Nick Kanaan is married and has a two-year-old daughter. Like many residents of the Lower Mainland, he and his family are staying at home duing the COVID-19 pandemic.
But Nick can't leave.
Nick, who is in his 30s, suffers from cystic fibrosis; he can't risk going outside.
Nick tells Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» that his health began to rapidly deteriorate five years ago. During that time, he says that he was unable to enjoy most activities, and that he had to be extremely cautious.
In 2019, this disease nearly took his life until he received a double-lung transplant at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»General Hospital. When Nick was undergoing treatment, he missed his daughter's first steps.
Like most transplant patients, he is taking medication that suppresses his immune system. The medication is a vital part of recovery that purposefully weakens and/or prevents white blood cells in Nick’s body from attacking his new lungs.
Nick and his two-year-old daughter. Photo courtesy of Nick Kanaan “The reality is these meds come with several side effects and also puts all patients at a much higher risk of infection and severity of infection,” says Nick. “These drugs are essential for both my recovery and life expectancy. Without these meds, the new organ would be rejected, leading to damage and possibly death.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has left Nick with little choice but to self-isolate at home. Since his surgery in 2019, he had just started to go on hikes and enjoy walks - it was the first time in over five years. While once he would go out to shop, walk, jog or even do some local travel, this is no longer a reality.
“There is definitely a majorly heightened feeling of stress, anxiety and helplessness,” says Nick. “The very thought of experiencing severe respiratory symptoms once again has kept me up at night. Having lived it for years, it's unsettling knowing that there is a very realistic threat just outside my door with no clear end in sight.”
The family is taking strict precautions. Nick’s wife, Lindsay, disinfects every item that comes in which includes essentials such as medicine and groceries. Nick is conducting all of his health care appointments virtually and has put on hold any other appointments that would require in-person attendance, such as X-rays. He notes that Lindsay has only left the house three times since the COVID-19 pandemic became a reality in Vancouver.
Nick adds that his kind neighbours leave food and other neccessities outside for the family, but that these and other packages undergo a quarantine of three to four days before anyone touches them.
"We aren't taking any chances."
Nick describes going on trials with a reduced version of a ventilator, and how the high-flow oxygen felt. He says this process took him three weeks, and that it was scary for himself and his family.
"Seeing the ventilators brings back dark memories of lung-failure and being on one," Nick explains. "People need to understand what it is like to be on a ventilator. When you are taken off one, your lungs are no longer used to breathing."
"It is absolutely not anything wants to experience," he says.
Dr. Hussein Kanji, Nick and Nick's wife, Lindsay. Photo courtesy of Nick Kanaan Nick adds that people who are at-risk are not identifiable. They don't look a particular way, and they can be any age. As such, it is vital that everyone practices physical distancing, and stays home as much as possible. He notes that they should also do this for the people who work in health care, who are under tremendous pressure.
Nick's doctor, Dr. Hussein Kanji, works in the Intensive Care Unit at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»General Hosptial. He notes that the level of intensity is up several degrees, but that he's proud of the entire team. He adds that the critical care community has been sharing experiences and resources, which has been instrumental in treating COVID-19 patients.
"Cases are variable, but any form of life support can be traumatizing," says Dr. Kanji.
Dr. Kanji notes that not all patients can get back to baseline after being on a ventilator. He notes that even for some healthier patients, it may take weeks, months, or even years to feel like their former selves.
When asked about those who are still refusing to stay home, Dr. Kanji says, "Please don't do a disservice to everyone. It is very easy to become lackadaisical, but people will die."
Nick underscores Dr.Kanji's sentiment, stating that we are in a critical period right now. He also adds that the VGH COVID-19 Response Foundation supports health care workers and advances COVID-19 research. Find out more information about the foundation .
