the Florida Interventional Specialists website at www.flinterventionalspecialists.com. undergo TURP may need a post-surgery catheter for one or more days. “With the PAE procedure, patients typically will notice a reduction in urinary symptoms after one to two weeks,” notes Dr. Davis. “Based on studies done outside the United States, symptoms will keep improving for three to six months as the prostate continues to shrink. “Having a new treatment option may help men who are just trying to live with symptoms as best they can instead of seeking a solution,” says Dr. Davis. “If you talk to men who are sixty and older, they all sit around and joke about how they have this condition,” he reports, adding that too often, men believe their only treatment alternatives are medications or traditional surgery. “They might try the medicine, then stop because of complications or side effects, but they decide not to have surgery because they don’t want to take the risk. “Based on research outside of the United States and our early findings with PAE, we think it’s going to give men a great option for finding relief from prostate enlargement.” FHCN article by Susan Hemmingway. Stock photo from istockphoto.com. Graphic courtesy of Florida Interventional Specialists. High-quality care on leading edge of medicine Florida Interventional Specialists specialize in minimally invasive procedures i n v a s c u l a r r a d i o l o g y, neurovascular endosurgery and interventional oncology. In addition to treating patients, FIS doctors are dedicated to the missions of medical research and teaching. They serve as faculty members of the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Department of Radiology. FIS is conveniently located in Tampa at Harbourside Medical Tower, 5 Tampa General Circle, Suite 820, which can be reached by calling (813) 844-4570. South Pinellas County Edition | Spring 2016 | Pinellas Health Care News | Page 11 Facial Cosmetic/Oculoplastic Surgery Keep Your Chin W orking as the front desk receptionist at a busy facial cosmetic surgery practice gives Erika Fieger a heads-up on breakthroughs in technology. Between her responsibilities of greeting patients, reviewing insurance, making appointments and assisting coworkers, she learns all she can about the exciting, new procedures and services offered by her employer, William P. Mack, MD, at the Mack Center in South Tampa. Melt double chin fat with this revolutionary nonsurgical treatment. Treatment time About KYBELLA Total treatment may require several sessions, but the sessions themselves are short. There’s no general anesthesia needed, minimal side effects and little to no downtime. “It’s a quick procedure,” confirms Erika. The procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes. After an evaluation, Dr. Mack determined how many treatment sessions it would take to effectively resolve Erika’s condition. Most patients, according to the surgeon, require two to four treatments spaced no less than a month apart. Erika notes the careful approach Dr. Mack took when treating her. “I thought he was great,” she states. “He explained the process to me and what was going to take place. He checked on me while he was injecting the KYBELLA to make sure I was comfortable. He checked on me that evening to see about my swelling, and he also checked up on me the following morning to make sure I wasn’t in any discomfort. “You are marked with a chart underneath your chin,” she describes. “Dr. Mack maps out where the KYBELLA will go, then he tells you as he’s injecting each spot, We’re injecting here, here. He asks periodically if you’re in any pain or discomfort.” “Discomfort is minimal, as is the post-procedure bruising and swelling,” adds Dr. Mack. “These are among the most common side effects of KYBELLA treatment, and they resolve quickly.” Erika agrees. She reports that her daily life was barely affected by having the procedure. “I was back to work the next day and doing my activities with no downtime at all,” she reports. “Submental fullness is a common condition that often goes untreated,” explains Dr. Mack. “It can make a person look older, and it can disrupt the balance of the face. Women and men of all ages can be affected by submental fullness, and it tends to be very resistant to diet and exercise.” Researchers have linked several factors to the development of a double chin, most notably aging and genetics. Whatever the cause, it leads to a great deal of stress in many people. According to a survey by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, nearly as many respondents were as bothered by double chin as by lines and wrinkles around the eyes. That’s one reason the release of KYBELLA was so timely. A treatment with KYBELLA consists of a series of tiny injections of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body. It helps the body break down and absorb fat. “KYBELLA is a type of drug called a cytolytic,” informs Dr. Mack. “When it is injected into tissue, it destroys the cell membranes. Therefore, when it is injected into the fat, the fat cells are destroyed. In this state, they can no longer store or accumulate fat, permanently eliminating the fat cells in the chin.” AFTER BEFORE Last summer, a groundbreaking procedure became available that hit Erika close to home. The procedure addressed an issue that had been nagging at her – her double chin. She tried diet and exercise to eliminate it, but to no avail. “I had a little bit of fat underneath my chin,” Erika shares. “It bothered me. I could see it in pictures. I wouldn’t say that everybody else would notice it, but I think you notice little things about yourself that make you feel self-conscious. “I tried to fix it, but it’s hard to get rid of it, even if you lose weight. It seems to be a problem area.” Then, in June 2015, a highly anticipated, new treatment for double chin became available called KYBELLA®. It is the first FDA-approved, nonsurgical treatment for the reduction of excess fat under the chin. “Prior to the release of KYBELLA, the only treatment for submental fat, or neck fullness, was liposuction with a facelift or a chin lift,” notes Dr. Mack, a board-certified ophthalmologist who is fellowship trained and specializes in oculoplastic and facial cosmetic surgery. Dr. Mack and his physician assistant, Loralee Koontz, MPAS, PA-C, provide the new treatment at the Mack Center. Providers must be trained on the safe use of KYBELLA and its FDA-approved indication – for chin fat only – to obtain and treat patients with this product. “It’s a great addition to the Mack Center,” observes Dr. Mack. “My physician assistant, Loralee Koontz and I can add it to our complete treatment of cosmetic patients, from skin care to BOTOX® Cosmetic and fillers and facial cosmetic surgeries. For appropriate candidates, we’re achieving great results.” With this new therapy available that addressed the nagging issue she’d long been battling, Erika’s interest was piqued. She opened up and made Dr. Mack and his clinical staff aware of just how interested she was. UP Visible results Many patients notice visible chin fat reduction in four to six weeks, but Erika saw a difference even sooner. Her double chin responded quickly to the treatment, and she couldn’t be happier. She is thrilled with what the first treatment achieved. “I’ve noticed a great difference in the fat going away since my first treatment,” says Erika. “I just had my second treatment, and I am very pleased with the results so far. There is already more definition in my chin from the first treatment. “I would say within a couple of weeks, I noticed changes. Then, probably at the one-month mark, between four to six weeks, I could really tell. There was a definition in my chin that hadn’t been there before. A tightening of the skin is also something that happens with KYBELLA.” That new definition has given Erika greater confidence. Now, when she looks at herself, she sees a smoothly contoured chin, and she’s thrilled. Even the people who never saw the problem have picked up on the change in her. “It’s gone,” she enthuses. “I’ve seen photos of myself and that little pouch of fat is no longer there. I’m not self-conscious about it anymore. “People have noticed that it’s no longer there.” Erika has a message for others in a similar situation, feeling down because of the way they look. She thinks this treatment could help them, too. “I would tell anybody who feels self-conscious about having a double chin that KYBELLA is something they would really appreciate having done. “I can’t be more pleased with the results I’ve had.” FHCN staff article. Photos by Jordan Pysz. Before and after images courtesy of Mack Center. To learn more about these and other facial cosmetic procedures/surgeries, please contact The Mack Center at (813) 875-5437 to schedule your private consultation. The Mack Center is located at 3109 W. Azeele St. in Tampa. William P. Mack, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist who received American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship training in eyelid and facial plastic surgery at the Albany Medical College in New York. Dr. Mack received his Bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University in Cleveland, where he graduated cum laude, and completed his medical degree at the University of South Florida, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Following medical school, Dr. Mack completed his internship and residency at the University of South Florida. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Florida Society of Ophthalmology, Tampa Bay Ophthalmological Society and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Loralee Koontz, MPAS, PA-C, earned her Bachelor of Science degree with honors in microbiology/cell science at the University of Florida, Gainesville, before completing her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at the same university. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) and the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants (FAPA). Loralee volunteers her time to the Junior League of Tampa. PLEASE VISIT WWW.MACKMD.COM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EXCELLENT RESULTS DR. MACK ACHIEVES IN COSMETIC OCULOPLASTIC AND FACIAL COSMETIC SURGERY. DR. MACK’S PATIENTS ARE PLEASED THAT HIS COSMETIC CONSULTATIONS ARE COMPLIMENTARY. Page 12 | Pinellas Health Care News | Spring 2016 | South Pinellas County Edition Bio-Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy A Better You Bio-natural hormone pellet therapy can help your overall health from the inside out. J uliana Daniel’s battle with endometriosis ended in 2008 when she underwent a full hysterectomy. Endometriosis is defined as a painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus – the endometrium – grows outside the walls of the uterus, causing severe pain and intense bleeding sometimes lasting for weeks, or months, at a time. “I went through a very difficult time prior to making the decision to have the hysterectomy,” Juliana recalls. “The endometriosis took a serious toll on my life and my body for months. I was in constant pain, and I would bleed for days on end. I would say it profoundly affected my quality of life. I was at peace with the decision I made to have the hysterectomy when I did. I really had no other choice.” Once the hysterectomy was complete, Juliana says her body went into full menopause, accompanied by the various symptoms that go along with it, including night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings and weight gain. “It’s very normal for the menopausal symptoms to kick in right away after the hysterectomy,” she explains. “So, as my luck would have it, I got rid of one problem and moved on to another.” Juliana says she tried a hormone patch at the time, but found the side effects to be too much. “I started having heart palpitations and decided that I wanted to find an all-natural alternative. I was tired of putting chemicals in my body.” Juliana says her menopausal symptoms suddenly returned in full force. “I had bad night sweats. I would turn the air conditioning way down, and my husband would come to bed wearing sweatpants, and he had three blankets on top of him,” she says with a laugh. “He would say, It feels like Alaska in here. When your situation starts affecting other members of the family, it is time to do something.” Juliana researched her options online and came across bio-natural L 3 pellet hormone replacement therapy offered at Infinity Medical Institute in South Tampa. After her initial consultation with Moriah R. Moffitt, MD, Infinity Medical Institute’s staff physician, Juliana decided to begin bio-natural L3 pellet hormone replacement therapy. “Dr. Moffitt was very informative. She explained everything to me about the pellet therapy,” Juliana says. “Once I started treatment, the results were almost immediate. Within a few days, I was feeling so much better. It was a world apart from what I felt like before I started.” Bio-natural hormones Through Infinity Medical Institute’s bio-natural L3 pellet hormone replacement therapy, patients can achieve consistent absorption of the proper, predictable levels of hormones their bodies require for optimum health through the simple insertion of a pellet approximately every three to five months. These bio-natural hormone pellets are made from wild yam plants, a natural plant material that is molecularly changed in structure and function for a 98 percent bio-identical match to the body’s own composition, whereas synthetic hormones can be as little as six to eight percent bio-identical. “Hormones affect everything, including our growth through childhood, our sexual development, our moods, how we break down our food, sleep patterns, stress, how much weight we gain – just about every function in the body, big and small,” Dr. Moffitt says. “They also play a role in many health conditions such as diabetes, an over- or underactive thyroid, osteoporosis, obesity, anxiety and depression.” The bio-natural L3 pellet hormone replacement therapy is the most natural and effective solution for hormone-related issues. “The body can never restore lost hormones again unless it is done endogenously, like we do here with the bio-natural L3 pellet therapy,” according to Michael Montemurro, president of Infinity Medical Institute. Michael emphasizes that patients appreciate the all-natural products used at Infinity Medical Institute. “Our bio-natural L3 pellet hormone therapy really helps to give us an edge as we provide patients with a product that is all-natural, and we stand behind it,” Michael says. “It’s the most effective hormone treatment on the market. It is felt to be extremely safe because it is replacing natural, normal hormones with biologically identical hormones that the body is used to seeing, rather than synthetic versions of the hormones.” A better you Dr. Moffitt and the staff at Infinity Medical Institute truly care about each patient and take the time to get to know the individual person they are treating. “Every patient is unique and we understand that,” she says. “We get to know the person and understand their lifestyle so that we can treat them appropriately.” Overall improved quality of life is a key factor for patients seeking hormone replacement therapy. “We see a transformation of our patients from the first time they come through the door and then throughout their treatment,” Dr. Moffitt relays. “Patients come in saying that they’re not feeling vibrant, energetic and they have other various symptoms. After treatment, they come back in and they’re smiling. They get that confidence back. We want our patients to look and feel good from the inside out.” Juliana says before she began her treatment at Infinity, her quality of life was gravely compromised. Now, she says she feels like a new person and is much more pleasant to live with. Look good, feel great The experienced staff at Infinity Medical Institute looks forward to working with you. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (813) 280-0833 for their location at 1715 N. Westshore Blvd., Suite 100, in Tampa. Moriah R. Moffitt, MD, is the staff physician at Infinity Medical Institute, Inc. Dr. Moffitt earned her medical degree from The Ohio State University, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. She also attended the University of South Florida Plastic Surgery Program. She has received board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery. For more information, please visit www.infinitymedicalinstitute.com. Juliana has a renewed energy and is back to living life again. “Everything I went through affected the people I love, so I wanted to make that right,” she explains. “I was tired all the time, to the point where I would dismiss it by telling myself I was just getting old, which was not true. “Today, I have increased energy, the mood swings are gone and the hot flashes are gone. Now, I leave the thermostat at seventy-five degrees, and it is comfortable for everyone. “I feel like I have returned to normal living,” she continues. “I take advantage of every minute of my days because sometimes, twenty-four hours is not enough to fit everything in.” She adds that she is grateful to Dr. Moffitt and everyone at Infinity Medical Institute for making such a difference in her life. “The impact this has had is really profound,” Juliana says. “I would highly recommend Infinity Medical Institute to anyone looking for hormone therapy that is all natural, with no chemicals included. It truly changed my life.” FHCN article by Judy Wade. Photos by Jordan Pysz. Additional services offered at Infinity Medical Institute T he practice has expanded i t s s e r v i ce s t o i n c l u d e : BOTOX® Cosmetic, VOLUMA®, JUVÉDERM®, weight loss programs such as hCG and PhenTabz™, exclusive PRP treatments such as the Vampire FaceLift®, Vampire Breast Lift®, Adi-Prep® adipose tissue transfer long term volumizers, the male ED Pria pus P-Shot® and the female O-Shot®, which corrects sexual dysfunction and incontinence. They also now accept CareCreditsm. “The O-Shot not only increases sensitivity for females to help them reach climax, but it also can reverse incontinence as well,” Michael explains. “It is a really remarkable product for women. The market has always had a multitude of products for male erectile dysfunction, but nothing for females to treat sexual dysfunction. Now, that has all changed with the O-Shot.” Additionally, the Adi-Prep FaceLift procedure delivers ten times the volume and longevity found with traditional fillers and is completely natural. “The women treated are seeing amazing, longlasting results, with fullness, volume and evenness,” he adds. “We are happy to now provide more options for our patients.”