Tag Archives: surgery

Airline Pilot Thanks Jamaica Hospital For Saving Her Life

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During her flight on July 15, 2021, from Fort Lauderdale to New York City, pilot Kyra McGrath knew she didn’t feel right. The nine-year JetBlue pilot from Syracuse initially felt abdominal cramping, but by the time she landed her Airbus A320 full of passengers at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the pain was unmanageable, and she needed to be rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Kyra had some initial hesitations “At first I didn’t want to go to Jamaica Hospital, but the paramedics convinced me that it was the right place to go.” Thankfully she listened as she was immediately treated by the Emergency Department team and a CT scan revealed that her large intestine was about to rupture.  Dr. William Nugent, the surgeon on-call, successfully performed an emergency colectomy and end ileostomy.

After the surgery, Kyra’s opinion about the hospital changed dramatically as she stated, “After my experience I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else. I couldn’t ask for a better crew to save my life.”  She also praised Dr. Nugent, who she affectionately began referring to as “Nuge”. She added, “He was awesome. He checked on me every day after my surgery and did a great job communicating with my entire family. There was nothing we couldn’t ask him.”

The surgery was only the first challenge that Kyra had to endure though. The complex procedure required extensive recuperation. Kyra explained how during her 16-day admission she lost nearly 30 pounds, but she credits the hospital team with making an uncomfortable situation manageable. “I really got to know all the nurses, but I want to especially thank the night nurses as they were there for me after my husband and parents left. They provided me with comfort when I was alone. I would also like to acknowledge the wound care team who patiently taught me how to change my ostomy bag and dressings.”

Thankfully, Jamaica Hospital’s surgical team did such a great job, the procedure, which required Kyra to temporarily use an ostomy bag, was able to be reversed, allowing her to continue flying. “I have been flying since I was 17 years old. If not for Dr. Nugent and the entire team at Jamaica Hospital, I would have had to give up my life-long passion. I thank everyone at Jamaica Hospital from the bottom of my heart.”

Kyra is currently completing her required re-certification and is anxiously awaiting returning to work as a pilot for JetBlue.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Preparing for Your Outpatient Visit

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854583Outpatient surgery also known as day surgery eliminates the need for an overnight hospital stay. This procedure is minimally invasive surgical techniques.  Being told that you need surgery is a pretty terrifying feeling especially if it is your first one and you do not know what to expect. Here are a few notes to follow to make sure you are prepared for your outpatient surgical procedure.

Prior to your surgery you will receive instruction from your doctor or nurse about pre-operative precautions. Please follow all pre-operative instructions such as what medications to take or hold, when to stop eating and drinking and what time to be at the registration desk to register for your surgery or procedure. It is advisable to bring someone from your family to interpret or sign for you if necessary. As expected for outpatient surgery you will go home the same day, you will not be allowed to drive yourself home from your surgery or procedure if you have received any sedation. Please have your ride home arranged before the day of surgery.

People with medical problems, such as prior heart attacks or strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, should visit with their doctor or anesthesiologist before the day of their surgery. At this visit, the doctor may also require the following information:

  • Copies of medical records, especially ECGs and results of heart and lung testing and recent lab tests
  • A list of medical problems and past surgical procedures, including any problems that occurred during prior surgeries
  • A complete list of medications (both prescription and over-the-counter), including vitamins, herbs, or other supplements, and their dosages
  • A clearly identified list of medications that cause allergic reactions or other problems

The day of your surgery it is strongly advised that you do not wear contacts, makeup or dentures. Contacts may dry out or get lost over the duration of the procedure. Makeup interferes with tape and surgical tools depending on the area you are having operated.  A representative from the surgery department will come to the waiting room to escort you to the area where you will change into a surgical gown. You will be asked to empty your bladder and change into the gown. Some female patients may be asked for a urine sample to provide pregnancy status.

Although outpatient surgery does not require an overnight hospital stay, in some circumstances a patient intended for outpatient surgery may be admitted to the hospital for further care. If you require surgery, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s newly remodeled Ambulatory Surgery Unit provides patient centered care that focuses on relaxation and comfort. The ASU is open Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information, please call 718-206-6102.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.