Diagnosed at age 17 with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract, Troy was able to manage the disease with the help of his local doctors. That was up until 2023, when the now 39-year-old began feeling stabbing pain near his stomach.
Troy didn’t think much of the pain and assumed it was gas or indigestion. He continued to work his janitorial services job and spent time with his wife, Danielle, and their toddler, Albert, at their home just outside State College, Pa. But Troy eventually was diagnosed with a secondary autoimmune disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), by his local doctors.
PSC is a chronic disease in which the bile ducts and liver become inflamed and swollen. Over time, the bile ducts harden and become blocked, causing bile to build up in the liver. This buildup causes liver damage and can even lead to liver failure.
The Care Plan
Troy’s gastroenterologist recommended he begin yearly colonoscopies since he was at high risk for developing colorectal cancer. In October 2023, a colonoscopy showed that a part of Troy’s colon was inflamed and that it had the potential to turn into cancer.
“My local gastroenterologist wanted me to go to doctors who really knew their stuff,” says Troy. “That’s when he referred me to UPMC so that everything could be taken care of in one place.”
Troy’s gastroenterologist referred him to Marc Schwartz, MD, a UPMC gastroenterologist and inflammatory bowel disease specialist based in Pittsburgh. At an appointment with Dr. Schwartz, Troy received another colonoscopy.
Dr. Schwartz recommended that the inflamed portion of Troy’s colon be removed, and the other parts of his colon reattached. Dr. Schwartz then referred Troy to surgeon Andrew Watson, MD, MLitt, from the UPMC Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery.
Prior to surgery, Troy utilized telemedicine visits with Dr. Watson and Dr. Schwartz so they could create a personalized care plan.
“Telemedicine was great,” says Troy. “It saved us a lot of time off from work and money in gas and tolls, especially since it would have taken us six hours round trip for just one pre-surgery appointment, and I had a few scheduled. You receive the same results, so it’s a miracle having this technology.”
As an avid Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates fan, Troy was thrilled to travel to Pittsburgh for surgery. His wife, Danielle, is from the southwestern Pennsylvania area, which was a major benefit for the family.
“Having a second place to stay close to Pittsburgh was another plus for us,” says Troy. “It was so helpful that Danielle’s parents could watch our son while she stayed with me in the hospital.”
A referral from a friend also put Troy’s mind at ease to travel for surgery at UPMC.
“I have a friend whose fiancé works at UPMC,” says Troy. “She knew of Dr. Watson and told me that he’s one of the best surgeons out there.”
“I Knew Right Away That I Was in Good Hands”
Once the care plan was finalized, Troy’s surgery was scheduled for April 19, 2024, at UPMC Presbyterian.
“All the nurses were very professional and very thorough when they explained what they were doing the whole time I was there,” says Troy. “I knew right away that I was in good hands. They were so personable and really took the time to attend to me in whatever I needed.”
Troy recalls that his recovery was manageable, and by his third day in the hospital, he was able to go on a liquid diet. From there, his recovery progressed “very quickly.” By day five, he was discharged and he and his wife stayed with her parents in Uniontown, Pa., for a few days.
“Being that close to Pittsburgh was a benefit in case something would happen to go wrong,” says Troy.
Nearly a month after the surgery, Troy says he felt like his normal self.
“I have more energy than I did previously,” adds Troy. “Last summer, I had to be at work at 5 a.m., and by the time I got home, I was so tired. I would fall asleep playing with my son on the floor. Since I've had the surgery, I have the energy to play with my son.”
Troy credits his new lifestyle to Dr. Watson and the nurses he met at UPMC.
“Everybody was so good out there,” says Troy. “I can’t say enough good things about the team.”
And he continued to follow up with Dr. Watson via telemedicine.
“Dr. Watson is so accessible. Any time I needed to talk to him, I would just send him a message in the myUPMC app and coordinate a time to meet through telemedicine,” says Troy. “He is professional, but also human enough to have a sense of humor. He really put me at ease throughout this entire process.”
Learn more about telemedicine services and the UPMC Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery here or call 412-647-1705.
Troy’s treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.