Chapter 7
Never Watch the Clock
Any errors are mine in the medical parts of this story. Because this part wasn't beta read grammar errors are also mine.
The look of worry creased Sophie's face as she waiting in the pale blue hallway outside the treatment area at Angus Mercy Hospital. Immediately after their arrival, Scott was taken to a room where a Doctor and two nurses began taking vitals and running tests to determine the extent of his injuries. Although Scott protested, Sophie wasn't allowed to stay with him. She reassured him before heading to the row of blue chairs along the wall beyond the doors to the treatment room. During that time, she had filled out paperwork and answered questions about Scott to a nurse, then Sophie handed her the medical information about him given to her by Roger before leaving Horizon. Dropping her face into her hands, the tears began to flow. Lost in though, she was startled when a hand touched her shoulder. Quickly looking up, Sophie made eye contact with Peter.
"Are you alright?" Concern heard in Peter's voice.
"Yes, Just worried about Scott is all." Sophie said quietly, while wiping the tears from her face.
Embracing Sophie, Peter replied, "Scott's in good hands Sophie; let's hold on to that, ok?"
Shaking her head, Sophie continued, "It's not ok. You weren't there Peter. Scott was so quiet on the way here and when he did talk, he kept asking what happened but didn't seem to remember I'd already told him and twice he got sick in the ambulance. I'm scared Peter, really scared."
"Shh…" Peter responded holding Sophie close. "Until we know something from the Doctor, let's keep faith that Scott will be alright."
"Did you get a hold of Scott's father?" Sophie's voice cracked from the tears she'd shed.
"Yes, Mr. Barringer's in Japan but has a flight reserved in case he needs to be here." Peter answered, hoping that wouldn't be necessary.
"Good, Scott may need him." Sophie said, with a strength to her voice she hadn't found since Peter arrived at the hospital.
Looking at the clock down the hall, Sophie realized what has seemed like hours had only been minutes since leaving Scott to the Doctor's care. Peter continued holding her close, and in that closeness she felt reassured that Scott would be ok.
Nearly an hour later, a middle-aged woman in a long white coat came through the treatment room doors towards Peter and Sophie.
"I'm Doctor Terri Lowell." She extended her hand to Peter than Sophie who introduced themselves as they stood up. Doctor Lowell then continued, "From tests done including a CT scan, I've determined, Scott has a grade 3 or severe concussion. He still has a headache and exhibits signs of dizziness, nausea and ringing in his ears but the symptoms have decreased since he was brought in. According to his records, this isn't the first concussion he sustained. Due to the time length since the last one, I don't see a big concern for second-impact syndrome. We will continue to do neurological exams to evaluate his progress and as long as Scoot monitored closely and he doesn't return to physical activities for at least 1 month after he is symptom free, he should be alright. In addition, Scott's blood test showed an elevated white count. Through a urinalysis, I discovered he has a urinary tract infection, treatable with antibodies. Do either of you have any questions?" Doctor Lowell asked noting looks of relief and concern on Sophie and Peter's faces.
"So he's going to be alright?" The worry sounded in Sophie's voice yet there was hope in the Doctor's words. So relieved by the news the Doctor gave her, she couldn't think of any other questions to ask.
"Yes, Scott should be alright. I will keep him over night for observation and if he continues to shows improvement you can take him back to Horizon tomorrow morning." Doctor Lowell said before continuing, "Right now Scott tried and will sleep a great deal because of the concussion, but understanding that some of Scott's symptoms were exacerbated by the anxiety attack he had earlier."
"Doctor Lowell, Scott's father is out of the country right now but is waiting to hear weather he should return to the states or not. Based on what I'm hearing that may not be necessary." Peter said feeling a weight lifted off him, yet feeling a need for confirmation.
"Unless Scott's Father feels a need to be here, he could remain where he is at this time. If you'd like we could conference call Mr. Barringer from my office, that way if there are any questions he may have I can answer them." Doctor Lowell replied extending her arm in the direction of her office.
"Thank you. That would be helpful. I would also like to know more about this infection, but I'm sure we can talk on the way to your office." Peter said, grateful for the Doctor's suggestion.
"Sure, I can do that, Peter. Sophie, if you go to room 234 you will find Scott there. He's been asking about you and I'm sure it would be a great comfort to him knowing you're still here." Said Doctor Lowell, who anticipated the question Sophie wanted to ask.
A smile then a thank you from Sophie sent her in the direction of Scott's room. Nearing the elevator, she turned to say something to Peter only to see he was gone, then realizing what she wanted to say wasn't necessary, Peter would come to Scott's room when finished. Stepping into the elevator, watching the doors close, Sophie exhaled; relaxing her body and hoping a crisis have been averted. When reaching the second floor, Sophie left the elevator turning right towards Scott's Room, counting the numbers until 234 was found. Slowing she walked in, seeing a sleeping Scott in a bed near the window.
Quietly Sophie walked to the side of Scott's bed; the sunlight coming through the window cast a glow across Scott's face giving him a child like innocence as he slept. Pulling a chair close to the bed, Sophie examined his delicate facial features. His long oval face, soft chin and the disarray of blonde curls, added to Scott's boyish appearance. To her he appeared calm for the first time since meeting him. Scott was a turbulent storm of emotions, it was nice to see some part of him found peace, even if it was only in sleep.
"Sophie?" Peter said, wishing he'd remained silent for she jumped at the sound of his voice. "Sorry."
"That's ok. Did you talk with Scott's father?" Sophie whispered
"Yes. He's staying in Japan but wants an update from the Doctor in the morning on Scott's condition." Peter stated, relieved that Sophie was relaxed now that she was with Scott. "Nice to see him calm, makes me wonder what Scott was like before his life spun out of control."
"Scott holds a special place in your heart, Peter. Although I don't understand why, there's something different with him that isn't there with the other kids at the school." Sophie replied hoping Peter understood what she was saying and didn't take it to mean favoritism for that was the farthest thing from her mind.
"I can't explain it Sophie but from the moment I met Scott I connected with him. At first, I saw myself in him but it wasn't long before reality struck me that I'm his lifeline like Frank was mine, the anchor that keeps the demon within from consuming him. What ever control this demon has in Scott's life, it powerful enough for him to give up the things he loves the most in life." Peter said, realizing he'd confessed more than he intended to Sophie.
Taking his hand, noting the compassion in Peter's eyes as he spoke of Scott, Sophie responded, "Peter I understand and believe me so does Scott in his own way. I'm going to stay here for awhile if that's alright?"
"Sure, that's fine. I'll take care of Group for the Cliffhangers when I get back to Horizon. Just call when you need picked up." Peter said before heading to the door.
"I will Peter and thank you." Sophie replied while keeping eye contact with Peter.
"Anytime, Sophie," Peter answered before leaving the room.
Sophie returned her attention to Scott, who remained unaware of the conversation in his hospital room. Soundly he slept, safe if only for a time for his demon within.
I am leaving information about grade 3 concussions and also second impact syndrome.
A person with a grade 3 concussion (involving any loss of consciousness, no matter how brief) should be examined by a medical professional either on the scene or in an emergency room. More severe symptoms may warrant a CT or MRI scan, along with a thorough neurological and physical exam. The person should be hospitalized if any abnormalities are found or if confusion persists. Prolonged unconsciousness and worsening symptoms require urgent neurosurgical evaluation or transfer to a trauma center. Following discharge from professional care, the patient is closely monitored for neurological symptoms which may arise or worsen. If headaches or other symptoms worsen or last longer than one week, a CT or MRI scan should be performed. Contact sports are avoided for one week following unconsciousness of only seconds, and for two weeks for unconsciousness of a minute or more. A person receiving a second grade 3 concussion should avoid contact sports for at least a month after all symptoms have cleared, and then only with the approval of a physician.
Second-impact syndrome (SIS) occurs when an athlete who sustains a head injury - often a concussion or worse injury, such as a cerebral contusion (bruised brain) - sustains a second head injury before symptoms associated with the first have cleared.
Typically, the athlete suffers post-concussion signs and symptoms after the first head injury, such as headache, visual, motor or sensory changes or mental difficulty, especially with the thought and memory process. Before these symptoms have cleared, which may take minutes, hours, days or weeks, the athlete returns to competition and receives a second blow to the head.