Doloretta “Dory” Ruggeri Lodge was a loving and active woman who led a fulfilling life, devoted to her family and enjoying everyday routines like cooking meals and taking her dog for walks. On December 28, 2018, she underwent a nasal cauterization procedure performed by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. Her doctor assured her that it was a simple, risk-free procedure with a quick recovery time. However, this procedure marked the beginning of a series of debilitating health challenges that would ultimately lead to tragedy. See all info about Dory at this PDF
Immediately following the cauterization of her turbinates, Dory began to experience severe and unexpected symptoms. She found herself unable to sleep and felt an unrelenting sensation of dryness and suffocation. She described the feeling as though her nose had “a million little cuts,” a constant pain that made it difficult for her to function. In an attempt to find relief, she returned to the ENT multiple times, yet each time she was assured that everything was fine, and that there was no medical reason for her symptoms. She was advised to see a primary care doctor, who then referred her to other specialists, including a therapist and a sleep expert. Unfortunately, none of these referrals provided answers, and she was repeatedly told that her symptoms were likely the result of anxiety or depression. Dory's store in the video below, listen after 12 min 37 seconds.
Over the course of several months, Dory’s life took a drastic turn. From being a vibrant woman who found joy in family gatherings, she became withdrawn and isolated, reluctant to be around loved ones due to embarrassment over her deteriorating condition. Her symptoms grew progressively worse, with persistent breathlessness, an inability to sleep, loss of appetite, and a sense of hopelessness. She attempted every remedy recommended by her doctors, including anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, meditation, and even lifestyle changes like exercise, although her lack of sleep made this nearly impossible.
Dory’s desperation led her to search for answers on her own. Late at night, unable to sleep, she scoured the internet for explanations, eventually coming across information about a condition called Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS). ENS is an iatrogenic serious disorder that can occur when the nasal passages lose critical tissue, leading to sensations of suffocation and extreme dryness. Dory recognized her own symptoms in the descriptions she found and finally felt that she had discovered the root of her suffering.Her discovery led her to a specialist in Los Angeles who was familiar with ENS and offered a surgical option that might alleviate her symptoms. Dory was willing to take the financial burden and emotional risk of traveling across the country, as it was her last hope for recovery. However, shortly before her scheduled surgery, she received a call from the specialist’s office indicating that while the surgery might help, there was no guarantee it would fully restore her to normal health. This uncertainty left Dory feeling hopeless and defeated. She had spent months battling symptoms that were dismissed by doctors, and now even the possibility of relief seemed out of reach.
On the day of her passing, her family found a note in which she expressed her despair and frustration. Her daughter shared that if Dory had received more information about the risks of nasal procedures, or if her symptoms had been taken seriously sooner, the outcome might have been different. Dory’s tragic experience sheds light on the importance of thorough disclosure regarding surgical risks, and the need for medical professionals to recognize and treat Empty Nose Syndrome with compassion and understanding.
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