On Jan. 17, “Below Deck Mediterranean” star Captain Sandy Yawn took to Instagram to share that her wife, Leah Shafer, was taken to the emergency room after suffering from “excruciating pain” in her right eye. After spending hours in the ER, Captain Sandy and Shafer left frustrated as the doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong.
In an updated post shared by the Bravo reality star’s wife, she ended up taking matters into her own hands and learning that she had “a 3.5 cm mucus retention cyst in her sinus cavity.”
Captain Sandy Yawn Details Her Wife Leah Shafer’s Frightening ER Visit
“Below Deck Med” Captain Sandy Yawn recently shared on Instagram a video of her wife, Leah Shafer, in the emergency room, detailing that she was feeling “miserable” and was “suffering” after having “excruciating pain” in her right eye.
In her lengthy caption, Captain Sandy went on to detail that after spending hours in the ER, doctors were unable to diagnose Shafer, leaving the couple going home with pain medication.
“My wife Leah is in visible, debilitating pain — red, swollen eye, extreme light sensitivity, and sharp shooting pain through her brow — and the ER sent her home with, “We don’t know what’s wrong, here’s some pain meds!” Are you kidding me,” her caption read.
In a follow-up video included in the same post, Shafter explained in her own words what ultimately led her to seek emergency care. She shared that she previously underwent a Prenuvo scan, a whole body MRI, which revealed a cyst in her sinus cavity. After receiving the results, she scheduled a follow-up appointment with an ENT specialist.
However, the pain in her eye became so intense that she ultimately decided to go to the ER. A CT scan confirmed the presence of the cyst, though doctors also wanted to take a scan of her brain. After spending several hours in the ER, Shafer was discharged without any clear answers.
Frustrated and still searching for answers, she took matters into her own hands and researched the cyst herself, sharing that the symptoms closely matched those of a mucus retention cyst.
Captain Sandy shared the results of her CT scan: “A CT scan confirmed a 3.5 cm mucus retention cyst in her sinus cavity. Ophthalmology says her eyes “look healthy.” ENT says it may be neurological. Some doctors say post-COVID. Meanwhile, Leah is miserable and suffering.”
Captain Sandy & Shafer Wed on a Superyacht
Captain Sandy’s proposal to Shafer was captured on the season 9 finale of “Below Deck Mediterranean,” which was filmed in September 2023. With the help of her crew, including her chief stew, Aesha Scott, Captain Sandy got down on one knee and proposed to Shafter in Greece, overlooking the ocean.
Sharing the news on Instagram, Captain Sandy shared, “It official ! I asked Leah to marry me, and she said YESSSSS. We are engaged! stay tuned for wedding 💍”
According to People, the couple wed on a superyacht surrounded by family and friends on May 11, 2024. Shafer wore a stunning white fitted gown, while Captain Sandy opted for a white suit.
In a post celebrating their wedding, which included beautiful photos of the couple posing on the superyacht, Captain Sandy shared, “I had no idea how amazing marriage could be! It feels incredible and I feel like the luckiest woman in the world. I love you, Leah Rae Yawn!! Thank you for taking my name! Thank you to our entire family and friends for coming out to show your love and support to our relationship.”
This is just an awful scary experience for anyone to have. A good ophthalmologist should know what to do. Shame on that er wherever it was. I wondered if there was a resolution and diagnosis, so that other people who experience this can get better care. Omg! And congratulations sandy and your new wife. You are both beautiful women!