Her Childhood Haunts

Boy! This pill is tough to swallow.

Well, inhale too. No, not me, it is Wifey.

Today, I took half day off from work to be with Wifey to know the result from her Spirometry Test done a few weeks back.

It is official. Wifey is now enrolled in the Asthmatic Support Program at Changi General Hospital or CGH for short.

Her nightly incessant flu-like symptom last few months and at times breathlessness has a name now. It's Asthma. No surprise... a term she was familiar with, but as a child and in her early teen years, but not heard of for so long until today.

Though we kind-of know about it, Dr. Imran confirmed it for us.

So, her childhood illness has finally came to haunt her in adulthood. This time is it for the rest of her life as the Specialist had informed. She is now in Dr. Imran's preventive care.

No worries... as long as she sticks to the daily routine of her preventive medications of Symbicort for her lungs and Nasonex for her nose, she "will lead a good quality of life" just like a normal person would.

Her appointment at 3:50PM was delayed 20 minutes because of urgent cases that came and had to be attended to first.

I was in disbelieve when the doctor told Wifey about her condition. I asked question after question to be extra sure, simply because Wifey only had attacks in very infrequent occasions and far in between.

I was somehow in denial with the prognosis and the lifelong medication that she has to take with her "mild" condition, whereas Wifey was quiet... shocked, maybe... resent to fate, maybe.

I did not know what was going through her mind when the doctor was explaining and answering my 101 questions.

I could not accept the fact that her asthma has recurred and will stay for the rest of her life. Poor Wifey, my love.

Yes, she had symptoms of asthma and actually had several attacks that were frequent only in January 2008. The symptom with that excessive phlegm was gone after Dr. Imran treated her with all those medication.

She has recovered from the flu, but had bouts of shortness of breaths on some nights, but nothing "worrying" as Wifey puts it.

After the doctor had explained it to us, it came to mind that Wifey was late in seeking medical treatment for her flu. She waited for 2 weeks and after several "nagging" by me that I was able to "drag" her to our family doctor. Her unnecessary epitome of tolerance.

I had to "drag" her again to CHG when she had a relapse... and all led to this final prognosis and now a change in lifestyle and diet for her... and for the family, since she is the resident cook in this household. We eat what she can eat and cook.

I have to mention that Felicia, the Asthma Consulting Nurse was thorough and very patient to explain all the things that is... well, asthma, now that Wifey is in the Asthma Support Program.

A phone call away for advice and subsidized cost on her monthly medications bill.

I was still in the state of shock but ultimately understood the prognosis than seeking a second opinion an hour later, after Felicia painstakingly and genuinely explained and showed how the medication should be taken.

Just as Wifey understood what exactly asthma is, I finally understood how it occurs or triggered by, how to avoid another attack, how to prepare for overseas trips, why the need for lifelong preventive medications, the difference a relief medication provides and many more facts.

Wifey was made to practice administering the 3 daily medications to Nurse Felicia for her to be sure that Wifey was doing it correctly. Explaining the effects that may be gradual but dangerous when the symptom recurs if Wifey stopped her medication intake.

So we will have a bill of between S$60.00 monthly for her medication once these run out in June 2008. After which, her next appointment and a review on its dosages.

Sonny was saddened and gave his Mama a hug when he was told about her medical condition that will become her lifelong routine. That was heartfelt to watch. He loves his Mama.

Anyway, Wifey has the support from her two beloved people in this household. A minor but important change in our lifestyle which is doable starting tomorrow morning.

Love you Wifey... nothing has changed.