Diagnosed with diverticulitis at 36, one man no longer lives in pain thanks to a Sentara Surgery Specialist

Ray Savoy had been living with severe pain and discomfort periodically over the last three years.

After the most recent episode that occurred about Christmas 2018 that forced Ray to seek out the services of a general surgeon, Dr. Steven Nakao, Sentara Surgery Specialist.

Ray was just 36 years old when his extreme pains were diagnosed as symptoms of diverticulitis.

“Diverticulitis are outpouchings of the colon which get obstructed and perforate. The perforation can vary from small amounts of inflammation around the colon to large perforations with spillage of fecal material in the abdomen or anything in between,” explains Dr. Nakao of the Sentara Medical Group.

When Ray was initially diagnosed, he thought diverticulitis was something he’d be able to live with.

“I was having [flare ups] about every six months. I thought if I have it once a year, once every 10 years, I can take an antibiotic, and it will go away. It won’t be as invasive and risky or scary as surgery could be,” said Ray.

But, the extreme, stabbing pains became more frequent. Once he was hospitalized over the Christmas holiday for his diverticulitis, Ray decided he wanted to learn more about his surgical options.

“I was really concerned,” said Ray. “I thought, ‘at least get this consultation and see what Dr. Nakao recommends.’”

Dr. Nakao told Ray he’d be an ideal candidate for robotic surgery. It’s less invasive and involves small incisions, which means less pain and shorter recovery time.

“This procedure is basically resecting the portion of the colon that is diseased, the portion that has those pockets which cause the pain and perforations.  The amount can vary in length depending on the length of the diseased segment,” said Dr. Nakao. “We cut the diseased portion out and then staple or sew the parts of the colon back together.  This anastomosis is then checked to make sure that everything is watertight and without any leaks,” says Dr. Nakao, explaining the procedure.

Ray was nervous about a worst-case scenario which could leave him using a colostomy bag. Dr. Nakao dispelled his fears.

“I asked a lot of questions,” said Ray. “I emailed him pretty regularly over the course of the month with my concerns or clarifying questions from my wife. Dr. Nakao was very responsive. He was dead on with everything.”

Dr. Nakao answered Ray and his wife’s questions and tried to make sure they knew what to expect during every step of the process.

“I like to discuss the disease process with patients, so they understand why they are in the office.  We can then tailor their surgery for them, I like to try and give them as much information as I can about the surgery and what to expect prior to, during, and after the procedure,” said Dr. Nakao. “I keep track of a lot of data from other patients so that I can tell them how others did with similar surgeries or diagnoses.  It always helps for everyone to be well informed.”

After Ray learned Dr. Nakao had a stellar record with higher than average success rates and had developed a personalized plan for Ray if trouble should arise, he was ready to move forward. At the end of January, Ray had his surgery, and it went off without a hitch.

“It went so well. I only stayed in the hospital overnight, when I was told my stay could be as long as three days,” says Ray. “This is my first inpatient surgery, and my recovery has been great! I’m following Dr. Nakao’s advice – not picking anything up over 25 pounds, taking it easy. The incisions are healing up nicely, and I haven’t had any more flare-ups.”

As Ray hopes to leave diverticulitis behind him, he has nothing but praise for the team who helped him in his healthcare journey.

“All the staff, the nurses, everyone, they were very professional. Their bedside manner was on point!” says Ray.
“As for Dr. Nakao, I would recommend him 110%! His professionalism, his candor, his expertise, and great bedside manner. I’d like to treat him to beer!”

Stop living in pain. Make a decision to change your life, visit our board-certified, highly skilled, multi-specialty surgeons, at Sentara Surgery Specialists. Call 703-523-9750 to make your appointment today!