Rectal prolapse happens when part of the lower intestine (the rectum) drops out of its normal place and pushes out at the end of the digestive tract. The condition isn’t always an emergency, but it becomes one when pain, bleeding and other symptoms are accompanied with it.

In Ellen’s case, the pain worsened as they made their way to North York General’s Charlotte & Lewis Steinberg Emergency – a hospital Ellen had visited and trusted in the past.

Urgent care was quickly provided to Ellen. She was transferred to a bed, and NYGH’s surgical unit was called in. But for Sheryl and her mother, it was a much more complex situation. In addition to intestinal problems, Ellen also lives with dementia, making the trip to the emergency department (ED) even more distressing for her.

“I couldn’t believe the rapid treatment and compassionate care the staff and physicians provided to my mom,” shared Sheryl. “The whole care team displayed so much empathy. They were gentle and kept repeating information to my mom so she could understand and remain calm.”

Gastroenterologist Dr. James Saperia and surgical specialist Dr. Usmaan Hameed, who specializes in advanced minimally invasive techniques in treating gastrointestinal issues, were able to correct the issue and schedule a follow-up surgery, ensuring Ellen wouldn’t experience this issue again.

“It’s been difficult for my mother because the organ is approximately the size of a baseball. It’s unimaginable how much pain and confusion it can cause for her, especially with this heightened vulnerability. Ultimately, we agreed with the physician, that surgery would be the best treatment.”

And that’s just what they did.

Today, Sheryl is happy that her mother has recovered fully and will be visiting her surgeon for a checkup this month.

The community North York General Hospital has one of the highest percentages of older adults in the country. With generous donor support, NYGH is continuing to provide important programs and services, technology, equipment and much-needed spaces, to the area’s vibrant seniors’ population, in addition to funding the recent renovation of NYGH’s Charlotte & Lewis Steinberg Emergency — to develop a new Mental Health Emergency Services Unit and to expand the ambulatory clinic’s space — that serves as the first point of entry for many seniors.

“I am so grateful that generous donors have been able to support these life-changing and life-saving programs for some of our community’s most vulnerable patients because it has helped people like my mom. I can’t express how grateful I am to them and their generosity.”

Say Thanks

The Erenberg family took their gratitude one-step further, and are now NYGH supporters themselves. They personally thanked their health care team, which included Drs. Hameed and Saperia, with a Say Thanks donation.

Making a Say Thanks donation is the best way to honour a physician, nurse, staff member or volunteer who has made a difference in a health care journey. The honouree will receive a Say Thanks pin and card with a personal message included.