Allegra Is Thriving With Crohn's Disease
With courage and the support of her Virtua Health team, Allegra is managing her Crohn’s disease and living life on her own terms.
Building Patient Confidence Through Collaborative Crohn's Disease Care
Since she was 16, Allegra has delt with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition that can cause intense pain and uncertainty. As she puts it, Crohn’s feels “like a dragon breathing fire in your intestines”—a powerful, ongoing struggle with gut-wrenching pain and the unpredictability of what her body could handle. Today, with the care and expertise of her Virtua Health team, Allegra has transformed her journey with Crohn’s into a story of resilience, empowerment, and thriving.
When Dr. Gregory Seltzer, medical director of gastroenterology at Virtua Health, first met Allegra, she was hospitalized with a severe complication from her inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). With empathy and expertise, Dr. Seltzer assured her that they would find a solution together. “We’re going to get to the bottom of this and figure this out,” he promised. His commitment provided more than just medical insight—it gave her hope.
Allegra recalls how Dr. Seltzer’s compassionate, clear explanations became a source of comfort and strength. “He really explained to me, gave me the science and the heart, and he instantly became like family.”
As Allegra continued her treatment, her care team identified a need for surgical intervention. She was initially hesitant due to a prior experience with a surgical procedure at a different health system that left her apprehensive about further surgeries. Yet, Dr. Seltzer and his colleague Dr. Avi Galler, a colorectal surgeon at Virtua Health, introduced her to a minimally invasive, robotic-assisted option that would allow her a faster recovery and greater confidence in the process.
“The minimally invasive procedure offered Allegra the extra confidence she needed to move forward, said Dr. Galler. “And the collaboration with our digestive health team ensured that her treatment was both effective and supportive.”
Robotic-assisted Surgery Helped Improve Allegra's Health
Through these advancements in surgical care, Allegra could address her health challenges and start living life more fully. “Virtua is at the forefront of minimally invasive robotic surgery,” says Dr. Galler. “We’re leaders in this field in New Jersey and the tri-state area, making advanced care accessible to our patients.”
With her dedicated Virtua team by her side, Allegra has regained control over her health and is actively managing her Crohn’s disease. The journey hasn’t been easy, but with her care team’s ongoing support, she is living a life that’s no longer defined by the constraints of her illness. “It feels amazing being able to live my best life.”
Whether you're facing the complexities of Crohn's disease or seeking support in managing another chronic GI condition, Virtua Health is here for you. Our digestive health program includes specialized care at the Virtua Crohn’s & Colitis Center where our team of experts in advanced IBD management provides compassionate care, innovative treatments, and a supportive environment to help you live your best life.
Are you suffering from Crohn's or Colitis? Virtua has experts who can help.
Let’s navigate this journey together. If you need care for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, schedule a consultation today by calling 856-291-8680.
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