Fearless Kristine

Socialization in The Villages is usually planned around food, but imagine being afraid to eat. One sip of soup or one bite of a sandwich was enough to send me to the floor writhing with stomach pain. At times I would vomit or have diarrhea. Not only were these episodes embarrassing for me and my friends, I also worried about how I would get home in such pain. I stopped going to dinners in fear of having an episode and this drastically affected my social life.

I spent four years trying to find out why I was instantly sick after each meal. It wasn’t until the past year that my gastroenterologist discovered my celiac and mesenteric arteries were blocked, so he referred me to Dr. Qamar at ICE. After a series of tests, including an ultrasound, Dr. Qamar confidently and reassuringly said, “We can fix this.” He confirmed that both arteries were blocked. There was no blood flow to my stomach, which prevented my stomach from digesting food.

Six to eight weeks after Dr. Qamar cleared the blockages, I found myself sitting down to lunch with the girls after a round of golf. I ordered a sandwich and was able to finish half of it without any pain. I know half a sandwich isn’t a lot to many people, but to me it was more than what I had been able to eat in a very long time… pain-free!

Dr. Justin Ferns and Dr. Anis Shahmiri Join the Team

The Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence (ICE) is proud to welcome two new additions to its team of healthcare providers. Justin Ferns, M.D., FACC, joins the cardiovascular team while Anis Shahmiri, M.D., joins the Institute of Medical Excellence, the primary and family medicine division of ICE. Both doctors will see patients in the new Summerfield office with Dr. Ferns also offering appointments in Ocala.

The Summerfield office now offers medical care from the Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence, the Institute of Medical Excellence, and The Limbstitute. By providing services under one roof, patients can expect a seamless continuum of care for whole body wellness with open communication between medical staff and practitioners.

New patients are welcome.

Ocala 4730 SW 49th Rd. 352.854.0681 Summerfield 10435 SE 170th Place 352.854.4582 limbstitute.com

The Villages 1950 Laurel Manor Dr. Building 240 352.509.9295

The Villages 8489 SE 165th Mulberry Ln. 352.259.7900

Williston 412 W. Noble Ave. 352.528.0790