When Kelly Hurley began experiencing worsening abdominal symptoms, she never imagined the road ahead would include hospitalization, drains, and surgery.
Around New Year's, Kelly was out shopping when she noticed severe abdominal pain. The discomfort became so intense that she couldn't finish what she was doing. Soon, she developed a fever and chills and knew something wasn't right.
Doctors ultimately diagnosed Kelly with diverticulitis that had led to a perforation, a serious complication that required hospitalization and ongoing treatment.
"I was really nervous," Kelly says. "When you're told something is serious and surgery may be necessary, your mind starts thinking about all the things that could go wrong."
After spending time in the hospital and living with a drain for several months, Kelly knew she needed a surgeon she could trust. A friend recommended Thomas Donkar, MD, at St. Luke's.
That recommendation proved invaluable.
From their first meeting, Kelly says Dr. Donkar immediately put her at ease.
"He explained everything," she says. "What was happening, why it happened, what the surgery would involve. He even used a whiteboard and diagrams to walk me through it step by step."
Rather than rushing through the appointment, Dr. Donkar took the time to answer every question.
"It was thorough," Kelly says. "He spent close to an hour with me. By the end of that conversation, I felt relieved because I finally understood what was going on."
Dr. Donkar ultimately performed a colon resection while also navigating a previous hernia repair involving mesh. The procedure combined minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques with a small incision to safely address Kelly's condition.
Kelly spent three days recovering in the hospital, and almost immediately noticed a difference.
"My symptoms changed right away," she says. "I felt so much better."
Just as important as the surgery itself was the support Kelly received from the entire St. Luke's team. From scheduling appointments to coordinating care, she says the staff made a stressful experience much easier.
"They took care of everything," Kelly says. "Everyone was wonderful."
Today, Kelly is back to enjoying the activities she loves, including spending time outdoors, boating, jet skiing and making memories with her family.
Looking back, she says what stands out most is the confidence Dr. Donkar inspired during a difficult chapter in her life.
"When you're facing something scary, you want someone who will take the time to explain things and make sure you're comfortable," Kelly says. "That's exactly what Dr. Donkar did."
