Wife said her final goodbye as her husband’s health crashed before surgery — then one doctor gave St. Patrick’s Day a new meaning
For many people, St. Patrick's Day is a cherished tradition spent celebrating with family and loved ones. The Ohio couple, Ed and his wife, always looked forward to the holiday. But in 2025, 81-year-old Ed began to experience fatigue and dark stools, both signs of internal bleeding. His condition worsened, and that was when he decided to seek medical assistance. His sudden health emergency disrupted their St. Patrick's Day plans as they feared Ed might have to bid goodbye before undergoing surgery. However, one doctor gave them the best gift, transforming the way the couple celebrates St. Patrick's Day forever, as reported by cleveland.com on June 22, 2026.
When the symptoms began to worsen, the elderly man was transferred to the emergency department at Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital. Dr. Michael Fellenbaum reviewed the case and decided to admit Ed for a two-week hospital stay to run tests and provide treatment while doctors searched for answers. Six days later, doctors found that a bleeding ulcer in his upper intestine had caused the drop in his blood count. The doctor soon scheduled surgery for the morning of St. Patrick's Day. However, his condition deteriorated the night before the surgery. Just then, a team led by general surgeon Dr. William O'Brien performed a “rare and very delicate surgery” at around 1 a.m., which ultimately saved his life.
According to Healthline, a bleeding ulcer can develop when there is an increase in stomach acid or when there is not enough mucus in the digestive tract to protect the gut lining. Some of the major symptoms of the condition are nausea, abdominal pain, and anemia. Anemia-related symptoms, such as those experienced by Ed, can leave patients with low energy and extreme fatigue.
Dr. O'Brien's quick call has now led the couple to rename St. Patrick's Day to "St. O'Brien's Day." Ed revealed that the night before the surgery was one of the most challenging moments of his life. When they realized that he could not wait until the next morning for the procedure, he and his wife shared what they feared might be their final words to each other. However, the surgeon's timely intervention gave him a second chance. Expressing his gratitude, the old man said, "In simple terms, they saved my life. I will be forever grateful."