HOW WE COPED WITH SICKNESS

Like every other family, we had to cope with some sickness as well. Gary was diagnosed with asthma when he was only a month old. This meant that we had a lot of sleepless nights. He would be all right during the day, but at night would start to wheeze and gasp for breath. Often he slept with a maxi-mist operating in his room, and sometimes it would give him relief. Doctor O’Hanley was his doctor, and many times we had to take him to the Charlottetown Hospital, where the devoted doctor worked diligently to relieve the child of his discomfort. One summer in particular was very difficult for us, for he was admitted as a patient on ten occasions.

The white frost in winter meant trouble, for the asthma would appear, and Gary would turn pale, with dark circles forming under his eyes. At times, we used a blanket to form a tent. Steam from an electric kettle would penetrate inside the tent and give him some relief. When he felt better, he would sleep for long periods of time.

Doctor O’Hanley kept experimenting with new medication but with little success. He was quite concerned and sent him to the [.W.K. Hospital in Halifax, but he received no positive results from their observations.

The doctor suggested that we purchase a vaporizer that could be used when he was in school. This worked well, for I was teaching in the same school and could look after the machine and deposit the medication when it was needed.

Gary was interested in sports, but because of his condition, was exposed to very little gym time. Having the machine helped, so, once again he was able to join his peers for sports activities. As a result his health improved, and the more exercise he received, the better he felt. Gary continued to use the machine through high school and University. Gary later joined three other classmates and they rented an apartment together. As luck would happen, all three of his friends were doctors. At night while Gary slept, they observed his breathing and as a result were able to change his medication. He no longer needs a vaporizer, but continues to take medication and uses a puffer. Exercising is part of his daily routine, and he is able to live a normal

life.

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