Zoiya D.'s Story
Published: September 22nd, 2026
My name is Zoiya and I was diagnosed with Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS) earlier this year. My journey was fast, intense, and life‑changing.
Before my diagnosis, I had already been struggling with anorexia, anxiety, and OCD. By the end of January, I could no longer tolerate solid food. Because of my ED I lost weight extremely fast and was no longer even able to stand. I went to SickKids, where they gave me Hydroporph, which pushed my body over the edge. I went from my starting pre-ED weight of 120 to 60 pounds. I was admitted to SickKids on February 3rd. At first, the team tried an NG tube, but it failed—something felt wrong in my body, and I knew it wasn’t just typical feeding‑tube discomfort. Eventually, an upper GI test confirmed SMAS.
Once I was switched to an NJ tube, things finally started moving in the right direction. My doctors estimated that treatment would take around six months, but I trusted my body and pushed for myself. I worked closely with the team, advocated for what I felt physically, and slowly began to stabilize. In the middle of March, I ate solid food for the first time since January, which felt surreal after weeks of fear, nausea, and uncertainty. I was discharged after about a month, SMAS‑free.
Even though the medical part resolved quickly, the emotional impact stayed. SMAS gave me severe emetophobia and hospital trauma. I still get panic attacks over simple choices, and I have IV scars and weight loss marks down my legs that remind me of everything I went through. The experience changed how I move through daily life — things that used to be easy now take more mental energy, reassurance, and patience.
But I also had support. The nurses at SickKids, especially in the Marnie’s Lounge, made the hospital feel less terrifying. They treated me with kindness, listened when I was scared, and helped me feel human again. Their support is a big part of why I was able to recover as quickly as I did. My mom also slept by my side every night, and my 4 yr old sister who visited me daily. Both made recovery possible.
My SMAS journey was short in time but huge in impact. It taught me how strong I am, how important it is to advocate for myself, and how deeply medical trauma can shape a person. I’m still healing, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
