Abby Ryan

At the young age of 14, Abby Ryan was mature enough to realize that she needed help. After a bout of nausea with fever; bloody stools and cramping, she knew something just wasn’t right. Abby was certain her condition was serious, but was concerned that the family pediatrician would diagnose her with a bad case of the flu and send her home. She didn’t know where to turn.

The Lakewood Hospital Teen Health Center is located at the top of Abby’s street and was the place to go for a quick strep test or school physical. When her symptoms worsened, Abby asked her mom to take her to the Teen Health Center knowing that she would be taken seriously and not treated like a child. “I wanted a more ‘age-appropriate’ option other than my pediatrician,” said Abby.

That critical decision made all the difference.

Abby’s mother, Patty Ryan, called the Teen Health Center and was able to get Abby an appointment for that same afternoon with Suzanne Sandoval, CPNP.

Once Abby walked through the doors, she was treated like a young adult by a compassionate, caring and understanding staff. After a thorough exam, Sandoval confirmed Abby’s gut-feeling that her condition was serious and used the resources of Lakewood Hospital to get Abby an urgent appointment at the Cleveland Clinic.

Timing was critical.

The following morning, Abby was seen by a Cleveland Clinic pediatric gastroenterologist, who diagnosed her with Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease, both chronic conditions that cause inflammation of the digestive tract and colon.

Fortunately for Abby, they were able to address her disease immediately and begin treatment.

The doctors told Abby that the quick timing – from the onset of her symptoms to her diagnosis - was instrumental for her treatment plan.

Since her initial diagnosis three years ago, Abby has experienced some bumps in the road. Also diagnosed with primary sclerosis cholangitis, which is a chronic liver disease, Abby may eventually require a liver transplant down the road.

Despite her health issues, Abby lives her life to the fullest and looks forward to her future plans. Now 17 and a senior at Magnificat High School, Abby has plans to go away for college next year. “This whole experience has made me want to become a nurse and help others,” Abby says with enthusiasm.

Patty Ryan was thrilled that Abby turned to the Lakewood Hospital Teen Health Center. “Most people would never think of the Teen Health Center as an option for an urgent medical condition, but when Abby requested to go there, I quickly made the appointment and was overwhelmed by the care we received,” says Ryan.

The Lakewood Hospital Teen Health Center provides teens ages 12 to 19 with answers to the common questions many young adults have today. The staff understands the needs of teens and can provide a comfortable place to receive a variety of services. This month, they are celebrating 10 years of service to the community.

For more information about the Teen Health Center, call 216.391.TEEN (8336); email us at teentalk@lkwh.org; or visit lakewoodhospital.org/teen