— 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.
I appreciate your account of this emergency, Steve. It helps me understand just how miraculous it was that my mother survived her burst appendix at age 4 in the 1920s in a small town in Maine. She told me she had spent months in the hospital with a drain in her belly, and I saw the scar (the size of a silver dollar), but it didn’t sink in until now how lucky she and, ultimately, my siblings and I were. I also better understand why my parents were so insistent that I have my appendix removed when I was 10, after years of appendicitis episodes.
I am so happy to hear of your positive experience after a very scary event. We too, are very grateful for the staff at Island Hospital and Dr Potter along with his colleagues that saved our daughter’s life after a burst appendix last June. Be well, and best wishes for a strong recovery.
Heal well. And I agree, Jean is your angel.
So glad to hear you are recovering, Steve.
What a great, and somewhat terrifying, story. Thank you so much for sharing. I, too, appreciate much more the need to pay attention to pain. Thank you. So glad it all came out OK.
Holy Cow Steve. You’re a lucky man….and we’re grateful to all who helped you so may remain an important part of our community!
Karen and Ken
Wow – Glad you made it, Steve! Our EMTs are a wonderful, capable, compassionate bunch. We are so blessed. They also know who the good doctors are for each thing. It’s good to know of the great care you also received at Island Hospital.