Caitlyn Dobbs said having diverticulitis and her intestines perforated, led her to undergo several emergency surgeries as well as spending three weeks in a medically induced coma. (photo courtesy: Caitlyn Dobbs)
Dr. Navin Changoor, a board-certified general surgeon with advanced fellowship training in colorectal surgery, provided care to Caitlyn Dobbs.
DAVENPORT, Fla., — Caitlyn Dobbs said it was excruciating abdominal pain that led her to go to the emergency department at AdventHealth Heart of Florida. She said she ended up in a medically induced coma for several weeks.
“I ended up having diverticulitis and my intestines perforated, and I had to undergo several emergency surgeries,” Dobbs said. “I spent three weeks in a medically induced coma and when I woke up, I was unable to walk, and I had a temporary colostomy bag they put in as part of the life-saving measures.”
Diverticulitis is inflammation of the colon. Health experts say, if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications that can require surgery and may be life-threatening.
After her terrifying experience, Dobbs started her long, challenging road to recovery, which included having that temporary colostomy bag for about a year to allow her intestines to heal. She was cared for by Dr. Navin Changoor, a board-certified general surgeon with advanced fellowship training in colorectal surgery. Dobbs said she couldn’t be more grateful not just for the medical care he provided, but also for his ability to listen and reassure her.
“Dr. Changoor’s bedside manner is amazing,” Dobbs said. “He has the best personality. He knows how to read his patients and knows what they need to provide them comfort, so they can be open and honest about what they’re experiencing, so he can do his best to fix it.”
Dobbs said having the colostomy bag for a year was one of the most trying times of her life and that her health scare had her fearing for her life.
“I was going through all of this when I was 37, 38-years-old and it was terrifying to think that you’re not going to see 40, because what you’re going through is going to be the end of you,” she said.
Once she had healed, Dr. Changoor reversed the temporary colostomy.
“He knew how scared I was to have another major surgery. He made sure all my questions were answered,” Dobbs said. “He just goes above and beyond for his patients to do whatever it is they need to make sure that they have the best care.”
May is Digestive Diseases Awareness month, meant to educate people about different digestive illnesses, like diverticulitis. Research published in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery shows the rates of diverticulitis hospitalizations and operations have been increasing in the United States.
According to the National Institutes of Health, about 200,000 people are hospitalized for diverticulitis each year. Diverticulitis most often causes abdominal pain, which is usually severe. Other symptoms may include constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or bloating. The agency said among people younger than age 50, diverticulitis is more common in men than in women. However, among people ages 50 and older, diverticulitis is more common in women.
“There are lifestyle changes people can make to reduce their risk of diverticulitis, including exercising regularly, eating a high-fiber diet to improve the movement of waste through the colon, maintaining a healthy weight, drinking plenty of fluids, and quitting smoking as well as limiting alcohol use,” Dr. Changoor said.
As for Dobbs, she said she is doing better, and she’s appreciative of everything Dr. Changoor did to aid in her recovery.
“I truly believe that Dr. Changoor helped save my life and he is part of the reason I am healthy and can work and able to live my life,” Dobbs said. “He’s one of those doctors where once you’re his patient, you’re always his patient and he’s there for you no matter what.”
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