Melany began experiencing stomach pain and rapid weight loss when she was 9 years old.
“Melany would complain to us about her stomach hurting and make constant trips to the bathroom. We noticed her lack of appetite and how skinny she was getting,” said her mother, Jeisy.
Later that year, Melany was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Jeisy looked for a gastroenterologist who had experience treating children with Crohn’s disease near the family's home in Fort Myers. After a fruitless search, Jeisy sought advice from a friend whose son had Crohn’s disease.
“My friend recommended Dr. Alisa Muñiz Crim and said the care she provided was the reason her son’s condition had greatly improved in such a short time. Melany and I decided to travel to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami to visit her,” said Jeisy.
When Dr. Muñiz Crim, medical director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Center at Nicklaus Children’s, began examining Melany, she noticed that in addition to Crohn’s disease, the child had a low hemoglobin count. Dr. Muñiz Crim advised that it would be best if Melany were hospitalized so that she could receive iron infusions along with her medication.
Two weeks later, Melany was feeling much better and able to go home. She continued to visit Dr. Muñiz Crim every six weeks to receive her medication.
“After treatment with Dr. Muñiz Crim, Melany’s appetite returned and she reached a healthy weight. She is always happy to see Dr. Muñiz Crim and speaks highly of her and the extended IBD Center care team,” says Jeisy.
Melany is now 14 years old and continues with her treatments. She is very good at managing her condition and feels healthier than ever before.
“We are so glad that we discovered Dr. Muñiz Crim and the IBD Center at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital,” said Jeisy. They have made such a difference in our lives.”