From CSF leak to new life: Bridget's story
Back in April of 2024, Bridget Douthard began to realize her everyday life was far from “normal.” At work, she found herself battling daily headaches and a constant, severe runny nose, symptoms that left her exhausted and interfered with her sleep. A joyful, family-oriented woman, Bridget loves spending time with friends and family, trying new restaurants in the Twin Cities, and working at M Health Fairview – a passion that clearly rubbed off on her children. Both her daughter, Tia, and her son, Marcus, enjoyed “Take Your Kids to Work Day” so much that they decided to follow in her footsteps, and today, all three work together at M Health clinics across the area.
Bridget initially sought care at her local clinic, where her primary care physician suspected a sinus infection and prescribed medication. When her symptoms didn’t improve, she tried every over the-counter remedy she could think of – nothing helped. In June, she was referred to a physician in St. Louis Park and sent home with a nasal spray, but her symptoms persisted. Months passed, and still no answers. It wasn’t until she met with a neurologist and underwent a CT scan that the true issue began to surface. She was then referred to Kolin Rubel, MD, in the University of Minnesota Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery.
After months of headaches and unanswered questions, Bridget arrived at her appointment exhausted and discouraged. That feeling quickly changed when she met Dr. Rubel, who diagnosed her with a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and explained the condition in a way she could clearly understand. “Not many doctors are as caring, personable, and open as Dr. Rubel,” Bridget said. “That’s what makes him such a special physician.”
On the day of surgery, Bridget admitted she felt nervous – but reassured. “Dr. Rubel made sure I felt comfortable and informed, from what to expect on surgery day to all the post-procedure details,” she said. “That helped ease my anxieties.” The surgery went extremely well, and the next morning, when Dr. Rubel stopped by to check on her, Bridget shared a moment she will never forget: “This was the first time in a year that I had a full night’s sleep.” What may seem like a simple moment for many marked a powerful turning point in Bridget’s return to normal life.
Since surgery, Bridget’s quality of life has dramatically improved. She can breathe clearly again, her energy has returned, and she’s back in the gym. She’s even planning a trip to Alabama to visit her parents. Her CSF leak has fully healed, and when minor concerns arose during recovery, Dr. Rubel quickly connected her with the appropriate care. “Having a physician who truly cares makes all the difference,” Bridget said. “Not only does it make the experience easier, but it speaks volumes about the kind of human you are. I am forever grateful for Dr. Rubel and the ENT team at the University of Minnesota.”
