Letter to Editor |Thank You to Those Who Saved My Life

— from Steve Henigson —

The day after Christmas, my appendix burst, and I was rushed into emergency surgery at Island Hospital. But that’s only half of the story.
When my wife, Jean, called 911 at 4 a.m., the EMT crew which showed up almost immediately included my old friend Patrick Shepler, who was now saving my life for a second time, and Jane, a doctor-in-training, who was capable, considerate, comforting, and very reassuring. There was also Jason Madieros, and another volunteer helper whose name I don’t remember.

They swiftly put me onto a fixed-wing med-flight from Friday Harbor. The Med-Evac flight was uneventful, although weather considerations caused us to land at Skagit Regional Airport. An ambulance whisked me from there into the Island Hospital emergency-room entrance. My dire case was quickly addressed by Dr. Potter, whom Patrick had strongly recommended. I was later told that the life-saving surgery was so successful that there had been dancing and singing in the OR, immediately afterward. (I wouldn’t know.)

In the process of saving my life, my entire abdomen had to be emptied of its contents, with my guts laying on a nearby table while the power-washing and vacuuming was going on. After an extensive clean-up, my internal parts were returned to their rightful places, as much as possible, my belly was stapled closed, and I was sent to recover in a nice room with a lovely view.

I cannot say enough, in praise of the staff of Island Hospital. I was about as uncomfortable as one could be, but all of them, from the nurses to the cleaning crew, did everything that they could to help me out. They even tried to give me my favorite foods, once I was able to eat again.

Well, now I’m home. I missed New Year’s, which is OK, considering that I almost also missed all of my subsequent birthdays in a very permanent manner. People die from burst appendices all the time, but, so far, I have not been one of them.

In the process, I have learned that my beloved Jean is a treasure beyond all comprehension, and that our down-the-block neighbors, who have created a small farm on their property, stand willing to give us wonderful soups, meat, and produce at the drop of an appendix. Also, my cousin Phyllis has lent us Cindy, her own meal provider, who promises to make my upcoming birthday memorable.

I think that I may also have learned, finally, not to ignore pain. In appendicitis, you hurt for a longish time, the pain finally peaks, the pain goes away, and then you die. A burst appendix doesn’t hurt, but it very quickly creates an almost incurable abdominal sepsis.

I’m not quite back to normal, but we expect a breakthrough at any moment now.

I offer my heartfelt thanks and my deep appreciation to everyone who has helped me through this crisis.