Wilson's Differential Diagnosis
Part 3
Home at last. He was achy, sore and in pain. Between his leg, ribs and head he had had enough of pain. He changed into a pair of sweat pants and a sweatshirt, now he was freezing, probably had a fever coming. The Vicodin didn't help much so he got comfortably situated on the couch and tried to ride it out. He put a pillow under his ribs and curled up under a blanket so he could grasp his painful leg. Once he was comfortable or at least half comfortable he tried to watch some TV and ended up dosing off periodically. The pain would wake him up again, but the cycle continued. Comfort, TV distraction, sleep, rude awakening by pain.
Once he had fallen into a rhythm of his uncomfortable cycle he heard a familiar knock at the door. "Shit" he thought to himself, "Wilson." Just when he was out of a little pain Wilson had to interfere.
"Wilson let yourself in, I just got comfortable."
He came in and was surprised by what he saw. House was never curled up on the couch in pain, not even when his leg was excruciating.
"House what's going on with you?"
"Cold, I told you that."
"Yeah and the pillow under your ribs translates to nothing."
"Really, I'm fine."
"Show me. Sit up without wincing in pain or holding your ribs."
He tried to hide it, but Wilson saw through it. He sat himself next to House on the couch and grabbed his wrist. He didn't pull away as Wilson checked his pulse, just rested his head on the back of the couch.
"Your pulse is low, where's a stethoscope?"
"Closet doorknob."
He went and got it, came back and began listening to House's heart.
"Lean forward for me I need to hear your lungs to check for pneumonia."
He leaned forward and grunted in pain when Wilson listened to his right side.
"You sound a little congested, wheezy almost. That hurt when I listened?"
"Yes."
"Where?"
"My ribs."
"Why?"
"Don't know."
"Lift up your shirt."
"Why Jimmy, not until our first date."
"No jokes House, just do it."
"Why?"
"Because I think you're hiding something."
"What if I am?"
"Well you need help. You're obviously in pain and I can't help until I know what's wrong. Now do it before I hurt you, or worse tell Cuddy."
He reluctantly lifted his shirt to expose his ribs to his friend. The sight was what Wilson had feared.
"What the hell did you do?!"
"What?"
He looked himself and couldn't believe what he saw. All his ribs on his right side were dark purple that explained why they hurt so badly.
"Does your leg look like that too? What did you do, fall down some stairs?"
"Yes I did and I haven't checked my leg yet."
Slowly he stood and dropped his pants to examine his thigh. There was some bruising there as well, but not as bad as his ribs. He sat down again. He head hurt still and he felt a little dizzy as well as chilled. He put his blanket back on.
"How does your leg feel? How do you feel?"
"We feel like shit."
Wilson got up and walked away. House lay back down; he was tired, cold and in pain. Wilson returned with a thermometer and House did as he was told. He didn't have the energy to argue or fight now.
"Of course you have a fever. The cold could be turning into pneumonia but I can't confirm it yet. You obviously bruised your ribs, but I don't think they're broken. You probably bruised the bone in your thigh, explains your increased pain. I'll keep an eye on you but you'll probably live."
"Nice differential now shut up so I can sleep."
I was thinking of ending it here, but if you want more let me know your ideas and I can try to add on. Thanks for all your reviews!!
