Point of View: Robert Goren only
I count the tiles in the ceiling. Five across and seven down. That would mean there are…how many tiles? Five multiplied by seven…is 35. YES! Can I be this happy reciting the multiplication table?
You walk in followed by the doctor. "Test results are back." You smile at me but I notice your eyes are apprehensive. You are as worried as I about the results. You come to stand next to me so we face the doctor together.
Dr Steele steps to the end of the bed. Speaking slowly and stopping often, he explains what he has learned.
"Mr. Goren. You had a wake-up call yesterday in the form of a stroke caused by a blood clot. The clot was located on the left side of your brain which affected the right side of your body. That is why your right arm and leg move slower than you want."
"On admittance, you were given new drug, tPA, which dissolved the clot. Most of your initial symptoms cleared when the clot was removed."
"Our tests show trauma to your brain but no permanent damage. Your organ, nerve and tissue function are working fine. You are having some language difficulties but again we don't expect this to be permanent."
"Your right side shows some effect from the trauma and we will monitor this. Your right side may get tired faster, may feel weak when you overexert yourself. That is one of the things you will learn to compensate for in physical therapy.
"You will also begin physical and nutritional therapy this morning. A therapist will be by soon to explain your schedule. The sooner you get started, the sooner we can get you out of here."
"Going forward, you will need to stay here in the hospital through this week so we can monitor your symptoms and your reactions to medication. After this week, you will be moved to the hospital's rehabilitation unit for a few more weeks of therapy."
"What triggered this?"
"Strokes are brought on by several factors. In your case I would say that your smoking was probably the catalyst for your stroke and your lack of exercise and high salt intake encouraged it."
I do not have to look at you to feel the "I told you to stop smoking" look on your face. I can feel your eyes burning holes into the side of my head but I refuse to look.
"My job?"
"I understand from Ms. Eames that you are a detective with NYPD. She tells me that you are very good at your job and I can believe it." I noticed that he used present tense. You "are a detective" and "are very good." This gives me hope.
"Judging from improvements you've already made, I don't believe you will have permanent disability. Although it may feel otherwise to you, your judgment is fine. Your ability to comprehend and communicate has been effected by the brain trauma but they have already begun to improve."
"The rehab therapists will tell you, Mr. Goren that your recovery will depend on how much you participate in your sessions. I have found that to be true in every case. It isn't easy but the reward for perseverance is great. Do you have any questions for me?"
"If there is nothing else, I will have the nurse notify PT that you are available."
Out the door he goes and we look at each other.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Ross walks in a few hours later, as you sit reading me the front page of the Times. You told me that he had been by yesterday and that he would probably be by today.
"Detective, Eames. How are you feeling?"
"I'm better Captain."
"I understand that initially you were diagnosed as having a stroke. Is that still their diagnosis?"
"Yes but no permanent damage."
"The doctor was here this morning to give us the results of Bobby's tests. He said that his brain has experienced trauma but that he has already made a lot of improvement. He said that he doesn't see any permanent damage to Bobby brain."
"Good to hear. You understand, Detective, you are on disability until the department gets a report from your doctor saying that you are fit for duty."
"Yes sir."
"Eames, I have approved a week of personal time for you. If you need more, you'll let me know."
"Yes sir Captain."
"Well, your little show in the squad almost gave Jefferies a stroke. I don't believe his prognosis is as good as yours. I had better get back and check on him."
"You'll let me know if there is anything you need?"
"Yes sir. Thank you for stopping by."