SBL Heart Center Patient Stories
Setting a New Pace
After a long struggle, Barb Quick now walks miles with ease after receiving life changing care at SBL Cardiovascular Services.
In May, the Sarah Bush Lincoln cardiology staff gave Effingham resident Barb Quick her stride back after suffering with vascular pain in her legs for nearly 40 years and undergoing nearly a dozen procedures to relieve it.
“The pain came out of nowhere [again] a few years ago, and it got increasingly worse last year,” Barb explained. In November of 2024, Barb saw SBL Advanced Practice Provider Cory Hess, APRN, who recommended that she see SBL Cardiologist Dean Katsamakis, DO, for intervention.
“I really wanted to find a solution, but I was a bit doubtful because almost 40 years of various treatments had not completely resolved my issues,” Barb said. “After the new year, the pain had worsened even more, so I knew I needed help.”
Dr. Katsamakis performed a venogram and diagnosed Barb in May with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and deep vein thrombosis. Peripheral vascular disease is a progressive circulation disorder caused by narrowing, spasming or blocked blood vessels. Deep vein thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the lower legs.
Dr. Katsamakis placed four stents in Barb’s legs and removed a clot she had not known about. “He told me I was lucky because my veins were very flat,” Barb said. “If I had waited, who knows if that clot could have progressed to something worse.”
While her recent issues are not necessarily related to past ones, Barb’s vascular problems have been a consistent source of pain and worry, and they have required many medical interventions.
“I have been through so much with my legs that I am extremely happy that Sarah Bush Lincoln was able to finally give me some reprieve,” Barb said. “I truly believe Dr. Katsamakis saved my life, and I am grateful to Cory Hess for helping me too.”
For more information about The Heart Center at Sarah Bush Lincoln, please call 217 238-4960.