Name: Gabriella
Condition(s):
- Pancreatitis
Specialty(s):
Age Today: 8 Years
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, and her stools were often oily. Although her mom repeatedly expressed concerns, they were dismissed. As a toddler, Gabby frequently complained of abdominal pain. Her pediatrician referred her to a gastroenterologist, but the appointment was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eventually, her family was told she had IBS.
One night, Gabby developed severe abdominal pain. After home and over-the-counter remedies provided only temporary relief, her mom took her to urgent care the next morning. She was sent to the emergency department to rule out appendicitis. Over the following weeks, Gabby continued to experience abdominal pain and nausea. Her GI provider ordered lab work, which came back abnormal, leading to her admission for her first acute pancreatitis attack. Doctors initially believed it was an isolated episode, but weeks later she experienced another attack, with labs showing an elevated lipase level. Her attacks became more frequent and increasingly painful.
Gabby was referred to a specialist in Boston, where she underwent additional imaging and two unsuccessful ERCP procedures. Ultimately, she was diagnosed with a genetic mutation of the CPA1 gene, causing early-onset pediatric recurrent acute and chronic pancreatitis.
Due to chronic inflammation, Gabby also developed exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and began taking pancreatic enzymes. Despite every effort to manage her condition, she experienced weekly attacks that caused severe, debilitating pain, nausea, and significant weight loss. Before surgery, Gabby became dependent on morphine for pain control, often with little relief.
Her family was referred to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for a Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Auto Transplantation (TPIAT) with Dr. Nathan. On April 14, 2026, Gabby underwent the life-changing 14.5-hour surgery. Today, Gabby is completely pain-free, no longer requires morphine, is not dependent on insulin, and is thriving, giving her the opportunity to enjoy childhood again.
