A/N: Just for a change, apologies for the delay. Ha. Life has been tough for me lately with a lot of changes but now I think there may be a light at the end of the tunnel so finally a new chapter. I do have several chaps of IAFU as beta so hopefully there will be another one of that soon as well. I sincerely thank you for your patience but always remember I will post, eventually.
So, let's see how Sara's legs are doing. Hopefully nothing will fall off. Thanks for all the reviews and to calim for the beta :)
On we go…
Chapter 28
Sara's eyes were glued to the folder in Steven's hand. Her test results, no doubt. She didn't even hear the doctor asking how she felt. Only when she felt Grissom squeeze her hand did she look up.
"Are you okay?" he asked with a hint of concern.
She looked at him. "I don't know yet," she said.
Getting her meaning, Grissom looked at the doctors. "Can we just cut to the chase?"
"Absolutely," Steven agreed, clearing his throat.
"It's bad news, isn't it?" Sara assumed.
Steven and Alex exchanged a look.
"It could have been worse," Alex replied.
Sara's eyebrows rose. "Oh?"
Grissom's teeth nipped into his lip as he waited for their response. It felt like time was standing still.
"Thankfully," Alex continued, "the bones in both of your legs, your left knee and ankle are healing well and, position wise, as we want them."
Everyone heard the huge exhale of air that came from Sara at that statement. The relief on her face was almost as if her life had been saved.
"So…my ankle?"
"The regrowth of tissue around the bone is a lot slower than we would have expected," Alex said.
"So, what does that mean?" Grissom asked, trying to ease the pressure on his wife.
"Standard soft tissue growth should be around .75mm per day," Alex informed them. "We have worked out that Sara's is just about half that. This is why the bone and skin around it is misshapen. It's not being held properly yet. But, as we've said, the position is good and holding."
Sara rubbed her forehead as she tried to digest the information coming at her. "Is there a reason it's so slow?"
"Your diet may very well be the biggest culprit," Steven cut in.
She blinked at him. "My diet?"
"For many people the tissue repair healing process is sped up through a proper diet," the doctor continued. "And a balanced diet consisting of the right proportions of dairy, vegetables, fruits and protein. But as we know, we've been having a few issues with that. So, this is probably why the growth rate of your tissue is lower at the moment."
Letting out another sigh, Sara tipped her head back against the pillow. "Great," she mumbled knowing this would more than likely set her back. Again.
"This isn't drastic," Alex encouraged. "The news could have been much worse and as Dr. Sharpe is already addressing your dieting needs we would, hopefully, expect to see the tissue growth pick up speed pretty swiftly. It just means you must eat a lot more proteins and will have some healing vitamins added to the ones already prescribed."
Sara wished she could feel more optimistic but she just felt deflated again. "How will you even know?" she argued. "I'm lucky if I even get the damn casts off my legs every three weeks."
Grissom's eye twitched as the two men exchanged another look with each other and he knew there was more to come.
"What if we don't put the casts back on?" Steven asked her.
Doing a double take, Sara gaped at them. "What?" she said surprised.
Steven smiled. "You did hear me right."
"Um…well," she stuttered. "I…um…was actually going to ask about that but…I didn't think you would actually suggest it."
Casting a surprised look at the doctors, questions whirled about his head. How were they going to keep the casts off? How would her legs be protected?
"Is that a good idea?" Grissom questioned. Sara instantly shot him a look that made him swallow. "I'm only thinking about you," he said swiftly before turning back toward the doctors. "How is that safe?"
"Why don't we tell you and then we can decide," Steven said as both he and Alex pulled up the available chairs and sat.
"Okay," Grissom agreed uncertainly, finding it hard not to feel skeptical.
"Right now," Alex began, "we need to closely monitor your ankle. It would be best, considering the circumstances, to keep an eye on both of your legs as a whole to ensure that the healing process continues in the right direction. Obviously, we can't do that with casts on your legs. So, we propose specially designed leg braces instead."
Sara's brows rose as she shared a look with Grissom. "Braces?"
"Yes," Alex continued. "The right brace would start just above your knee and end at your ankle. The left brace would be slightly different since your leg needs more support. It will start just below your thigh and stop 8" above your ankle. A specially designed boot will be used to protect your ankle and will meet the leg brace."
Sara nodded, inhaling deeply. "Sounds okay," she said. "It will certainly be more practical, right?"
"There are certainly many advantages," Steven said.
"No more plastic bags on my legs for one," Sara said happily.
Steven laughed. "That's certainly one of them. Plus, it will also allow you to use the hospital pool if you wish. It can be very therapeutic both physically and mentally."
Grissom still wasn't convinced in spite of Sara's enthusiasm. "What about the disadvantages?"
Sara's eyes found him. "You are such a party pooper."
Meeting her stare his eyes narrowed before he looked back at Steven.
"The risk factor is obviously greater," Steven continued. "Sara's legs will be open to the world. However…" He stopped and held up a hand as Grissom was about to interrupt. "However, as dancing is currently not on the agenda and care is taken, any risk can be controlled."
"What about moving?" Grissom asked. "And moving her? Won't it be more painful?"
Sara knew she should be asking these questions herself. The thought of being out of the casts had set her mind to happy but with each negative possibility her husband came up with her nerves grew.
"The left leg brace will set Sara's knee slightly bent as this is needed to heal correctly," Alex told them. "However, the leg will be set totally immobile just like it is in the cast. So, unless Sara falls or something falls on her, which we certainly hope doesn't happen, movement of the left leg is highly unlikely. As for the right, if no weight is put on it and Sara is sensible with her movements, there should be minimal problems."
"So, I can still pick her up?" Grissom asked.
"Absolutely," Alex confirmed. "More care is obviously needed though so don't be throwing her over your shoulder or anything."
Sara snorted loudly. "I'd like to see that," she challenged. Grissom's eyes found her again and, as she pursed her lips, he fought off a smirk. "I really want the casts off," she said seriously. "And if my legs need monitoring then this is more of a necessity than a request."
Filling his lungs with air, Grissom slowly let the breath out. Yes, he was nervous about this and, it seemed, more nervous than Sara was. But if it was needed then he'd have to go with the flow.
"So, does she get the braces now?" he asked.
"Shortly, a few tests are needed first to assess feeling," Alex said looking at Sara. "And afterwards it would be best for us to sedate you while we put the braces on because it will hurt."
Clearing her throat, Sara then swallowed. "I guess it's going to keep on hurting as well," she assumed.
"It will take some time for you to adjust to the braces," Steven cut in. "And having the casts off will also feel different for you as well. But you will get used to them, I promise."
She nodded. Hoping for the best was always better than fearing the worst.
"And have you put any more thought into allowing me to go home?" Grissom blinked at her, but she avoided his gaze. "With the casts coming off this would be easier for me now, no?"
Again, the doctors looked at each other and Steven took the lead.
"I think this would be a conversation for us to have in a few weeks once your weight is back on track and we have made progress with your ankle. And, I know this isn't the answer you were hoping for, but we still have a little way to go yet before we can consider it."
Grissom could see the disappointment on Sara's face but he knew they weren't even close to getting her home yet. He just hoped she understood that through the frustration.
"You'll get there, honey," he reassured.
Sara looked at him. She felt like arguing but where would it get her? As hard as it was, they were the doctors and she was the patient. But each day feeling like an eternity wasn't helping. If only time machines existed.
"I suggest we do the tests now if you're okay with that, Sara?" Alex asked regaining her attention. "See what we can feel and then we can sort the braces out."
She sighed suddenly feeling very lacking in enthusiasm. "Okay."
CSICSICSICSICSICSICSI
Grissom's eyes flicked toward the clock. 5:45pm. They then moved to his wife's face before moving down her body to the braces on her legs. He kept looking at them and wondered how much pain she'd be in when she woke.
The tests before they'd knocked her out to set her legs had been mixed. Like before the feeling in her right leg was pretty good. There'd been a few weaker touch points but, mostly, it had been good news. The left, however, was a little worse than the last check, especially around her ankle. The doctors put that down to tissue growth and once it took hold, there would be more feeling. That was a positive as far as Sara was concerned along with the fact that she could feel a little more in her knee. Not just below it but above it as well. The only part she didn't feel was the center but it was still swollen. Again, patience would be needed, as the doctors kept saying, and healing should happen in time.
Patience was one thing Sara was finding very hard to grasp at the moment. But, the feeling in her left knee did swing her mood back a little to the happier so, at least, that was something.
After the tests came a sedative and Grissom stayed with her until she was sleeping, watching only briefly as the medical staff measured her legs to get the size of the braces correct. There was no room for error when it came to fixing them in place. Steven then took him to his office to explain completely about the braces to put his mind at ease. Although a huge part of him wanted to stay with his wife, Grissom knew he wouldn't be able to watch what they were going to do. It was hard enough seeing her legs as it was let alone them moving her about.
Now he waited for her to wake up as she'd been out for a while. Her medication had been increased for at least the next 24 hours until her legs settled from all the movement, but only slightly. Giving her more, if required, was better than having her constantly doped to the hilt. At least, from a medical perspective. Daily tests would be happening until her ankle improved so she needed to have reasonable feeling.
Unknown to Sara, Grissom had asked Steven what would happen if the tissue in her ankle continued to lapse in growth. The news hadn't been music to his ears. A possible tendon transfer operation in hopes tissue would grow around them and if that failed only ankle fusion would work to form a functioning foot. As Grissom knew Sara already hated that idea he decided to keep the news to himself and just hope.
Hearing her mumble, his eyes flicked to her face and he smiled when her eyes opened. Getting up, he leaned over her before she even had chance to think and his lips were covering hers in a long and slow kiss. He wasn't entirely sure why he'd just slapped an almighty smooch on her, but a sudden need had crept up on him to do so.
"Hmmmmmm," breezed up her throat and when he slowly pulled back, she blinked, licked her lips and smiled back at him. "Well," she began, slurring a little "you better not tell…my husband about that, Doctor."
"Scout's honor," he whispered, fingers running through her hair as she yawned.
A gentle sigh passed through her lips before she quickly squeezed her eyes shut and then looked down at her legs. He noticed and the worry began.
"How's your pain?"
She blinked again. "More painful than when I was sleeping?" Grissom hit the call button and sat beside her. "Did you press the eject button?" she asked.
He smirked. "Let's wait and see if you fly through the ceiling," he returned casually.
She chuckled, closing her eyes before a wince came. "Oooh…laughing makes my toes tingle." His eyebrows soared and her eyes opened finding his. "Right foot only," she said knowing what he was thinking.
Christine stepped in and Grissom looked her way.
"Ah, we're back with us," the nurse said, moving to Sara's right side.
"Yeah," Sara sighed, wincing again. "The delights of reality."
Taking a quick look over Sara's legs, Christine grabbed the blood pressure cuff and took hold of Sara's arm. "Do you need some more pain relief?" she asked, taking the reading.
"Would you believe me if I said no?"
Smiling, the nurse unfastened the cuff. "I'll get you some oral morphine. Quick and easy."
"Ah," Sara chirped. "Why can't everything be like that?"
"If it was, I think we'd all be out of a job," Christine said, smiling at Sara before heading out of the door to collect the medication.
"Hmmm," Sara hummed again, looking back at Grissom. "Legs feel so different."
"Good different or bad different?"
Sara thought for a second. "I'm not sure yet," she admitted. "They feel a lot lighter but…feels tighter, too. Burning more as well."
"Well," Grissom began, fingers running back through her hair, "they did move you around a lot. It will settle down."
"Yeah," Sara breathed. "Soon, hopefully, or I'm seeing a very sleepless night."
Leaning in and kissing her on the forehead, Grissom smiled. "I'll keep you entertained."
Snorting, Sara took his hand. "Are you trying to seduce me?"
A smirk hit his lips and his eyebrows wriggled. "Is it working?"
"Ah, if only," Sara sighed. "How much I'd give for…"
Her words trailed off at the return of the nurse, but Grissom's smirk remained.
"What was that, dear?" he teased.
"You're mean," Sara accused as Christine held out the small canister.
"Did I miss all the fun?" she asked.
"No," Sara said flatly, holding out her hand. "He's just driving me crazy."
Not entirely sure how to respond to that one, Christine placed the morphine in Sara's hand.
"Thanks," Sara said.
"No problem." Christine looked at Grissom who was still grinning at his wife. "Give me a shout if you need anything else before dinner."
Grissom nodded before she left and Sara narrowed her eyes at him.
"Take your medicine," he ordered slyly.
"And then you have your wicked way with me while I'm all vulnerable and dopey?"
"Only if no one's watching," he taunted.
Sara laughed. "Fine. Do you mind pouring me some water?" she asked. "If my memory recalls this stuff tastes terrible so I'll need it."
Without even answering, Grissom took hold of the water jug and poured a glass. Watching as Sara shot the morphine into her mouth, he felt for her as her eyes screwed up and an audible 'ick' fell from her lips. Once all the medicine was gone she held out the canister to him.
"That good, huh?" he asked, handing her the water and taking the canister.
"Epic," she mocked, chugging down the water.
"Yeah," he replied. "You'll be feeling pretty epic shortly."
Finishing the water, she chuckled and handed him the glass. Just as she did, Steven stepped in.
"Hey, guys," he greeted. Sara smiled at him and sighed softly, the morphine swiftly kicking into her system. "Just thought I'd check on you before I go off duty," he said to her.
"I'm great," Sara said happily. "Ready to go dancing."
Grissom's eyebrows rose and he exchanged a look with Steven.
"She just had morphine," he told the doctor.
Steven nodded knowing that wasn't a bad thing for someone in Sara's position. "Do you mind if I take a quick look at your legs?"
Sara shrugged. "I only usually let my husband do that but as you asked so nicely go right ahead."
Grissom's head kinked to the right, his mouth slightly hanging open at her words. Oh, she was high all right but, thankfully, in a happy way.
Smiling at Grissom, Steven headed around the bed and began looking over Sara's legs. "Is the morphine helping your pain, Sara?" he asked, bending a little to take a look at where the boot on her left foot met the brace.
"Oh, yes," she breathed, her world now feeling a lot lighter.
Taking a pen from his pocket, he very lightly brushed it over Sara's big toe peeking out of the boot. Grissom saw but Sara was too busy looking up at the ceiling. Steven's eye twitched when she didn't respond but said nothing and slipped the pen away.
"I'll leave you to rest," the doctor said. "And see you in the morning."
"We can have breakfast," Sara rambled.
Smiling, Steven moved back around the bed. "I'm sure your husband is all the company you need for that one. Goodnight, Sara, Gil."
He went to leave but Grissom followed him out of the door.
"Back in one second, honey," he said to Sara and Steven frowned at him when Grissom took his arm to stop him. "What was the pen thing all about? She didn't respond to you so…is that bad?"
"At this stage, no," Steven replied. "It was more a curiosity as to whether Sara would have more feeling now that she's been out of the cast a little while. But considering the amount of pain relief she's currently on, the reaction was not surprising. I doubt she can feel a lot right now."
Nipping on his lip, Grissom nodded. "Okay," he sighed.
"We'll talk more tomorrow, okay?"
Grissom nodded again and Steven flashed him another smile before heading down the corridor to talk with Christine. Moving back into the room, Grissom paused when Sara seemed to be waving her hand in the air.
"Um, what are doing?" he asked, moving closer.
"I have one of those fuzzy floating dots on my eye," she replied. "Trying to catch it."
His eyebrows lifted. "Ooookay."
Smiling, she tipped her head his way. "What time is it?"
He looked at his watch. "Just past 5:30. Why?"
"Can I go and see my babies?"
Sitting back down, he took her hand. "I don't think you'll be able to move tonight, honey, but I'll see about them coming here, okay?"
"Hmmmm," she mumbled. "They're all yours tomorrow, you know that?"
Sara's light-heartedness made him smile even if the gravity of the situation made his heart thud like a beating drum. When she came down from the morphine he knew she wouldn't be quite so chirpy but for now they could just enjoy the mood.
"Yes, dear," he agreed. "I am well aware."
"I know how much you love smelly bums," she snickered.
Smirking, he looked towards the doorway as the dinner trolley passed by. Hopefully, by the time it came to Sara, she'd still be in the zone and feel like eating.
After all, a lot of her recovery now depended on that.
A/N: Well, at least they know what the issue is. Can Sara overcome it? How is Grissom going to cope with 3 kiddies? Oh, I can imagine him now…