Ella Hamm is active in school and 4-H, using virtual visits to help her manage Crohn’s disease.
It’s not easy for 15-year-old Ella Hamm to manage a chronic condition like Crohn’s disease. She gets plenty of support from family, friends and her medical team. She also relies on virtual visits as a convenient alternative to in-person care.
Ella had frequent stomach issues in 2017, and her family couldn’t figure out why. “We took her to pediatrician Dr. Kimberly Blair with Wadsworth Pediatrics [now Akron Children’s Pediatrics, Wadsworth North]. Dr. Blair helped us get Ella admitted to Akron Children’s Hospital,” Ella’s mom, Crystal, recalled. “We had to figure out what was wrong.”
While in the hospital, Ella met Akron Children’s Pediatric Gastroenterologist Kevin Watson, MD. Ella’s medical history, a physical exam and tests revealed she had Crohn’s disease. “From the start, Dr. Watson truly listened to what we had to say,” Crystal said. “He is always on his game, although he can also empathize with us and laugh with us.”
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. It causes swelling and irritation of tissues in the digestive tract – which can result in stomach pain, weight loss and fatigue among other symptoms. These can differ from person to person. Ella manages the condition by having frequent appointments with Dr. Watson, getting medication injections, watching her diet, and focusing on healthy movement that includes riding her horse and being outside.
Ella snuggles with Jewels Stylish Oak, also known as Jo.
Virtual visits provide an alternative to in-person care
Another essential element of Ella’s care is the ability to have virtual visits from the comfort of home. “Virtual visits can be especially important for patients like Ella who may have stomach issues and pain,” Crystal said. “They need to stay close to home, and virtual visits make that possible.”
Ella is immunocompromised due to the medicines she takes, so virtual visits also help to keep her safe. “Virtual visits are very important and cater to this category of people if there is a concern of them being exposed to illness while in the doctor’s office,” Crystal explained. “We did virtual visits during COVID a lot, and we’re thankful that option is still available. They’re easy to access and use.”
Dr. Watson appreciates how virtual visits give him the ability to see and interact with patients when they’re not able to come to the office. “I try to make it as much like an in-person clinic visit as possible.,” he said. “I always try to find something that I can relate to my patients with, whether it’s an activity, show, favorite food or some other interest they may have.”
Dr. Kevin Watson has a virtual visit with Ella.
Dr. Watson is an official member of Team Hamm
Whether in Akron for an in-office appointment or connecting through a virtual visit, the Hamm family and Dr. Watson have formed quite a bond. “We have known him for a long time now – since Ella was just 7 years old,” Crystal said. “He feels like not only our doctor but a member of Team Hamm.”
Building trust is essential for a provider and a patient with a chronic condition like Crohn’s. “Dr. Watson can tell just by walking into the room how Ella is doing based on her mood,” Crystal said. “He and Ella have their inside jokes. But he also speaks to Ella directly and can have important conversations with her when they are needed.”
Crystal also feels supported when she uses other communication tools besides virtual visits. “We are so thankful for the Gastroenterology team at Akron Children’s,” she shared. “They are always extremely responsive in responding to messaging via phone and MyChart. They’re proactive in all aspects – including paperwork, medication changes and ordering lab work.”
Ella’s rides toward the future
Ella, a freshman at Wadsworth High School, is an active member of her 4-H club. She has three horses that she enjoys showing at local open shows, the Medina County Fair and the Ohio State Fair. She enjoys being outdoors, reading, and hanging out with her friends and family.
Ella has experienced ups and downs with her health, but Dr. Watson provides steady support. “Whether we see Dr. Watson in person or online, he’s been a constant for Ella in this ever-changing Crohn’s journey,” Crystal shared. “He has been there through every curveball she has been thrown. He is an absolutely phenomenal doctor and human being.”
Ella loves animals, including dogs Cash and Arrow.
Dr. Watson agrees that the bond he has with Ella is special. “I’ve seen her grow up from a young child to a teenager. We talk about her horses, plays that she is in, books she is reading and her other many pets at home,” he said. “I still have the autographed ‘Mercy Watson’ book she gave me when she was younger. This bond helps to make the technical medical talk much easier.”
