Detective Sergeant Craig W. Croly
Detective Sergeant Craig W. Croly has been battling a life threatening condition called Severe Acute Pancreatitis since 2013. In May of 2013, he went to the Stony Brook University Hospital Emergency Room with severe abdominal pain and swelling. Doctors concluded it was Severe Acute Pancreatitis. He would spend the next 23 days in the hospital where he endured nasogastric intubation in order to shut down his pancreas. During this time blood tests showed bacteria, E-coli and possible sepsis in his blood. Due to his weakened condition, surgery was not an option. He remained hospitalized and once discharged, tests revealed his condition was not improving.
In June of 2013, Detective Sergeant Croly was hospitalized again undergoing surgery for pancreatic debridement, the removal of his gallbladder and appendix, and to drain fluid around his organs. He now developed a severe abdominal infection which put him back in the ICU. Without improvement in his condition, a second surgery was necessary to address the fluid buildup and infection. Hospitalized for 7 weeks, he continued to struggle with fluid buildup and extreme weight fluctuations that saw his weight plunge 100 pounds in a month. Upon his discharge, he was severely weakened and unable to gain weight. Further tests showed three holes in his colon.
A third surgery, an ileostomy, was performed to address this. The ileostomy remained in place for 6 months during which time the colon was not healing. His fourth surgery to reverse the ileostomy included the removal of 18 inches of colon and part of his small intestine. His condition began to improve following this procedure, but he developed a hernia as a complication from all the surgeries. Post hernia surgery, Detective Sergeant Croly‘s road to recovery was marked with strict determination and he eventually returned to full duty status in February 2015.
In April of 2016, Detective Sergeant Croly again experienced familiar pain and discomfort that doctors diagnosed as a pancreatic duct obstruction. The endoscopic procedure to ease this pain usually triggers pancreatitis that requires hospital stays. These painful attacks can occur even today. Over the past six years, Detective Sergeant Croly has faced the sudden onset of a deadly condition with perseverance, optimism and strength. His ongoing challenges have not deterred him from his goal to maintain his full duty status. Even with the uncertainty associated with this on-going illness Detective Sergeant Croly continues to be a dedicated member of The Nassau County Police Department. His triumph over adversity and positive attitude continue to inspire.
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