Man Recovers from Sudden Appendicitis Thanks to Ochsner ER

When Michael S. woke up feeling bloated on a Monday morning, he never imagined that just two days later, he'd be rushed to the ER, unconscious on the sidewalk and facing emergency surgery.

"I thought I just had a stomach bug," Michael said. "I don't go to the doctor unless I absolutely have to. But something felt different this time."

At 59, Michael leads a high-energy life. As the assistant general manager of the Alario Center in Westwego, Louisiana, he produces everything from televised sports events, state and national sports competitions, and expos to occasionally TV and film production. On weekends, he and his wife, veterinarian Dr. Leslie S., run the NOLA Dog Sports Club and travel the Gulf South with their two Australian cattle dogs, Barqs and Crow.

"I felt fine the weekend before," Michael said. "No warning signs, just that one rough morning."

After two days of persistent symptoms, Michael finally called his doctor. His care team took labs and scheduled a CT scan. But by 3 the following morning, he was vomiting and resisting his wife's insistence that they head straight to the ER.

"She told me I'd get faster answers there. And she was right," he said.

While walking from the parking lot to the Ochsner Medical Center Emergency Room – New Orleans, Louisiana, entrance, Michael collapsed. His fall was caught by a bush and by his Apple Watch, which triggered an emergency alert.

"My watch was asking if it should call 911. My wife yelled for help, and some kind stranger ran to get the ER staff. Next thing I know, I'm on a stretcher being wheeled inside."

Emergency appendicitis diagnosis and a turning point

Scott Sulik, MD, quickly diagnosed acute appendicitis complicated by fluid buildup in Michael’s abdomen.

Michael said: "It was a blur. The ER staff was incredible; techs, nurses, everyone jumping into action."

Michael was admitted to the surgical ICU, where he spent six days, including undergoing surgery performed by Jeffanne Millien, MD; W.M. Dolan Mitchell, MD; and Sean Robinson, MD. “There are doctors you choose and some you just get in your time of need. I can’t say enough about my surgical team led by Dr. Jeffanne Millien. Her and her staff of residents were amazing,” he said. 

Recovery, he admits, was humbling.

"I'm normally active, but this knocked me down hard. I couldn't walk far; I couldn't lift more than a gallon of milk. I had zero energy."

Lindsey Sanders, Bria LaFrance, Sarah Cohen, Dennis Jordan and Matthew Binder, the SICU nurses who helped him recover, performed their tasks professionally and compassionately. They took over the handholding from Leslie. 

“I think any of the RNs who are part of the SICU team are exceptional,” said Michael.

Tracking recovery after appendicitis with a fitness watch

Michael documented his recovery with daily Facebook posts. He started walking to the end of his driveway and then to his neighbor's. He's now walking 8,000 steps a day and using a fitness tracker to monitor sleep and activity.

"It started with 5,000 steps a day. Then 6,000. Now I'm pushing for 8,000," he said. "I'm a competitive guy. I want to beat the odds."

He and his wife are also eating smarter, tracking meals and even switching to high-protein alternatives at home.

Exceptional healthcare experience at Ochsner

"Before this, I Googled the life expectancy of a white male in Louisiana. It said 67. I'm 59. That hit me."

Michael is more open about his health than ever before, hoping to encourage others — especially men — to stop ignoring warning signs.

"Guys, don't be guys. Don't wait. Don't say, 'It'll pass.' Go to the doctor. Get checked out. I almost waited too long."

His journey hasn't just transformed his health; it has deepened his appreciation for the people who care for others.

"Doctors are great. But it's the nurses and techs who really keep things moving. The people in the SICU were incredible. They didn't just care for me; they cared about me," he said. “Walking into Ochsner, I had no idea the level of care that I would receive. I can’t begin to tell you how thankful I am to have had the caretakers that I had during my stay."

Learn more about our Emergency Services at Ochsner.