TEMPLE, Texas — A Temple family is hoping to raise awareness of the importance of listening to your loved ones if they are in pain. This comes after Teresa Gross dug deep into her granddaughter's health history.
At the age of 12, Jordan Rowlan was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy. She has also battled anxiety and depression since she was little.
At 15, Rowlan was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Gross says doctors assured them that taking the medicine would help and that only time would tell if the condition cured itself.
However, Rowlan was still suffering. She was experiencing chest pain and abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting when she eats. Her legs would swell and go numb as well. The diagnoses didn't explain all her symptoms, so the family kept searching for answers.
"The doctors just treated those things," Gross said. "They didn't really investigate. I really can't blame the doctor because it is rare."
For years, family and friends didn't believe Rowlan. One person did though, her grandmother.
"I cried a lot when we were looking for answers because I knew she was telling the truth," Gross said. "I knew what people in pain look like."
Gross is a nurse and knew something wasn't right. She took it upon herself to dive deep.
"I went back through all her test results," Gross told 6 News. "I wrote all of her symptoms down no matter how strange and weird they seemed, I wrote it down."
This fight saved Rowlan's life.
"To be totally honest, I think without having my grandma here, I would not be where I am," Rowlan said. "I don't think I'd be here at all."
After a lot of hard work, Gross found a doctor who diagnosed her granddaughter with multiple rare conditions that interfere with blood flow.
Now, the pair is using this journey to help other families.
"When your kid is complaining about having a lot of pain, believe them," Rowlan said. "Because I know what it's been like to feel like you're going crazy, because no one is believing you and doctors aren't believing you. It's okay to have something rare."
"Listen to your babies," Gross said. "Listen to your loved ones. Find the right doctors and get tested."
The doctors that treat the rare compressions are few and far between. Most people have to go to a different doctor for each one. This would mean three different surgeries with three separate doctors.
Luckily, the family found a doctor in Maryland who understands all of Rowlan's issues. He specializes in rare vein compressions and is willing to take her on as a patient.
To donate to help the family through their medical journey, click here.
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