Chapter 9 - Ichi Rittoru No Namida (Part 7)

Little Aya's admission to the hospital

Aya stayed in Ward 4A at Nagoya University Hospital. She was very popular with the nurses. Although she was a high school student, her childlike face gave her an angelic look. She obediently followed everyone's instructions, hoping to get better, even if only a little. She planned and practiced various exercises for her hands and legs. It was impossible not to be fond of her. The new remedy had a slight effect, but it didn't reduce her daily inconveniences. The nurses complained to me, saying "Dr. Yamamoto, Little Aya is working so hard. Why can't you do something to help her?" I felt a loss.

Around that time, word was going around that the professor at the hospital was an authority on spinocerebellar degeneration. Many patients came to our hospital from all over the country. Aya and U-kun, a boy one year younger than her, were young and cheerful patients. But some of the patients were bedridden, only getting up to go to the toilet in a wheelchair. Sharp-eyed Aya mentioned the names of the seriously ill patients to me and asked, "Will I be like them soon?"

I knew Aya had various dreams for her future. During my rounds, she would carefully check my reactions as she told me about them. I had begun feeling that it was about time to tell her properly about her disease.

So I answered, "It will be a long time from now, Little Aya, but yes, you'll be like that eventually."

I explained to her in detail what would happen to her as time passed: her swaying would gradually increase; eventually, it would be difficult to walk; her speach would become unclear and would not be understood; and writing and using her hands for any kind of handwork would become dificult.

For several days after that, she was very depressed. But soon she started asking me positive questions again: "Dr. Yamamoto how much longer will I be able to walk?" or "Do you think I could manage this kind of work?" I felt sorry for her, but I thought it was good that I had explained everything.

In fact, after that, our mental bond became stronger. We could talk openly about the very serious symptoms of the disease, and knowing in advance what would come next made it easier to decide what to do next.

Her stay at the hospital that time couldn't do much to improve her condition. However, I believe she left the hospital understanding what was most important for the long life under medical treatment that she would have to face.