In late 2020, Aya Belway, a fourteen-year-old from Abbotsford, British Columbia, started experiencing gut issues, which worsened with any food intake or physical activity, severely impacting her health. Despite seeking medical attention, Aya faced years of uncertainty, misdiagnoses, and unsuccessful treatments. Initially, her symptoms were dismissed, with suggestions that anxiety might be the cause. As an active athlete involved in soccer and track, Aya’s condition forced her to quit her sports due to persistent sickness.
After three years of health struggles, Aya was finally diagnosed with gastroparesis, a chronic condition that weakens stomach muscles, causing delayed digestion. The delayed diagnosis has not only impacted Aya’s physical health but also deprived her of years of potential treatment and management strategies. The condition requires a controlled diet and medications to alleviate symptoms.
Aya’s family doctor referred her to a gastroenterologist at BC Children’s Hospital, but the prolonged waiting period for the consultation added to the challenges she faced. The delayed diagnosis raises concerns about the effectiveness and efficiency of the healthcare system in addressing urgent cases, especially those involving pediatric patients.
Dr. Steven Miller, the head of pediatrics at BC Children’s Hospital, acknowledged the challenges and expressed apologies to families experiencing delays in care. He emphasized efforts to hire more physicians and strengthen partnerships with community-based providers to improve the system’s responsiveness.
Aya’s case underscores the importance of timely and accurate diagnoses, especially for chronic conditions, and highlights the need for improvements in the healthcare system to address the unique challenges faced by pediatric patients.