Spies Like Us
Greg was a little perturbed when the doctor didn't show up for rounds. He didn't think he needed to be on as much medication as he was. He didn't like the way it made him feel. No only that, he wanted to be released. He figured they had kept him overnight for observation, but at this rate he could be here much longer than necessary.
He waited for what seemed like another hour before calling the nurse.
"Yes, Mr. House, what can we do for you?" Again the voice seemed to come out of everywhere.
"I'd like to see my doctor."
"Are you in pain?"
"No, just annoyed."
Greg could hear many people laughing out in the hall. At PPTH the nurses never enjoyed his witticisms. This place wasn't all that bad, as hospitals go.
A young, brunette nurse entered the room moments later. "We've got a call into Dr. Radcliffe. In the meantime, let's get you more comfortable." She did all the things nurses usually do to put patients at ease, then took his vitals.
House hadn't paid much attention to how often his own patients' vitals were updated, they just always seemed to be there when he needed to know. Now he knew why. Every two to four hours someone was shoving a thermometer in his mouth. Thankfully even his blood pressure was monitored by machine or someone would be over inflating the cuff, insulting his arm as well. No wonder his charges never seemed rested.
By the time the second nurse came into help the first boost him up the bed and rearrange the pillows under his head and leg, Greg was exhausted. A nap sounded perfect. But his eyes were barely closed when Dr. Radcliffe walked in.
"Sorry I didn't stop by this morning. I purposely left you off grand rounds."
House's face must have registered surprise because the doctor felt he had to explain himself.
"I gave a brief history of the 'patient' and the focus on treatment options changed into a debate on - well, never mind. The point is, can't change the past, so let's not bore the patient with it."
"They wanted to know more about the treatment for the infarction?"
"Specifically why your surgeon didn't amputate the whole leg. The last thing you need in dumb questions."
"Thanks for sparing me," Greg nodded in acknowledgement.
"Well, I also know that you're trying to keep a low profile. I was afraid one of them might recognize you and blow your cover."
"I appreciate it. I'm kind of liking the anonymity. Especially since the nursing staff believes I'm some kind of government spy."
"That's precious. The Residents think you're a former Olympic marathon runner."
"Where'd they get that idea?"
The doctor shrugged. "I dunno, maybe it had something to do with my asking why a person would opt for partial muscle amputation over total amputation. Someone suggestion the Olympian thing. I didn't say you weren't."
Greg was smirking. At least he thought he was. "The reason I wanted to see you was about the meds."
"Are you experiencing pain or spasms?"
"Nah, nothing like that. It's just the opposite. I'm too weak to even feed myself. I was wondering if we could ease off on the dosage."
"Ultimately I'd like to wean you off of them completely. But for now we'll step down gradually and assess the pain levels."
House nodded that he understood.
"There are also a few courses of treatment available to help with the pain of spasms. I don't know if you'd be interested."
"If you're talking physio and visualizing the healing, no thanks. I've gone that route. There's been no new regeneration in over a decade."
"There are a few alternatives that may help with improved circulation and one that, used long term, could alleviate spasming. None of them involve drugs."
"Great 'cause the Vicodin all but fried my liver and the Ibuprofen is rotting a hole in my stomach."
"We wouldn't be able to do anything until sometime tomorrow afternoon at the earliest. There's a test we'd like to do, but we have to figure out a way to get to your thigh muscles without disturbing the fracture sites."
"I'm good…as long as you're not going to poke any holes in me."
"I promise, once the EMG is done, we'll refrain from any further holes."