She was just one year old and very cute, but as soon as she and the grandmother, along with many other patients entered our house, I knew which one to check first. You could hear the rattling, rapid respiration from across the room. The accessory muscles used in the effort of drawing in air caused the little ones neck, ribs and diaphragm work overtime. True, I was just getting situated with all the new medication and supplies we had just brought in from Mae Sot and it was difficult to locate the asmasol and normal saline for injection to put in the new nebulizer machine. As I opened the nebulizer my heart gave adoration and praise to God and to the faithful people in America who donated the money to make this treatment possible. Though this machine just works on room air, I have seen miraculous results from the medicated mist that pours through the mask to the patients young and old. I found paracetamol (tylenol) and sabumal PO to give this little patient right away to begin clearing the little bronchial tubes. Then I breathlessly drew up the medication and hooked up the little machine. The question was – is there enough power in our small solar system to support this machine for 20 mins and then possible repeat it! Oh how I prayed for it to work. With plug in position and power button turned on, it sprang into life and instantly with it came the mist that would bring relief to the little sufferer.
The next scene I had not anticipated at all. I was so accustomed to treating the little children and babies at LKY with the nebulizer, and they were acquainted with it also, that it did not dawn upon this brain of mine that these dear people have never seen or experienced such a loud “monster” breathing out smoke! The Karen children on the border are quiet and calm, rarely do they kick, scream and fight in response to this treatment. They simply trust and obey! But now this poor grandmother was seized with terror. Her emotion was quickly conveyed to the one year old and such kicking and screaming followed that the grandmother begged for us to stop. This we did while Blet Jaw kindly instructed her about the procedure and the benefits that should result. This failed to impress her however and the one year old screamed and kicked for 20 minutes, while the grandmother kept asking, “Willie Au?” “Willie Au?” Meaning are you finished? In the hospital the nurses always wrap up the screaming babies tightly in a sheet before attempting the breathing treatment. Some think it is cold hearted and harsh, but the steam is easily given that way and the mother is able to relax more. We had no sheet and thought that would scare the poor grandmother even more to use one. At the end of the treatment we waited a few minutes and checked the lungs again, but found very little improvement. Oh no, we thought how can they both bear another treatment. Perhaps the whole village will hear that we are cruel and harsh, and maybe the old superstition that one of the old men of the village asked us about will be thought to be true! He had asked if the white people really did eat the little children! Anyway the treatment did need to be repeated and as I mixed the medicine I prayed that this would go easier this time and bring relief. The baby was now sound asleep, worn out from its struggles. I started the machine and slowly brought the mask to the babies face. He did not stir! The mother, Blet Jaw and I stayed motionless holding that baby so as not to awaken it. The baby slept the entire time and the solar system kept the machine going as well. Sure enough there was a decided improvement in the lungs and the baby was sent home with medication and the instruction to return if its condition worsened. In two days I saw this baby again so much improved that the poor old grandma had to thank me. I in turn thanked our Physician up in heaven for the nebulizer, His healing power and His goodness in all things.