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LETTER: Thank you to the local medical world

Just over a month ago my son came home from Victoria, he was not feeling well, his tonsils were flaring up once again. He caught the first bus up and stopped at NRGH where he was prescribed antibiotics. Within 48 hours, we were back at the hospital as he was now having difficulty breathing.
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Just over a month ago my son came home from Victoria, he was not feeling well, his tonsils were flaring up once again. He caught the first bus up and stopped at NRGH where he was prescribed antibiotics. Within 48 hours, we were back at the hospital as he was now having difficulty breathing.

This would be the start of a long, harrowing, dark week marked by fear and tears. Through this difficult time of witnessing my son in extreme pain and the bewildered look on the medical personnel, there were many moments of panic and dread. How could a healthy, athletic 19-year-old go from fit to extremely ill in a matter of a few days? They were administering an arsenal, antibiotics, anti-viral drugs, steroids, anti-nausea medication, painkillers and constant saline solution. There was a feeling of complete helplessness as I sat and watched him slip into such lethargy that my mind went where no mother wants to go.

I wish to say that through this most difficult ordeal, all those who crossed our path, from the emergency staff, generalists, surgeons, anaesthesiologists, and numerous nurses, there was such kindness and true caring. Although his case was most puzzling, as no medication seemed to work, they were regularly at his bedside constantly reassuring us. In the end the decision was made to perform an emergency tonsillectomy. The surgeon did wait for optimal OR time with full staff as opposed to the late night “skeleton crew,” part of my recent learning.

My son is now reintegrating into the swing of life, belatedly completing his university term.

I wish to voice my gratitude to the medical force that was so caring, nurturing, compassionate, and showed a true human side to this sometimes cold, aseptic world. I commend you and I truly thank you.

Netania Waddell

Qualicum Beach