Regional Medical Center | Thrive for Life | Spring 2018

11 rmccares.org IT IS ESTIMATED that more than 80 million Americans have varicose veins. Are you one of them? Find relief at Regional Medical Center (RMC)—just in time for your summer wardrobe! If you are living with a vein condition such as varicose veins, venous ulcers, or venous statis or insufficiency, there are a variety of treatment options for the pain and swelling in your legs and feet. Lifestyle changes—such as exercise, weight loss and leg elevation—can help too. But more permanent solutions can provide safe and effective pain relief and resolve aesthetic concerns as well. Keith Barrett, MD, with the RMC Physician Group, offers treatment services for varicose veins and other venous disorders. “Chronic vein conditions can lead to leg fatigue,” says Dr. Barrett. “If untreated, vein disorders can result in permanent skin discoloration or wounds and compromise your ability to participate in everyday activities.” Get a leg up Varicose veins be gone! To schedule an appointment with Dr. Barrett, call 256-235-8887 . For more information on vein disease, visit bit.ly/veinhealth-help . on vein disease Meet Keith Barrett, MD, general surgery Dr. Barrett is certified by and a Fellow of the American Board of Surgery. He earned his medical degree at Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. As a general surgeon, Dr. Barrett provides diagnosis and treatment for conditions affecting the abdomen, skin, breast and endocrine system, which includes the gallbladder, esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, liver and pancreas, among other organs. He also treats vein disorders, including varicose veins and other conditions. Who can benefit If you’re living with chronic swelling, fatigue, or soreness and pain in your legs or have visible varicose veins, leg wounds or ulcers, talk to your doctor. You may benefit from a procedure such as venous ablation, vein removal or injection therapy to reduce fatigue, improve energy and help heal chronic wounds. Treatment takes place in the physician’s office on an outpatient basis—from the initial screening ultrasound to completion. Usually done with local anesthesia, patients will have a very small single incision (2 millimeters in size) and very rarely require post-procedure pain medication. You won’t experience any significant “downtime” in recovery. “In fact, we ask patients to go for a long walk immediately after the procedure in order to improve outcomes,” adds Dr. Barrett. “The biggest surprise for most patients is how much better they feel afterwards. They often tell us they didn’t realize how bad they felt until the discomfort and fatigue stops post-procedure.” Keith Barrett, MD VASCULAR HEALTH