Trusting Your Instincts: Shane’s Surprise Surgery

Shane Callicutt, of Salem, knows firsthand the importance of listening to your body. Sometimes, health issues can show up in unexpected ways.

One night in December 2024, Shane could not fall asleep. The culprit was a sharp pain in his back, near the middle of his left shoulder blade. Initially, he suspected his heart could be to blame.

“Honestly, I thought heart,” Shane said. “I've never had a heart problem, but you know, I'm 48 years old. I'm slightly overweight, so I qualify, right?”

Shane and his wife, Radene, headed to their local emergency department in Salem. After X-rays and a CT (computed tomography) scan, Shane had a diagnosis: appendicitis.

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, and in Shane’s case, had caused referred pain in an unlikely area. Referred pain is when someone feels pain in one part of their body when the real source comes from somewhere else. Appendicitis typically causes pain in the lower right part of the belly. In most people, pain begins around the belly button and then moves. As inflammation worsens, appendicitis pain usually increases and eventually becomes serious. The site of the pain may vary, though, depending on age and the position of the appendix.

“I’d actually had that pain in my back on and off for a few years,” Shane said. “I just chalked it up to pulling something but it wouldn't go away. I’m glad I mentioned my specific pain; that’s what brought on the CT scan.” 

Salem Memorial Hospital referred him to Phelps Health, where he checked in at the Emergency Department. Shane was quickly admitted to a Hospital room and then prepped for a laparoscopic appendectomy (surgery to remove his appendix using small incisions and a camera). Phelps Health General Surgeon Dana Voight, MD, performed the minimally invasive procedure.

“He was a super nice guy,” said Shane of Dr. Voight. “I appreciated his professionalism and warmth. I felt at ease going into surgery.”

While in surgery, Dr. Voight also discovered and repaired a hernia. 

“Honestly, I knew I had the hernia, but I’d never dealt with it,” Shane said. “But, they found it and fixed it up while they were in there. I would guess I was in surgery for 2 hours? It didn't take long at all, and I was able to go home that evening and sleep in my bed.”

After his surgery, Shane had a 25-pound lifting restriction for 3 weeks. 

“As a worship pastor, I wear a guitar around my neck,” he said. “So, I had to take a few weeks off from work and my side business (woodworking). I tried to obey the restriction, and the recovery went well.”

Care at Your Fingertips

Throughout this process, Shane appreciated MyChart, Phelps Health’s secure patient portal. In his case, he noticed redness around his incision, so he messaged his care team and sent a picture through the app. After reviewing his photo, Shane’s care team sent back an answer.

“They told me that I needed to change my bandage more often,” he said. “If it got worse, I would need to come back in. Thankfully, I didn’t have to, but their advice was handy the first week after surgery.”
Shane also likes the convenience of paying his medical bills online.

“The MyChart app makes paying my bills easy,” he said. “I love paying things online so I don't have to use the mail.”

Shane, who doesn’t have commercial health insurance, found Phelps Health’s Patient Financial Services team accommodating.

“I have a health-sharing plan, which can take a few months to pay on a claim,” he explained. “But the billing department worked with me, and was patient and understanding of my timeline.”

Now on the other side of his surgery, Shane is feeling better than ever.

“I’m way better now, especially since the pain in my back has disappeared. That was the bane of my existence for a while because it would come and go, and I didn’t know what was causing it. I had tried everything I knew to do, except go to the doctor,” he said, laughing.

For others facing a similar procedure, Shane recommends Phelps Health.

“Overall, my experience was very good,” he said. “I know people complain about hospitals. It doesn't matter where you live. But I don't have any complaints. And if somebody asked me if they should go to Phelps Health? I’d say, ‘ You absolutely should. And if they can't help you, they'll send you somewhere that can.’”