A teenager from Abbotsford is questioning why it took the health-care system so long to identify her with a long-term condition.
Aya Belway, who was 14 at the end of 2020, began having stomach problems. She said that eating anything and doing any physical activity made her feel sick.
Sarah Belway, Aya's mother, said Aya sent many messages from school saying she didn't feel well. She even vomited while participating in her sport.
Aya used to be an active athlete before she got symptoms. Despite trying various things, Aya didn't get better and started losing weight.
She used to play high-level soccer and also participated in track. She said, “I would have moments where I would be like, ‘OK, I’m getting better,’ and then just my world felt like it would crash on me again.”
Aya's family doctor sent her to see a gastroenterologist at BC Children’s Hospital. Three years later, she finally got an appointment. Aya has been diagnosed with gastroparesis, a condition that weakens her stomach muscles and slows down the digestion of food.
Aya said, “I was told for all this time, ‘No, you’re just anxious, and this and that.’ Honestly, as much as it was a relief to know that I’m not just crazy, that there is actually something wrong with me.”
The condition can be managed with a controlled diet and medications, but it is long-lasting.
Aya also missed several years’ worth of treatments.
Aya said, “It brings a little bit of fear for my future knowing that I’ve missed many years of (treatment).”
The leader of pediatrics at B.C. Children’s Hospital said they are trying to hire more physicians and improve relationships with community-based providers.
Dr. Steven Miller, the head of pediatrics at B.C. Children’s Hospital, expressed regret to the families waiting for care at the hospital and reassured them of the team's efforts to reduce wait times.
