Doctors knew what caused Satin’s blockage, but couldn’t explain what first made him ill
A rapid decline at home
Satin was taken to a Long Island hospital by his wife, Farrah. Tests found high blood sugar, diabetes and a clot in the portal vein, which links the gastrointestinal tract with the liver. Doctors treated the clot and stabilized his diabetes, and he went home a week later.
His appetite soon disappeared, and even eating Jell-O became difficult. He could no longer play golf, and by mid-December he had lost 70 pounds. His daughter was frightened by how he looked, while Farrah struggled to find help.
A specialist identifies the cause
The couple contacted specialists, but many could not see Satin for months. Believing he could not wait that long, he booked an appointment with concierge doctor William Klein on Christmas Eve.
Klein examined him and ordered extensive blood tests. Satin recalled that Klein warned, “If you don’t have surgery immediately, you are in trouble,” Satin said.
Surgery brings quick relief
Gecelter found an unusual inflammatory condition in Satin’s digestive tract. It had triggered an inflammatory response in the blood supply to his stomach, leading to a liver clot and a bowel blockage. Earlier doctors had concentrated on the clot, but Gecelter believed removing the inflamed section of small bowel could help.
Gecelter said he initially doubted the apparent improvement might be more than a placebo effect. The next day Satin could tolerate liquids, and within two days he said his symptoms had resolved. Satin said he was shocked by the speed of his recovery after such a long wait for a diagnosis.
Family marks his recovery
Satin’s 8-year-old daughter, Becky, wrote a thank-you letter to the doctors. Gecelter keeps it in his office and said its sincerity made it stand out. Becky said she was happy her father survived and excited to share more fun experiences with him.
Six months after the operation, Satin held a large celebration at his family’s country club, with friends and relatives invited. Klein and Gecelter were guests of honor. Gecelter said the original cause of Satin’s illness remains unclear, so doctors cannot say whether it could recur, though they now know where to look. Satin joked that he had promised his wife 50 years together and she was holding him to another 30.
Key points
- Satin lost 70 pounds after being diagnosed with diabetes and a portal vein clot.
- A specialist linked inflammation in his digestive tract to a clot and bowel blockage.
- Surgery was followed by rapid improvement, including tolerating liquids the next day.
- Doctors still do not know what initially caused Satin’s condition.