Unbearable stomach aches, nausea, and sleepless nights were a regular occurrence for Jordyn when she was growing up. The then 7-year-old and her parents were unsure what was causing these painful and unpleasant symptoms. A trip to their provider revealed the diagnosis: Chron’s disease.
Jordyn and her family finally had an answer, but the road to treating this chronic condition would be a tough one. Jordyn had to learn what foods to limit and would need to be on a regimen of medication to avoid future flare ups.
Over time her health began to stay on track, but a trip to the UC Davis Medical Center ER in 2021 raised concerns. “I was always constipated and felt really sick. I told my mom this wasn’t a normal stomach ache, so we went to the ER.”
Once they arrived at the medical center, Jordyn’s condition worsened. She was put under anesthesia, endured multiple tests, and ended up being hospitalized at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. “I couldn’t eat any hard foods, but during my stay the child life specialists made me feel welcomed and I was able to play video BINGO with other patients and won,” she laughed.
Finally after days in the hospital and regulating her medication, Jordyn was set to be released. However, her care team needed to make sure she could process solid foods. “While I was waiting, I saw Executive Chef Santana Diaz and he told me he would bring me anything I wanted. He brought me a full platter of watermelon, mashed potatoes, and an assortment of meats. It was really good,” she said.
Now Jordyn is a bubbly and energetic teenager who has learned how to manage her condition thanks to the help of her UC Davis Health doctor, pediatric gastroenterologist Kelly Haas.
“Dr. Haas has helped me a lot. She’s educated me, helped me stick to a healthy diet and reach new goals. Our doctor-patient partnership is great, and I trust her,” Jordyn said.
Jordyn and her mom Ann also credit Dr. Haas for helping her find the right treatment plan.
“Dr. Haas was pivotal in finding the correct combination of medications for my daughter. Her proposed treatment regimen has really helped,” said Ann.
“I also give a huge thank you to our nurse Megan Brown, RN, in the Pediatric GI clinic as well as pharmacy tech Johnny Chu. Megan is pivotal in ensuring Jordyn has whatever she needs, including in-person appointments and medication refill forms completed for school. Johnny is always checking in to ensure her medications are delivered to the house in a timely manner. As a parent it is comforting to know we have access to an academic medical center and that every care team member works together to ensure Jordyn stays healthy.
Fun fact: I will be starting high school in the fall. I love playing volleyball, softball, hanging out with friends, vacationing and camping with my family.