When the backup quarterback wins the game
A columnist scrambles to find a winning strategy during a health crisis
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During the 1992-93 AFC Wild Card playoff game, the Houston Oilers faced off against the Buffalo Bills. In a twist on irony, the game was a rematch of that particular season’s ender, which the Oilers won. Adding to the mounting anxiety for Bills fans and players, their starting quarterback, Jim Kelly, had been injured in the last game of the season, leaving backup quarterback Frank Reich to start the wild-card game.
The wild-card game started terribly for Buffalo. With multiple interceptions, strategic game play, and an incredible defense, the Oilers ended the first half leading with a score of 28-3. The idea that the Bills had a chance to win wasn’t even a consideration.
Shortly after the start of the second half, despite rousing locker room speeches by the Bills, Houston scored again, taking a 32-point lead.
Then, something happened on the field.
Bills fans watched in awe as Reich and his team steadily closed the deficit. By the end of the fourth quarter, both teams were tied, forcing overtime. The Bills ended up winning, with a score of 41-38, in one of the greatest football comebacks of all time — all with a backup quarterback. Sometimes the backup quarterback can still win the game.
‘Put me in, coach’
When our daughter, whom we lovingly call Ladybug, was diagnosed with hereditary angioedema (HAE), I spent the first few years as her main caregiver. It wasn’t because I didn’t have help. My husband would often beg to help me take on certain responsibilities, like administering her preventive medicine, staying home with her from school, and most importantly, staying with her in the hospital.
At first, I rebuffed all of his attempts. However, after learning that I wasn’t invincible, my husband and I formed a great caregiving tag team. I relaxed more because I knew that if I couldn’t do something, my husband would be right there.
But a few weeks ago, we were facing a serious issue. In what can only be described as a perfect storm of events, my husband had an engagement he couldn’t miss. I had one I had to manage. One set of grandparents was out of town, and the other had a prior commitment. But Ladybug was being admitted to the hospital.
As I sat with her in the emergency room waiting for her to be admitted, I ran every scenario in my head. In all of them, I would either have to completely miss the event I was in charge of or leave Ladybug by herself. Although she’s 16, some significant swells put Ladybug in such discomfort that our presence and advocacy are imperative. I just needed one person who knew our situation well enough to sit with her for a few hours, and there was no winning strategy.
That’s when it dawned on me: I knew another adult.
Our oldest son, whom we lovingly refer to as Bubby, is home from his sophomore year in college. He’s three years older than his sister and has been quietly watching, living, and observing our HAE journey with her.
I had a backup quarterback, and I hadn’t even realized it.
Once Ladybug was admitted, I called our son. The following day, he showed up at the hospital ready to take on the task. After a quick rundown of our “hospital playbook,” I confidently left him in charge. Hours later, when I returned, Bubby reported everything that had happened that morning, and I relaxed, knowing that Ladybug was well on her way to recovery.
As caregivers for a patient with a rare disease, it’s important for us to identify our backup quarterbacks. When we can’t do it all, it’s those individuals who give us a chance to feel like we’re still winning.
Note: Angioedema News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Angioedema News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to angioedema.
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