Meet Gabriella

Gabby was misdiagnosed since infancy with GERD and IBS. She never had formed stools as she transitioned from formula and baby food to regular foods. Her stools were also noted to be oily. Mom expressed concerns and was dismissed. As she was in the toddler stage, she was constantly complaining of abdominal pain. Her pediatrician sent a referral to see a gastroenterologist and Covid-19 happened. The appointment was prolonged. Her mom was told she has IBS. Gabby had severe pain one night and mom did all the home and over the counter remedies, worked that night, and in the morning Gabby was still in distress. She was taken to urgent care and was sent to emergency department to rule out appendicitis. Over the next few weeks, the abdominal pain and nausea continued. Her GI provider ordered labs. The labs came back abnormal and she was admitted for her first acute pancreatic attack. The doctor felt it was a one time episode. Weeks later, she had pain and labs showed an elevated lipase. Her attacks became more frequent and the pain was more intense. Gabby was referred to a specialist in Boston. She repeated imaging and had two failed ERCP’s. It was determined Gabby has a genetic mutation of her CPA1 gene causing early onset pediatric recurrent acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Due to chronic inflammation, she also was noted to have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and was started in enzymes. Despite all measures, the attacks were happening weekly causing severe debilitating pain, nausea, and weight loss. Her family was referred to Nationwide Children’s for TPIAT- Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Auto Transplantation with Dr. Nathan. She underwent this major life changing 14.5 hour surgery on 04/14/2026.