Chapter 5 More Definite Diagnoses

A/n Hey you guys sorry for the delay but life has been very crazy and I am also sick. I would like to thank kittn, Chikory, thesloanfan, Gracie'sMom, and Dhoon for reviewing. I will keep your suggestions in mind and do my best to continue approving. Please keep reviewing.

Disclaimer: Once again I do not own anything accept Dr. Rob.

Mark saw Cheryl running down the hall and got up to give her a hug but Amanda beat her to it.

"Cheryl, its ok he is not coding anymore," Amanda said reassuringly as she gave Cheryl a hug and a smile.

"Thanks Amanda, do we know anymore information from the doctor?"

"Dr. Rob who is the head of the neurological team will be here in just a little bit," Mark replied. Just as soon as Mark finished speaking Dr. Rob walked into the room. He looked at the monitors and made a few notes on his chart before turning to speak to the occupants of the room.

"We have the results of the MRI that was done yesterday. The blood on the brain is a result of a Subdural Hematoma and was making it difficult for Steve's brain to receive oxygen.

"What is a subdural Hematoma?" Cheryl asked in confusion.

"You know how when you get a bruise it bleeds on the inside?" Dr. Rob asked patiently. Cheryl nodded and waited for him to continue. "Well that is the same thing that is happening under the dura of the brain and that is also where the blood is coming from. The Dura is the outer covering of the brain's surface and a subdural Hematoma is the collection of blood on the brains surface. We have to be careful because the risk of seizures is possible."

"Is their anything you can do?" Cheryl asked.

"We are going to wait to see if his body will absorb the blood on it's own. If it does not we can drill a hole in the skull to reduce the pressure and allow the Hematoma to drain. However, that is a last resort," the doctor added quickly, seeing Cheryl's face pale.

"Dr. Rob, what medicine do you have him on to control the swelling?" Jesse asked.

"Mannitol for the swelling and we have him on phenabarbital to help lower the risk of possible seizures. I have other patients to attend to but we are going to continue to giving him nutrients through the IV. We may have to use a feeding tube if he doesn't wake up in a few days but we will wait and see. I often encourage friends and family members to talk to coma patients, it is often thought that they can hear what you say and it helps them recover."

"Thank you Doctor," Mark replied as he turned around and left the room.

"Mark, when was the last time you ate something and got a shower?" Cheryl asked with concern

"Um sometime yesterday morning I think," Mark said ruefully.

"Well then go and do that I have taken the next couple of days authorized by Captain Newman I cannot directly investigate the explosion or at least in the words of the captain I cannot be lead investigator so I will stay with him while you go home and freshen up and get some rest," Cheryl said with a small smile as she looked at the pale drawn face of one of the men she respected and admired most besides Steve. Mark was about to protest but Amanda held up her hand.

"Mark you know that Cheryl's right. Jesse and I will be here in the hospital and I promise we will call you if something happens ok?"

"Amanda's right go home and get some sleep," Jesse added.

"This feels like déjà vu I was telling Cheryl the very same thing last night. Ok I can tell when I'm outnumbered. I will go home for a few hours thanks Cheryl," Mark said as he leaned down and gave Cheryl a kiss on her cheek.

"No problem Mark."

"We will see you guys later," Amanda said as she and Jesse got up and after giving Cheryl a hug and patting Steve's hand walked out of the room leaving Cheryl to her dismal thoughts.

"Oh Steve, c'mon wake up open up those beautiful blue eyes and let me see that adorable smile. I miss you so much. Captain Newman and the guys give you their best and hope you will wake up and get better soon," Cheryl said as she reached for Steve's hand and held on like a lifeline clinging to the hope that Steve would wake up and be all right.