Chapter 2
"Abby, there is a gentleman in exam two complaining of lower abdominal pain. Can you please take a history and start a work-up then come get me?"
"Sure, Kerry." Abby grabbed the chart and went off to see her twelfth patient of the afternoon. She was having a very good time as a med student. So far that day she had caught a case of appendicitis in a patient only hours before it could have ruptured, successfully put in a central line and took part in a triumphant resuscitation of a ten year old boy who had passed out in the swimming pool and nearly drowned.
She pushed open the door to exam two and walked in, studying the chart as she walked. "Good afternoon Mr. Walsh, my name is Abby. What can I help you with today?"
The older gentleman looked up at her from where he lay on the gurney. He was very thin in the face and was holding his belly in pain. "My stomach hurts something fierce."
Abby pulled on her exam gloves, "Where does it hurt sir? Is it lower down in your stomach or up high, like under your ribs?" She placed her hands over his stomach, gently pressing in different areas.
"No, it just hurts all over. I've been throwing up for three days as well."
Abby frowned in concentration, "Hmm, have you had any other symptoms such as diarrhoea or fever?" She placed a thermometer in his ear. His temperature was slightly elevated, 100.9.
"Yes, I've had the runs for the last few days and I think I've had a fever at times. I'm just really tired of not being able to keep anything down. I feel so dizzy if I stand up or bend over too fast."
"Well dizziness can be caused by fever and dehydration, which is what I believe you may be suffering from. When you have an extended period of time where you are vomiting or have diarrhoea, it is very easy to become dehydrated."
"I'll tell you what we are going to do. I'm going to start you on intravenous saline, which will help rehydrate you and run some blood work. I think you are just suffering from the stomach flu but we will take a look ok? Just relax and I'll be right back." Abby smiled at the old man and stood up.
"Thank you dear, I won't be going anywhere."
Abby went to find Dr. Weaver and present the case. She found the red- haired doctor at the front desk. "I'm ready to present Mr. Walsh's case now Kerry."
"Okay, walk with me." Dr. Weaver started off toward the exam rooms where patients were literally lined up to see a doctor.
"Ok. Mr. Walsh is a seventy-one year old man, no history of health problems other than arthritis in which he takes an aspirin daily as a pain manager. He presented with abdominal pain, slight fever, diarrhoea and mild dizziness. No isolated areas of the abdomen are causing great distress and no rigidity or guarding upon examination."
Dr. Weaver looked at the history Abby took. "Ok doctor, what do you suggest as your first course of action?"
"I was going to start him on intravenous saline to combat the dehydration and run a CBC as a precaution. Unless the lab work says otherwise, I'm thinking he has a simple case of gastroenteritis, A.K.A, the stomach flu. I'll rehydrate him and send him home with a sample packet of Gravol and tell him to come back if his condition doesn't improve in the next two days."
Dr. Weaver nodded, "Sounds good. Tell him to take some Tylenol for any fever; we want to make sure he doesn't get too dizzy at home from the fever and fall. Does he have anyone living with him?"
"No but his daughter brought him in and she said she was going to stay with him until he is feeling better."
"Good job Abby, come find me when the blood work comes in." Dr. Weaver limped off to help a young woman who was crying, clutching a small boy to her chest.
* * * * * * * * * * *
"Abby, you have a call on line five!" Frank handed her the phone.
"Thanks Frank." Abby took the receiver from the grumbling desk clerk. "Hello, this is Abby Lockhart."
"Hey Abby."
"Hey Luka how is it going?" Abby smiled.
"Good. How is your day going? Save any patients today?"
"Well that depends who you ask. I caught a hot appendix on a twenty seven year old woman today. We got her to the OR in time before it ruptured. Can you imagine? She had severe abdominal pain for two days before she came to get it checked out. She's lucky she came when she did."
"Hmm, sounds like fun. It also sounds like you could use a good hot meal tonight after your shift. Do you want to go out somewhere, my treat?"
Abby chuckled, "Are you asking me on a date Dr. Kovac?" She glared at Chuny who was suddenly interested in their conversation, a goofy smile plastered on her face. She noticed Abby's glare and put her hand up in mock innocence, then ran off to tell whoever would listen.
"Well, I suppose you could call it that. Or you could just think that this guy here is starving and could use a little company." Luka was smiling on the other end of the line, happy with Abby's newfound playfulness.
"Ok then doctor. You have yourself a date, I get off at 8:30. I can be at your place by 9."
"Forget it Abby, I'll pick you up from work. I haven't been into the ER since I came in the ambulance. I wouldn't mind visiting a few people."
"Ok, I'll meet you in the lounge at 8:30 then. Have a good rest of the day Luka."
"You too Abby, don't kill anyone." Abby was about to bitch him out for that comment but realized he had already hung up the phone. "Jerk," she chuckled to herself.
Abby sat at the front desk, thinking about what she could wear out to dinner. She suddenly realized she only had scrubs with her and they were splattered in blood from a kid who had cut his finger earlier that morning. "Uh, oh. This could be a problem." Abby racked her brain for a solution to her little problem when all of a sudden, a naked man screaming about the devil ran past. "Great," she thought to herself, "I guess he needs help." The clothes problem momentarily forgotten Abby hopped down off the stool and went down the hall in the direction of the streaker.
* * * * * * * * * * *
"Whew," Abby sighed, "We cleared the board half and hour before my shift ends. I'm going to go have a coffee, anyone else care for one?" Abby at the nurses and orderly's hanging around the front desk. A few looked up at her and shook their head's, some didn't even reply. "Ok," Abby muttered.
Susan came around the corner. "Hey Abby, you off yet?"
"No, not yet. I've still got half an hour to go, do you want to have a coffee in the lounge?"
Susan sighed, dropping her last chart on the desk. "Count me in, I could definitely use a cup right now."
The two of them went into the lounge and Abby dumped out the old coffee and busied herself making a new pot.
"So, Abby. What are your plans for tonight? I thought I'd get a pizza and a Kevin Bacon action film and vegetate. You want to come over?"
Abby gasped, "Oh shit! I told Luka I'd go out for dinner with him but I have nothing to wear!!! Shit, shit, SHIT!! Do you think that there is a department store open around here at this time in the evening??"
Susan laughed, "Ohhhhh! Abby has a date! You go girl!"
Abby rolled her eyes, "Its not a date, merely two friends having dinner together."
"Uh huh, Abby you two "friends" had dinner last night too."
"Did not. That was lunch and he just needed help eating all the leftover Thai."
Susan grinned, "Whatever. Hey! I just thought of something! I have a black dress in my locker from a previous date-gone-wrong. You can wear it if you want."
Abby smiled. "I don't know Susan. I'm not sure what you did in that dress." She smiled at her knowingly.
"Oh yeah right Abby. The guy was such a dick that I called Chuny in the bathroom and got her to page me. I told the guy that there was an emergency at the hospital and I had to go."
Abby eyed her, "Then if you didn't have to work, then why is the black dress in your locker?"
"Oh yeah. When I was leaving, I actually did get a page to come into work."
"Ok, well thanks. But what if Luka is taking me to Burger King or something, I'd be a tad overdressed!" Abby looked at Susan questionably.
"Um. Well, I wasn't going to say anything Abby but Luka called me last night to find out what time you were working. He's actually taking you to the Riverfront Chalet for a nice dinner."
"What! That place is fancy, and expensive. Why in the world would he be taking me there?"
"Oh Abby. You know why. Luka still has a thing for you and hey! You are single now. He's nice, smart, funny and god damn gorgeous! You'd be crazy to pass this up."
"Susan, you do realize we dated for a year then broke up don't you."
"Yeah. But he's changed now. You know that. And I think you've changed too. Just give it a chance and just because you go to dinner with him doesn't mean anything. Come on, you know you want to! Besides, the lobster there is fantastic."
"Susan, this is crazy! But you know, I am kind of hungry and lobster does sound good."
"Great," Susan smiled, "Now hurry up and get into this dress before he gets here!"
"But I'm still on for another," Abby checked her watch, "Twenty minutes."
"Oh piss, I'll cover for you. Come on. Get going!" Susan pulled the gorgeous, low-cut black velvet dress from her locker along with some make up. "Now go! Get beautiful."
"Thank you Susan."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Abby smiled to herself as she made her way to the bathroom. Susan sure could be persuasive.
She went in to ladies bathroom and into one of the stalls. She pulled her scrub top off and unclipped her bra. This dress allowed absolutely no room for a bra with its strapless shoulders and low cut cleavage. "Damn," Abby thought, "how is Susan comfortable wearing something so revealing." But as Abby emerged from the stall she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. "Wow, that actually does look fantastic!" Abby was impressed that she actually looked good in something without shoulder straps. Then, she got a look at her hair and make-up less face.
"Ugh. I need a brush." She searched around in Susan's make-up bag and found a brush and a black velvet banana clip. Quickly she wound her hair up into a French twist and clipped it back. As she was applying a light layer of make-up, Abby realized that she was actually looking good. "There." She put away the make-up and brush and wadded her scrubs into a plastic bag.
She turned around to head back to the lounge, but a sudden wave of dizziness struck her. "Whoa," she groaned as she gripped the counter, steadying herself.
Once her head cleared, Abby looked into the mirror. All the colour had drained from her face and her freckles stood out in sharp contrast to the paleness of her skin. She tried to remember when she had eaten last. She had a muffin at two o'clock and a bowl of soup at ten that morning. It was now almost 8:30 pm and she was lacking food energy.
Abby slowly made her way back into the lounge where Susan sat on the couch. "Holy crap Abby! You look absolutely stunning! Man, Luka is gonna be happy."
"Uh, thanks," Abby said.
"Hey, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost. Here, sit down."
"Yeah, I think I'm just hungry. I haven't eaten enough today." Abby sank into the soft cushions. "Could you do me a favour and grab my thermos of pea soup and an apple for me?"
"Of course. I'll heat it up for you." Susan looked at Abby, somewhat concerned. She looked very pale and her eyes were closed. "Abby are you feeling alright?"
"Um, yeah. I just got really dizzy and light-headed. I think it just low blood sugar because I haven't had much to eat." She smelled the pea soup heating in the microwave appreciatively. "I'm feeling much better now that I'm sitting and that soup smells fabulous."
Once Abby had eaten the soup and the apple, her colour returned and she insisted to Susan that she was fine. "Really, I feel much better. I just needed something with energy in it and something hot. I'll be fine."
Susan looked at her, "Alright, well your colour has come back so I guess you are okay to go tonight. And I know it is hard being a med student finding time to eat, but you really have to."
Abby closed her eyes, "I know. It won't happen again."
Susan nodded. The door to the lounge opened and in walked Luka. "Susan, have you seen.."
He caught sight of Abby on the couch. "Oh, there you are. Wow! You look fantastic!" He reached out and pulled her up. "This is for you." He handed her a white rose.
"Oh Luka it's beautiful, thank you!" She smelled the flower and smiled, "It smells wonderful." He was looking absolutely fantastic in his black trousers and matching, black wool sweater with a white t-shirt underneath.
"You look pretty good yourself Luka." Abby smiled and took his hand. "Shall we go eat?"
"I think that would be a good idea, my car is right outside. Parked illegally in the ambulance bay I might add." Luka smiled and winked at Susan mouthing the words, "Thank you."
Susan gave him a thumbs up and waved as the pair left the lounge and went off for a nice dinner along the river.
"Abby, there is a gentleman in exam two complaining of lower abdominal pain. Can you please take a history and start a work-up then come get me?"
"Sure, Kerry." Abby grabbed the chart and went off to see her twelfth patient of the afternoon. She was having a very good time as a med student. So far that day she had caught a case of appendicitis in a patient only hours before it could have ruptured, successfully put in a central line and took part in a triumphant resuscitation of a ten year old boy who had passed out in the swimming pool and nearly drowned.
She pushed open the door to exam two and walked in, studying the chart as she walked. "Good afternoon Mr. Walsh, my name is Abby. What can I help you with today?"
The older gentleman looked up at her from where he lay on the gurney. He was very thin in the face and was holding his belly in pain. "My stomach hurts something fierce."
Abby pulled on her exam gloves, "Where does it hurt sir? Is it lower down in your stomach or up high, like under your ribs?" She placed her hands over his stomach, gently pressing in different areas.
"No, it just hurts all over. I've been throwing up for three days as well."
Abby frowned in concentration, "Hmm, have you had any other symptoms such as diarrhoea or fever?" She placed a thermometer in his ear. His temperature was slightly elevated, 100.9.
"Yes, I've had the runs for the last few days and I think I've had a fever at times. I'm just really tired of not being able to keep anything down. I feel so dizzy if I stand up or bend over too fast."
"Well dizziness can be caused by fever and dehydration, which is what I believe you may be suffering from. When you have an extended period of time where you are vomiting or have diarrhoea, it is very easy to become dehydrated."
"I'll tell you what we are going to do. I'm going to start you on intravenous saline, which will help rehydrate you and run some blood work. I think you are just suffering from the stomach flu but we will take a look ok? Just relax and I'll be right back." Abby smiled at the old man and stood up.
"Thank you dear, I won't be going anywhere."
Abby went to find Dr. Weaver and present the case. She found the red- haired doctor at the front desk. "I'm ready to present Mr. Walsh's case now Kerry."
"Okay, walk with me." Dr. Weaver started off toward the exam rooms where patients were literally lined up to see a doctor.
"Ok. Mr. Walsh is a seventy-one year old man, no history of health problems other than arthritis in which he takes an aspirin daily as a pain manager. He presented with abdominal pain, slight fever, diarrhoea and mild dizziness. No isolated areas of the abdomen are causing great distress and no rigidity or guarding upon examination."
Dr. Weaver looked at the history Abby took. "Ok doctor, what do you suggest as your first course of action?"
"I was going to start him on intravenous saline to combat the dehydration and run a CBC as a precaution. Unless the lab work says otherwise, I'm thinking he has a simple case of gastroenteritis, A.K.A, the stomach flu. I'll rehydrate him and send him home with a sample packet of Gravol and tell him to come back if his condition doesn't improve in the next two days."
Dr. Weaver nodded, "Sounds good. Tell him to take some Tylenol for any fever; we want to make sure he doesn't get too dizzy at home from the fever and fall. Does he have anyone living with him?"
"No but his daughter brought him in and she said she was going to stay with him until he is feeling better."
"Good job Abby, come find me when the blood work comes in." Dr. Weaver limped off to help a young woman who was crying, clutching a small boy to her chest.
* * * * * * * * * * *
"Abby, you have a call on line five!" Frank handed her the phone.
"Thanks Frank." Abby took the receiver from the grumbling desk clerk. "Hello, this is Abby Lockhart."
"Hey Abby."
"Hey Luka how is it going?" Abby smiled.
"Good. How is your day going? Save any patients today?"
"Well that depends who you ask. I caught a hot appendix on a twenty seven year old woman today. We got her to the OR in time before it ruptured. Can you imagine? She had severe abdominal pain for two days before she came to get it checked out. She's lucky she came when she did."
"Hmm, sounds like fun. It also sounds like you could use a good hot meal tonight after your shift. Do you want to go out somewhere, my treat?"
Abby chuckled, "Are you asking me on a date Dr. Kovac?" She glared at Chuny who was suddenly interested in their conversation, a goofy smile plastered on her face. She noticed Abby's glare and put her hand up in mock innocence, then ran off to tell whoever would listen.
"Well, I suppose you could call it that. Or you could just think that this guy here is starving and could use a little company." Luka was smiling on the other end of the line, happy with Abby's newfound playfulness.
"Ok then doctor. You have yourself a date, I get off at 8:30. I can be at your place by 9."
"Forget it Abby, I'll pick you up from work. I haven't been into the ER since I came in the ambulance. I wouldn't mind visiting a few people."
"Ok, I'll meet you in the lounge at 8:30 then. Have a good rest of the day Luka."
"You too Abby, don't kill anyone." Abby was about to bitch him out for that comment but realized he had already hung up the phone. "Jerk," she chuckled to herself.
Abby sat at the front desk, thinking about what she could wear out to dinner. She suddenly realized she only had scrubs with her and they were splattered in blood from a kid who had cut his finger earlier that morning. "Uh, oh. This could be a problem." Abby racked her brain for a solution to her little problem when all of a sudden, a naked man screaming about the devil ran past. "Great," she thought to herself, "I guess he needs help." The clothes problem momentarily forgotten Abby hopped down off the stool and went down the hall in the direction of the streaker.
* * * * * * * * * * *
"Whew," Abby sighed, "We cleared the board half and hour before my shift ends. I'm going to go have a coffee, anyone else care for one?" Abby at the nurses and orderly's hanging around the front desk. A few looked up at her and shook their head's, some didn't even reply. "Ok," Abby muttered.
Susan came around the corner. "Hey Abby, you off yet?"
"No, not yet. I've still got half an hour to go, do you want to have a coffee in the lounge?"
Susan sighed, dropping her last chart on the desk. "Count me in, I could definitely use a cup right now."
The two of them went into the lounge and Abby dumped out the old coffee and busied herself making a new pot.
"So, Abby. What are your plans for tonight? I thought I'd get a pizza and a Kevin Bacon action film and vegetate. You want to come over?"
Abby gasped, "Oh shit! I told Luka I'd go out for dinner with him but I have nothing to wear!!! Shit, shit, SHIT!! Do you think that there is a department store open around here at this time in the evening??"
Susan laughed, "Ohhhhh! Abby has a date! You go girl!"
Abby rolled her eyes, "Its not a date, merely two friends having dinner together."
"Uh huh, Abby you two "friends" had dinner last night too."
"Did not. That was lunch and he just needed help eating all the leftover Thai."
Susan grinned, "Whatever. Hey! I just thought of something! I have a black dress in my locker from a previous date-gone-wrong. You can wear it if you want."
Abby smiled. "I don't know Susan. I'm not sure what you did in that dress." She smiled at her knowingly.
"Oh yeah right Abby. The guy was such a dick that I called Chuny in the bathroom and got her to page me. I told the guy that there was an emergency at the hospital and I had to go."
Abby eyed her, "Then if you didn't have to work, then why is the black dress in your locker?"
"Oh yeah. When I was leaving, I actually did get a page to come into work."
"Ok, well thanks. But what if Luka is taking me to Burger King or something, I'd be a tad overdressed!" Abby looked at Susan questionably.
"Um. Well, I wasn't going to say anything Abby but Luka called me last night to find out what time you were working. He's actually taking you to the Riverfront Chalet for a nice dinner."
"What! That place is fancy, and expensive. Why in the world would he be taking me there?"
"Oh Abby. You know why. Luka still has a thing for you and hey! You are single now. He's nice, smart, funny and god damn gorgeous! You'd be crazy to pass this up."
"Susan, you do realize we dated for a year then broke up don't you."
"Yeah. But he's changed now. You know that. And I think you've changed too. Just give it a chance and just because you go to dinner with him doesn't mean anything. Come on, you know you want to! Besides, the lobster there is fantastic."
"Susan, this is crazy! But you know, I am kind of hungry and lobster does sound good."
"Great," Susan smiled, "Now hurry up and get into this dress before he gets here!"
"But I'm still on for another," Abby checked her watch, "Twenty minutes."
"Oh piss, I'll cover for you. Come on. Get going!" Susan pulled the gorgeous, low-cut black velvet dress from her locker along with some make up. "Now go! Get beautiful."
"Thank you Susan."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Abby smiled to herself as she made her way to the bathroom. Susan sure could be persuasive.
She went in to ladies bathroom and into one of the stalls. She pulled her scrub top off and unclipped her bra. This dress allowed absolutely no room for a bra with its strapless shoulders and low cut cleavage. "Damn," Abby thought, "how is Susan comfortable wearing something so revealing." But as Abby emerged from the stall she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. "Wow, that actually does look fantastic!" Abby was impressed that she actually looked good in something without shoulder straps. Then, she got a look at her hair and make-up less face.
"Ugh. I need a brush." She searched around in Susan's make-up bag and found a brush and a black velvet banana clip. Quickly she wound her hair up into a French twist and clipped it back. As she was applying a light layer of make-up, Abby realized that she was actually looking good. "There." She put away the make-up and brush and wadded her scrubs into a plastic bag.
She turned around to head back to the lounge, but a sudden wave of dizziness struck her. "Whoa," she groaned as she gripped the counter, steadying herself.
Once her head cleared, Abby looked into the mirror. All the colour had drained from her face and her freckles stood out in sharp contrast to the paleness of her skin. She tried to remember when she had eaten last. She had a muffin at two o'clock and a bowl of soup at ten that morning. It was now almost 8:30 pm and she was lacking food energy.
Abby slowly made her way back into the lounge where Susan sat on the couch. "Holy crap Abby! You look absolutely stunning! Man, Luka is gonna be happy."
"Uh, thanks," Abby said.
"Hey, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost. Here, sit down."
"Yeah, I think I'm just hungry. I haven't eaten enough today." Abby sank into the soft cushions. "Could you do me a favour and grab my thermos of pea soup and an apple for me?"
"Of course. I'll heat it up for you." Susan looked at Abby, somewhat concerned. She looked very pale and her eyes were closed. "Abby are you feeling alright?"
"Um, yeah. I just got really dizzy and light-headed. I think it just low blood sugar because I haven't had much to eat." She smelled the pea soup heating in the microwave appreciatively. "I'm feeling much better now that I'm sitting and that soup smells fabulous."
Once Abby had eaten the soup and the apple, her colour returned and she insisted to Susan that she was fine. "Really, I feel much better. I just needed something with energy in it and something hot. I'll be fine."
Susan looked at her, "Alright, well your colour has come back so I guess you are okay to go tonight. And I know it is hard being a med student finding time to eat, but you really have to."
Abby closed her eyes, "I know. It won't happen again."
Susan nodded. The door to the lounge opened and in walked Luka. "Susan, have you seen.."
He caught sight of Abby on the couch. "Oh, there you are. Wow! You look fantastic!" He reached out and pulled her up. "This is for you." He handed her a white rose.
"Oh Luka it's beautiful, thank you!" She smelled the flower and smiled, "It smells wonderful." He was looking absolutely fantastic in his black trousers and matching, black wool sweater with a white t-shirt underneath.
"You look pretty good yourself Luka." Abby smiled and took his hand. "Shall we go eat?"
"I think that would be a good idea, my car is right outside. Parked illegally in the ambulance bay I might add." Luka smiled and winked at Susan mouthing the words, "Thank you."
Susan gave him a thumbs up and waved as the pair left the lounge and went off for a nice dinner along the river.