Chloe M
My medical journey with severe gastroparesis and intestinal dysmotility has been a long journey. For many years I struggled with constant symptoms that left me hospitalized frequently, unable to eat, and reliant on various types of long term nutritional support. Due to my health, going to school, socializing, and daily activities became extremely difficult.
That changed when I came to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. From my very first appointment, I felt truly seen. Every provider I met was kind, patient, and willing to listen to my full story. They took my concerns seriously and made me feel like a partner in my own care. For the first time, I felt hope that things could actually get better.
Through their evaluation and treatment plan, I eventually received a gastric stimulator. The stimulator has been extremely beneficial to my quality of life and significantly impacted my ability to get to were I am today. In addition, they really listened and validated my symptoms and continued to work with me despite complexity of my case. During this process we stayed at the Ronald McDonald House where we were greeted with welcoming smiling faces each day. We are so beyond greatful for this resource for families and the support they provided.
Throughout the many surgeries I had at Nationwide Children’s, everything was explained so clearly, my autonomy and dignity were respected, and they treated me with compassion. This treatment really made a difference for me and shaped my experience during some of the hardest and most vulnerable moments.
Those interventions changed my quality of life in ways I didn’t think were possible. I can function more independently, manage my symptoms more effectively, and finally feel like I have my life back. I’m still navigating chronic illness, but I now have independence, control, and hope.
Because of the care I received, I was inspired to become a nurse myself. I’m now a sophomore nursing major, at The College of New Jersey, and I recently had my White Coat Ceremony! While in nursing school, I am currently working as a patient care technician in the hospital and I love it!
Nationwide Children’s didn’t just treat my illness, they helped me get my life back, and they influenced the kind of nurse I want to be. I will always be grateful for the compassion, expertise, and hope they gave me. I will continue to carry my experiences with me into my nursing career to help shape me into the best nurse I can be.
