“They Saved My Life”: Sandy’s Story of Hope and How Her Surgical Team at University Medical Center Gave Her a New Lease on Life After Complex Abdominal Surgeries

At 79 years old, Sandy Sanchez is a proud mother, grandmother, and woman of deep faith. She’s also the first to admit something many of us struggle with: fear of going to the doctor.

“I’ve always been hesitant when it comes to doctors,” Sandy said. “I think part of me thought—if I didn’t go, I wouldn’t have to hear bad news. But that fear almost cost me everything.”

For nearly a year, Sandy battled digestive issues in silence—too afraid to seek help and too uncertain of what she might hear. But everything changed the day her concerned neighbor followed her instincts and called 911. That single act of compassion set off a chain of events that ultimately saved Sandy’s life.

At University Medical Center New Orleans, Sandy was met with compassionate, expert care from a multidisciplinary team that quickly recognized the seriousness of her condition and took action. Thanks to them, she’s now healthy, thriving, and committed to sharing her story to help others act sooner.

Her message is simple but urgent: “Listen to your body. Don’t wait. Don’t live in denial.”

A Year of Silent Suffering and a Neighbor’s Lifesaving Instinct

For nearly a year, Sandy quietly endured worsening digestive issues. “I couldn’t eat anything without throwing up,” she said. “Nothing was digesting. I had to make myself throw up just to get some relief.”

Though the symptoms were clear and persistent, Sandy kept it all to herself. “Denial,” she admitted, “is a good place to live sometimes.”

But it was a dangerous place, too.

Sandy lives in a close-knit senior living community, and when one of her neighbors—a dear friend and fellow churchgoer—noticed Sandy hadn’t been answering her door, she felt something wasn’t right. Trusting her gut, she knocked again. When there was still no response, she called 911.

That decision ultimately saved Sandy’s life.

When paramedics arrived, they found Sandy too weak to get out of bed. “I remember looking at one of them and saying, ‘I’m not going to the hospital, am I?’ And he said, ‘Oh yes, ma’am, you are.’”

That emergency call marked the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with expert medical care, faith, and a second chance at life.

A Hospital Team That Gave Her a Second Chance

Sandy was rushed to the Emergency Center at University Medical Center, where she was admitted without delay. From the moment she arrived, a multidisciplinary team began working to understand the full extent of her condition.

Imaging and tests revealed a large hernia, a condition where an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weakened spot in the abdominal wall and becomes trapped. The hernia was causing serious blockages, compressing her intestines, and cutting off blood flow to a section of her colon, which was no longer viable. Additionally, doctors discovered an unrelated tumor in her uterus that would require attention.

“When I first got there, they ran all kinds of tests and sent me to different parts of the hospital,” Sandy recalled. “It took a full week for the team to figure out the best plan—who would handle each part of the surgery and how to time everything.”

During that week of evaluation and planning, Sandy couldn’t eat or even drink water. Her digestive system had to be completely cleared in preparation for the complex procedures, so she was supported by IV fluids and nutrients.

Through it all, Sandy remembers the compassionate, coordinated care from her team. “It was intense, but I felt like they were really working together for me,” she said. “I was so grateful for that.”

Complex, Life-Saving Surgeries

On January 29, 2024, Sandy underwent a major, multi-step surgery at University Medical Center. Her care team included general surgeon Ian Hodgdon, MD, and gynecologic oncologist Tara Castellano, MD, —along with interventional radiologists who played a critical role in preparing Sandy for surgery.

Before surgery, the interventional radiology team performed two important procedures: they froze the nerves in her abdominal wall to help control pain and blocked the blood vessels supplying her uterine tumor to reduce surgical risk. These steps made it safer to proceed with the complex surgery ahead.

“Sandy’s intestines were twisted and trapped inside a large hernia,” explained Dr. Hodgdon. “When certain hernias are left untreated, they can compress and cut off blood supply to parts of the bowel, which is what happened here. A portion of her colon had lost viability and needed to be resected.”

In a single, coordinated operation, Dr. Hodgdon repaired the hernia and removed the damaged section of colon, while Dr. Castellano successfully removed the uterine tumor. Pathology later confirmed the tumor was benign.

The coordinated effort between surgical teams—spanning general surgery, colorectal care, interventional radiology, and gynecology—was a clear example of the multidisciplinary collaboration that defines University Medical Center. Sandy’s care required time, planning, and precision, but it paid off.

“Sandy’s case demonstrates the type of complex, high-acuity care that University Medical Center is built to handle,” added Dr. Hodgdon. “We’re one of the few hospitals equipped to prevent postoperative pain from large abdominal surgeries by using nerve blocks that temporarily freeze the abdominal wall nerves. It’s just one of the ways we’re able to improve recovery and outcomes for patients like Sandy.”

With three procedures performed in one operation, the surgery marked a critical turning point in Sandy’s health journey and the beginning of her recovery.

“They Saved My Life.”

After her surgery, Sandy spent one night in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at University Medical Center, resting and recovering, before being moved to a medical surgical unit. Remarkably, she needed nothing more than Tylenol to manage her pain. “I never really hurt,” she said. “I think that’s a testament to how well they took care of me.”

The following week, her care team slowly began getting her out of bed to move around—an important step in preventing complications and regaining strength. Her nurses helped her walk the halls and ensured she wore compression devices on her legs to prevent blood clots.

Sandy credits her successful recovery to the round-the-clock care from the nurses and hospital staff. “They were absolutely fabulous. I had a travel nurse who would walk in and just ask, ‘Do you need a hug?’ I was so grateful. They couldn’t do enough for me.”

Now, she tells everyone she meets: “Don’t go anywhere else. University Medical Center saved my life. The doctors are brilliant and the nurses are angels. They are some of the best in the country.”

A year and a half after her surgery, Sandy says she feels better than she did before she got sick. She has no digestive problems and enjoys a full life surrounded by family, friends, and her faith. She still sends occasional thank-you messages to Dr. Hodgdon. “I wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for him,” she said. “I want everyone who was involved in my care to know how important they are. They are amazing!”

Her Inspiring Message to Others: “Please Don’t Wait”

Sandy is a widow who lost her adult son several years ago—heartbreaks that only deepened her resolve to keep living and helping others. She has a daughter and son-in-law, and is a proud grandmother of four grandchildren. Today, Sandy volunteers in grief support and uses her story to inspire others to take their health seriously.

“My big message is this: Please don’t wait. We know our bodies. I knew something was wrong, but I was scared and stayed quiet. That’s what nearly cost me my life.”

Today, she’s here—and thriving—because of a caring neighbor, an exceptional medical team, and the strength of her own faith.

“It’s a miracle I’m alive, and I give credit to God and the team at University Medical Center. I wouldn’t be here without them.”

To learn more about Digestive Care services at University Medical Center New Orleans, visit https://www.lcmchealth.org/university-medical-center-new-orleans/our-services/surgery/