Making Progress
Friday
- That was very good Clark - Dr. Klein congratulated him - this time it was almost a minute
- Oh, great - Clark said as he lay back down, - I also felt that I was more stable than yesterday
- That's right... Your speed healing is definitely doing its job.
- Excellent! - Martha said cheerfully.
- Anne told me that there were no problems with urine during the night - said Dr. Klein
- Fortunately no...
- She also told me that you had to pee several times during the night...
- Yes .. - Clark answered - Before I went to bed, during the night, at dawn and another now when I woke up...
- Since you are still connected to the serum, it is normal for urine production to be higher... - explained Dr. Klein - the good thing is that you are having good control and there have been no accidents
- No, but almost...
- That may be because you have been with the catheter for so many days
- Oh... - Clark said, somewhat scared by what he was hearing.
- But don't worry... If that's the reason, it will pass very soon... We'll keep monitoring just in case - said Dr. Klein
- Oh ok ...
- I'll leave you so you can have breakfast - said Dr. Klein, approaching the door
- Thank you...
Today Clark and Martha had been woken up by Anne, who had come to let them know that Dr. Klein would be coming in a few minutes to perform the procedure to sit Clark down. At that time, she had also taken advantage of helping Clark empty his bladder.
Shortly afterwards Julie and Dr. Klein had come in to perform this morning's sitting procedure, which had been a little less painful for Clark than the night before, and from what Martha had said, a little quicker as well. With each attempt Clark was getting better.
- Good morning Lois - Jonathan said as he entered the kitchen and found Lois working on her laptop, and little John sleeping next to her in his baby nest.
- Good morning - Lois answered, taking a sip of her coffee
- What are you working on?
- At the moment I am reviewing all my bank information - Lois said - I must have different documents ready in case we should buy the house...
- Oh... Like what?
- Our banking information, work contracts... And our criminal records
- Criminal records?
- Yes... I suppose they ask for it to make sure they are not selling to some criminals
- Oh sure...
- I have to talk to the bank to see if they give us a loan until we can sell the house... - said Lois writing down some things in her notebook - although maybe I should leave that for last...
- It would not be a bad idea to have the credit pre-approved, to have it ready in case you need it - added Jonathan
- Yes, you're right ... I also have to call the real state agent, to see how soon we could sell the house... what documents we need, etc...
- I suppose you'll need the purchase contract Clark signed - Jonathan said.
- Yes... Luckily Clark is very neat with his papers, I know exactly where it is
- Do you need me to help you with something?
- No, don't worry... Finish your breakfast - said Lois - I prefer that you be with Clark... Martha might want to come and change her clothes
- Thanks for the breakfast - Clark said to Anne, when she returned for the tray.
- You're welcome Mr. Kent - said Anne with a smile - I'm glad to see you so well...
- Thank you, Anne - Clark said.
- She's right honey - Martha said as soon as Anne left the room - You look much better than a few days ago
- I feel better... At least I don't feel as tired as at the beginning
- It shows, you no longer have those ugly dark circles under you're eyes
- I just hope I can change position sooner... I can't take it anymore - Clark said, who suddenly fell silent.
- Clark? What's going on?
- Dad is here
- What? How do you know?
At that moment Jonathan opened the bedroom door.
- Hello, how did you sleep? - Jonathan asked as he entered. However no one answered
- Clark? Is your superhearing back? - asked Martha excitedly.
- I think so... Although only a little... I can only hear what's on the other side of the door.
- Oh, but that's progress! - replied Martha happily
- What happened? What did I miss? - asked Jonathan, puzzled.
- Clark heard you coming - Martha clarified.
- Oh, good son!
At noon Dr. Klein reappeared in Clark's room, once again trying to sit Clark down.
- How is everything Clark? - asked Dr. Klein when entering the room
- Very well... - Clark answered - in fact my superhearing has started to come back
- Oh really? That is magnificent! - Dr. Klein said, writing down everything Clark told him - How far can you hear?
- Not much yet... I manage to hear Anne and Julie...
- Well, a few meters and with a door in between... - said Dr. Klein - Later we will do tests about it
- Great
- Now let's see how that wound is... - said Dr. Klein approaching Clark - Oh, it's already closed
- Oh really? asked Clark, amazed.
- Yes, almost completely... In a few hours we will remove the stitches
- Excellent! - Martha said relieved - Can he lie on his other side now?
- Not yet... Although the wound is almost closed, the area should still be sensitive, and it would be painful to lie on that side - explained Dr. Klein - but maybe tomorrow...
- Finally - Clark exclaimed.
- Fine, let's call Anne and Julie then.
As before, Julie and Anne each placed themselves on one side of the bed. This time the process was much smoother, faster and less painful for Clark.
- Excellent son - Jonathan said, seeing how Clark had been sitting for several seconds and apparently without much pain
- How's the pain Clark? - asked Dr. Klein, who was looking very carefully at the clock
- ...Okay... In 7...
- Remember to breathe honey - said Martha
- I try... - said Clark, who after a few seconds decided that it was enough - No more...
- Very good, back down - said Dr. Klein - you did very well
- It's true, you're getting more and more stable, Mr. Kent - Anne added.
- How long? - Clark asked.
- 90 seconds
- Good... - Clark said quietly, more to himself than to the others.
- After lunch I'll come back for a new try and for us to see the rest - said Dr. Klein, who, seeing that Anne and Julie still hadn't left the room, couldn't say more than that.
- Okay...
Lois was just finishing feeding John his bottle, when she heard the doorbell, which made the poor baby cry.
- I'm coming! - Lois said, taking John in her arms trying to calm him down - Shhh shhh, honey... It was just the doorbell...
Opening the door, Lois was met by Phil, the real estate agent who had sold Clark the house.
- Hello, you must be Phil
- Yes, and you Mrs. Kent
- Yes... Come in... - Lois said - ... Give me a few minutes to put this little guy to sleep... Sit down, I'll be right back
- Ok no problem
As always, John fell asleep very quickly, and Lois was able to get back to Phil in a few minutes.
- ... Do you want a cup of coffee? - Lois asked.
- Sure, thank you very much
- Here... I guess you saw on the news what happened to Clark... - Lois asked, deciding to get down to business.
-Yes, I'm very sorry... How is he?
- Fine... But they are still carrying out tests to find out what his evolution will be...
- Oh...
- You see... It is likely that we should sell the house, to be able to change to a more accessible one
- More accessible?... - Phill wondered - Oh, I see
- We are not sure yet, but I prefer to have everything ready as a precaution
- Of course, of course...
- That is why I would like us to see how soon we could sell the house and how fast we could do it.
- Of course, no problem... - Phill replied, standing up - can we walk around the house a bit?
- Sure
- I remember the price at which Mr. Kent bought it, but if you guys have remodeled maybe we can raise the price
- Oh...Yeah, we've remodeled some things - Lois said, remembering the time Clark was exposed to red Kryptonite and a hiccup nearly destroyed the house.
- You manage to sit for two minutes Clark - announced Dr. Klein at the end of another attempt to sit - very good!
- You're doing very well honey - Martha added cheerfully
- Yes, very well - said Dr. Klein, while he waited for Anne and Julie to leave the room to continue talking - Well, let's get those stitches out...
- Great - Clark said.
- How have the painkillers been working? - asked Dr. Klein - do they still work?
- Yes but not that much...
- Oh... I'll raise the dose a little more, but this is the maximum I can raise it - said Dr. Klein while adjusting the machine that dosed the painkillers - I hope that by the time they stop making effect your pain will have decreased enough
- Yeah, me too - Clark said.
- Removing the stitches is not painful... - explained Dr. Klein as he removed the bandage that covered the wound - it can be a bit annoying, and you will feel a little tug, but it shouldn't hurt
- Okay...
- Here we go with the first one...
A few minutes later, all the stitches were out, and only a thin scar remained on Clark's skin, which most likely would soon disappear.
- There is something we should talk about... - said Dr. Klein with a serious tone - as you know Anne and Julie have a background in medicine, and are well aware of the normal course of patients with injuries like Clark's.
- Oh...
- So they must already be beginning to suspect that something strange is happening here - said Dr. Klein, who, seeing the worried faces of the others, added - ... Don't worry, they have my complete confidence, and they signed a contract of complete confidentiality...
- You shouldn't have brought them... - Jonathan began to say, but was interrupted by Martha
- Honey, don't be unfair to Dr. Klein, he has done everything possible to take care of Clark, and to keep the secret safe - said Martha, - besides, Clark needs special care that we can't give him
- It's true, at the moment Clark still needs constant medical care, and I can't do it alone... - said Dr. Klein
- It's okay Dr. Klein - Clark said - we understand...
- ... Well, what I was going to say is that I think it will be better to give them some kind of explanation than to keep quiet and that they start to speculate about it - said Dr. Klein - I am not saying that we should tell them the truth, but to tell them something...
- He's right - Martha said.
- The same will happen with the physical therapist and occupational therapist who will see Clark later if necessary...
- You're right... - Clark said - But what can we tell them?
- ... That since you were a child you have had a very fast healing capacity... Which caught the attention of doctors at the time, generating bad experiences in the past... So you no longer like to go to hospitals, and that's why you asked me to come here to make it more private... - suggested Dr. Klein, who, seeing the surprised face of the Kents, added - what? I've had time to think about it
-;It sounds like a good story to me - said Martha.
- Yes... And if everyone signed the confidentiality agreement... - Jonathan said - I think it could work
- Clark? - asked Dr. Klein - do you agree?
- Uhm... Yeah...
- Well, that will be the official version then - said Dr. Klein - also I will ask them not to bother you with questions about it
- Thank you...
- Excellent, then let's do some tests on your ears - said Dr. Klein taking out different types of tuning forks from a case, and a machine that emits sounds of different frequencies.
- Your super hearing is coming back, it's true... Although it's not at its maximum capacity yet, but it will be very soon - said Dr. Klein after carrying out the tests - you can already hear frequencies higher than normal and from several meters away. .. Soon it will be 100%
- Wonderful - said Martha, very happy with her son's progress
- It is indeed very good news, it means that your body is recovering from the Kryptonite, and that the rest of your powers will soon return - said Dr. Klein - so we will take special care to monitor your invulnerability
- Okay...
- I'll leave this little machine here with you...-Dr. Klein said, taking the little machine out of his pocket - it's a glucometer, and it's used by diabetics to measure blood glucose levels
- Ok... - Clark said somewhat confused - but what does glucose have to do with my powers?
- Nothing... At least as far as I know - said Dr. Klein - ... We won't use it to measure glucose, just to prick your finger
- Oh...
- I suppose that your invulnerability will return little by little, like your other powers - explained Dr. Klein - so as soon as it starts to return, the needle will no longer enter your skin so easily
-;Oh, I understand - said Martha.
- The needles are disposable, so it is a very hygienic way to check if it has come back or not - said Dr. Klein - I want you to check every 4 hours, okay?
- Oh, sure - said Martha, taking the glucometer
- And let me know as soon as you notice any change... And we'll do the myelography immediately
- Okay...
Lois had spent the whole day carrying out various paperworks and preparing documents in case she needed them.
After touring the house, Phil had determined that the value of the house hadn't changed...but that he believed it wouldn't be difficult to sell it since it was in perfect condition.
After Phil's visit, she had gone to the bank, where she had been pre-approved for a loan in case they had to buy the house. After that she had gone to the Daily Planet to talk to human resources, and pick up some documents that Dr. Klein had to sign so that Clark's absence would not be deducted from his pay, and to activate the health insurance.
Around 6 PM Lois and John arrived at StarLabs to say hello to Clark.
- Come in Lois! - Clark yelled, before she could knock on the door.
- Hello - Lois said as she opened the door to her husband's room - how did you know... did your superhearing come back?
- Yes... Almost completely
- Oh honey! That's excellent - Lois answered, going to kiss Clark - say hello to you're daddy
- Hello buddy - Clark said to John - how was your day today?
- Good... I already talked with the bank and with Phill... in case we have to buy the house, we wouldn't have any problem
- That's good... - Clark replied not very encouraged, he really didn't want to have to move to a new house
- And you? How have been the attempts to sit down? - Lois asked.
- Better... Less pain, and for longer rate of time
- Oh really?
- Yes, he manage a minute and a half - Martha said cheerfully
- Marvelous!
At that moment Dr. Klein knocked on the door.
- Knock knock - said Dr. Klein entering the room - oh... I finally meet this little guy
- Hello Dr. Klein - Lois greeted - this is John
-It's adorable...- Dr. Klein said as he played with John a bit - ...Ready for another try Clark?
- Yeah! - answered Clark animated. The advances in the last few attempts had motivated him quite a bit.
- That's the spirit! - said Dr. Klein - well, I'll call Anne and Julie
This time everything flowed much faster, and in just a couple of seconds Clark was already sitting down.
- Very good Clark - said Dr. Klein - you are doing very well... Anne, withdraw your hands a little... - seeing that Clark maintained the position he added - excellent, Clark keep breathing... Julie, now you... Excellent!... Now I will remove my hands Clark, ok?
- Okay...
- ... Excellent!... As soon as you can no longer keep the position let us know...
- Mhm... - Clark nodded, too focused on staying seated to answer -... Now... Not anymore
- Okay! - Dr. Klein said, signaling for Anne and Julie to resume their positions and help him lay Clark down again.
- That was great honey! - Lois said cheerfully, who noticed a great advance compared to last night
- That was almost three minutes Clark - said Dr. Klein - and besides you managed to maintain the position by yourself
- Very good son - Jonathan congratulated him
- How was the pain? asked Dr. Klein, as he took notes and glanced sideways to see if Anne and Julie had already left the room.
- 7... I think
- Excellent, you are advancing very quickly... - De. Klein - ...I think the best thing will be that tomorrow you start with some physical therapy for your legs
- Oh really? That means... - Clark said, but was interrupted by Dr. Klein.
- It still doesn't mean anything... I'm sorry
- Oh...
- I'm sorry if it wasn't the answer you expected, Clark, but I must be honest with you... We're still not sure of anything - explained Dr. Klein - but for either scenario, if you walk again or not, you'll need physical therapy... And the sooner we start, the better
- Okay...
- Oh, just in case... I already talked to Anne and Julie, and I'll talk to the physiotherapist before he comes to see you - said Dr. Klein
- Talk about what? - Lois asked.
- Don't worry honey, we'll explain later - said Martha
- Oh ok...
- Well, I'll leave you for now... You've made great progress in just one day Clark...- said Dr. Klein, approaching the door - I'll be back in a bit for one last try.
- Ok... - Clark said - Thank you Dr. Klein
- Oh! Dr. Klein, before you go - Lois said, opening her purse in search of a folder - Human Resources sent these documents for you to sign
- Oh, of course of course... - said Dr. Klein taking the folder - as soon as I have them ready I'll give them to you
- Thank you - Lois said.
Around 8 Lois, Martha and John left StarLabs, it was time for little John to sleep. This time it was Jonathan's turn to stay the night with Clark and support him during his last sitting attempt of the day.
Saturday
The next day Clark woke up early for another attempt at sitting up, he had managed to get to three minutes the night before and also was pretty stable, so he was hopeful he could do better today.
The pain had been decreasing with each attempt, but the painkillers metabolized more and more quickly, so the pain during the day had been increasing progressively...
- Good morning Clark, ready for another try - asked Dr. Klein after reviewing all of Clark's parameters
- Yes, let's do it
- Excellent Clark, that was a full four minutes - Dr. Klein congratulated him.
- Well done son - Jonathan added, patting him gently on the back.
- How was the pain?
- Better... I think 6...
- Very good - said Dr. Klein - and the painkillers? do they still work?
- Yes, but less and less... I feel relief for a while and then it goes up again
- I see... And how far does it go?
- ... 5 maybe?
- Ok... Let's hope the pain goes down a bit more before they stop working completely... Because by then we won't have how to help you with the pain...
- I know... - Clark replied, somewhat concerned about the subject.
- Well, I'll leave you so you can have breakfast and I'll come back later.
- Ok, thank you Dr. Klein
Around 11 a.m., Dr. Klein returned to the room, this time to take Clark away.
- I'm here to get you Clark, so we can take new X-rays of your spine.
- Oh ok...
- Depending on the results we can start with new things
- What new things? - asked Jonathan
- Oh, you'll see.
A while later, Clark was back in his room and Dr. Klein had the images in his hand.
- Let's see ... - said Dr. Klein, putting the X-rays in the negatoscope - excellent... The fractures have already healed... We can already see bone callus in the affected areas
- That's good news - Jonathan said.
- Indeed... It means that we can start trying new positions... - said Dr. Klein, making a note in his notebook - You can lie on your back...
- Now? - Clark asked, half worried and half excited about it.
- Not yet... First we will make another attempt to sit you down and then we will try
- Oh ok .
- We will be exchanging positions between lying down and being on the side... both sides
- Oh great - Clark said.
- Tell me... Does it hurt or bother if I do this - said Dr. Klein, while he gently palpated the incision area on Clark's left side
- It doesn't hurt... Maybe a little annoying, but not that much.
- Very good... And this? - said Dr. Klein, this time touching very gently on his back
- It doesn't hurt, but it's more annoying
- Well... - said Dr. Klein writing down everything carefully - then let's call Anne and Julie
- Well Anne, let Clark go - ordered Dr. Klein, directing the process as always - and start preparing the bed so he can lie on his back
- Okay
- Clark, how are you doing? - asked Dr. Klein
- Good...
- Excellent... Now Julie will let you go... - said Dr. Klein - ... You are more and more stable...
- You're doing very well, son - Jonathan said.
- Now I will release you, but don't worry, with Julie we will be watching, in case we have to catch you if you need it.
- Okay...
- Excellent... Keep it up... Don't try to move your arms yet... We'll see that later
- Ok... - answered Clark, who a few seconds later said - no more...
- Great... Now we'll leave you lying on your back, ok? - said Dr. Klein, who together with Julie and Anne began to accommodate Clark - but it won't be a completely horizontal position... The bed will be raised a little, in this way you will be semi-sitting
- Okay...
- Well... How do you feel? - asked Dr. Klein, as soon as Clark's back touched the mattress.
- Good...
- Don't you feel a lot of pressure? - asked Dr. Klein, who nodded softly to the nurses to release Clark.
- No, it's fine... - answered Clark, who was now lying on his back.
- Excellent! - Dr. Klein said cheerfully - the bed is positioned with a 30 inclination... This will allow you to eat alone, and to be able to talk, read or watch television more comfortably
- Finally - Clark said cheerfully.
- But we won't keep you in the same position for a long time, so as not to overload the pressure on your back, okay?
- Okay ..
- If at any time you feel uncomfortable in any position, just let Anne or Julie know, and we'll help you change, ok?
- I understand .. thank you Dr. Klein
- Excellent...- Dr. Klein said, writing down the latest data in his notebook and heading to the door - Anne will bring you lunch, and the physical therapist will come later
- Okay...
- How do you feel son? - Jonathan asked, moving closer to Clark.
- Much better now that I'm on my back...
- Doesn't it hurt?
- No… It just... - Clark said, but he stopped his sentence midway when someone opened the door, thinking it was Anne with his lunch. He said - Thank you Anne…Lois?
- Hello honey - said Lois, who when she opened the door was distracted looking for something in her purse . Looking up and seeing Clark, she added cheerfully - Clark! You're on your back!! Tell me everything! What happened?
- Nothing... Dr. Klein took new x-rays, where he saw that the fractures in my vertebrae had already healed... After the last attempt to sit down
- Where he managed to stay for 5 minutes - added Jonathan interrupting Clark
- ... When they finished they laid me on my back ...
- Oh! What a joy Clark! How do you feel? It hurts? - Lois asked, very excited.
- Well, it feels very good... And no, it doesn't hurt... Not more than usual
- What are you talking about?
- The painkillers hardly have any effect anymore... - Clark answered.
- Oh honey...
At that moment someone opened the door again, this time it was Anne with the food.
- Mr. Kent, you will be happy to see that the food has already changed, now that you are no longer lying on you're side, and that the danger of suffocation or aspiration is minimal, you're food has improved
- Marvelous! - Clark said happily. So many days eating only soups and jelly had him without the desire to eat
- Try not to eat too fast, ok? Or you feel bad after being on a soft diet for so many days
- Okay...
Anne put the food on the table and left the room. Lois went over to the tray to see what she had brought.
- Rice with sautéed vegetables and chicken... - Lois said to Clark. Seeing Clark's happy face, she added - ... I'm not sure if you'll be able to wait for us to go to the cafeteria for something.
- Yes I can... I think ... - Clark said with a smile
- You stay with him, and make sure he doesn't inhale his food... - Jonathan said approaching the door - I'll bring something for us from the cafeteria
- Dad! i can control myself
- I don't think so son, I've seen you inhale your food many times before... - answered Jonathan closing the door behind him
- Take it easy, okay? Lois said, setting the table with the tray in front of Clark so he could eat.
- Yes mom
- I mean it Clark!
- I know... I know... - Clark answered, taking the fork to start eating - I don't know what makes me happier, if the food or that I can feed myself again
A few minutes later Jonathan returned with two sandwiches and drinks for him and Lois. By this time Clark had already eaten almost a third of his plate.
- It tastes good, it seems... - Jonathan said, noticing Clark's happy face.
- Yes... It's very tasty - Clark said, eating a big spoonful
- Well... They say that if you eat, you don't die - Jonathan said, handing Lois his sandwich - it's good to see you in such good spirits
After lunch Jonathan went home to accompany Martha, while Lois sat next to Clark, so they could watch a movie together.
The movie was almost over when Lois noticed that Clark began to breathe irregularly, and to whimper a bit.
- Clark? Are you OK? - asked Lois worried - are you uncomfortable? does something hurt?
- I think the painkillers stopped working completely...
- Oh, honey... I'll call Dr. Klein, ok?
Dr. Klein entered the room a few minutes later.
- Clark... How do you feel?
- Fine... It's just that now the pain is constant - Clark said - the painkillers had been working poorly, but I still had moments when they did work...
- Sure... The pain went up and down between each dose - said Dr. Klein, taking note - From 1 to 10? How much is the pain now?
- 5... or 6?...
- Ok... Is the pain general or in a specific area? - asked Dr. Klein - can you tell if the pain is coming from your back, or from the incision on your side?
- I don't know... It's from my back I think... But I don't know if it's just from the incision... - Clark tried to explain
- Ok, I understand... - Dr. Klein said - from what we saw in the x-rays, the fractures in your vertebrae have already healed, as have the incisions...
- Then why do he have pain? Lois asked confused.
- On the one hand, it could be that his body is still resenting the Kryptonite attack - said Dr. Klein - or also, it could be because his nerve endings are somewhat "confused" due to damage to the spinal cord, and this is generating pain... Or a mix of both
- Oh...
- And can something be done? - Lois asked.
- For the moment we must wait... - said Dr. Klein - the pain has been decreasing on it's own as your speed healing has been activated, so it is very likely that it is only a matter of time
- Ok... - Clark said, disappointed with the answer.
- However, the different exercises that you will see with the physical therapist will also help to reduce pain
- Oh great
- What time he's coming? - Lois asked.
- In a few minutes, it will be present during a new attempt to sit
- Oh, ok... - Clark answered, a little nervous about it.
Just then there was a knock on the door, and a tall red-haired man came in.
- Good afternoon - the man said as he entered.
- Sean! Great timing, we were talking about you - said Dr. Klein, approaching to greet the newcomer - Lois, Clark... This is Sean, your physical therapist
- Hello Sean - Clark said.
- Hi Clark, I'm glad to see that you're already making a lot of progress - Sean said - ... And very fast, I must say
- Uhm... yes...
- Don't worry, that's not my concern, and I won't ask about it - Sean said, trying to reassure Clark - ... We'll focus on doing different exercises, so you can keep progressing, and thus regain your mobility and strength.. . or as much as possible
- Okay...
- You see Sean, the painkillers aren't having much effect and Clark is in some pain...
- I see... Well, in that case it's the right time to start therapy... - Sean said - you've been in the same position for several days, and your muscles must be somewhat tense... This only increases the pressure on the nerve endings, generating more pain...
- Oh I understand
- In that case it will be better that we start - said Dr. Klein - I will call Anne and Julie
As before, Anne, Julie and Dr. Klein worked in coordination to get Clark seated, although this time everything was easier thanks to Clark's starting position.
- Very well Clark - Sean told him as soon as Anne and Julie released him - ... Dr. Klein is still holding you, so I want us to take advantage of doing a couple of exercises...
- Ok... - Clark replied somewhat uncertainly.
- First I want you to stretch and raise your right arm, just at the height of your shoulder, and try to touch mine - said Sean, who was sitting in a chair right in front of Clark.
Clark, did as Sean asked. Raising his arm he lost his balance a bit, but there was no extra pain.
- Excellent... Put your arm down, and now try it with your left arm - Sean said.
This time, Clark felt a slight tug on his left side, in the area of the incision, but he managed to sit up without a problem.
- Very good... How are you doing with the pain? - asked Dr. Klein - Shall we stop?
- No, not yet ..
- Good... So now I want you to try to touch my left shoulder with your right hand - said Sean, who moved back a few inches.
This was a bit more difficult, Clark felt the muscles in his back protest as he reached up to touch Sean's shoulder.
- Good, very good .. - said Sean - shall we continue?
- Yeah...
- Ok... So now try to touch the right shoulder with the left hand
Again Clark's muscles protested, but he managed to perform the exercise.
- You're doing great, honey - Lois said, encouraging him
- Very well actually... - Sean said - Shall we do one last exercise?
- Alright...
- Well, in this case you shouldn't do anything... I'll do it - Sean said - you just concentrate on staying seated, ok?
- Okay ..
Sean then moved back a bit and grabbed Clark's right leg and rested it on his knee. After a quick massage of his thigh, calf, and foot, he rotated his ankle in all directions. He then flexed his knee a few times, an finally raised his bent leg a bit (as if he was going to bring his knee into Clark's chest). Sean then repeated the process with his left leg.
- How did that feel? - Sean asked as he put his leg back in his place - Did your back hurt?"
- No...
- Good...
- Although it was quite difficult to keep the balance
- I imagine, but you did very well - said Sean
- How are you Clark? Do you want to lie down now? - asked Dr. Klien, who was looking carefully at the clock
- I'm fine... In fact, I think that with the exercises the pain has decreased a bit - Clark said.
- Excellent! - Sean said cheerfully - but I think that's enough, there's no point in overwxweting yourself
- Okay...
- Very well Clark - Dr. Klein said as he put Clark back down - how is your pain Clark?
- I think it was at 6 for a moment... But with the exercises it went down a bit... And now it must be at 4... or something like that... - Clark replied - I don't know, it's It's hard to quantify pain
- Haha, don't worry, it confuses us all - Sean said - but the important thing is that it decreased a bit...
- Yes, thanks
- Without counting that you were sitting for 8 minutes - Lois said very happy
- Oh, wow - Clark said, also very happy, he hadn't realized that he had been sitting for so long.
- Well, I'll leave you then so you can continue with the therapy - Dr. Klein said, leaving the room with Anne and Julie
- Well Clark, I'll start with a series of massages and muscle stretching in your legs - Sean said - ... From what Dr. Klein told me, it's still not sure if you'll be able to recover movement in your legs...
- Yeah...
- Well, whether that's the case or not, we shouldn't forget to exercise your legs - Sean said, as he began the massage - as I mentioned, if the muscles or joints are tense due to lack of movement, this causes pain... so it would be ideal that you learn to do this Lois, so you can do them later if necessary
- Okay, I'll pay attention.
- And in the event that you can walk again, it's not just waking up one day and walk again like nothing had happened... you must recover your range of motion and muscle strength, things that are lost when the limbs are not used...
- Okay...
- Excellent, so now we'll do something different - Sean said as he finished massaging Clark's legs - we'll exercise your upper body
- Okay...
- I know it seems strange, since it is an area that is suppose to be healthy, but both the injury and the surgery have weakened your muscles and your ability to maintain a good posture - said Sean - which we will recover with various exercises
- Great - Clark said.
- And if it is eventually necessary, we'll exercise your arms later... You'd be surprised at the muscular effort required to move a wheelchair... It's like doing push-ups all day
- Oh ok.
- We'll start with something easy...- Sean said, positioning himself on the right side of the bed - Lois, could you stand on the other side in front of me please?
- Sure
- So, the first thing we're going to do is that you try to touch my hand with your left hand... But without trying to lift your upper body... - Sean explained - Today we're just going to do muscle stretching, mainly on your back
After that, Clark tried with his left hand to reach Lois who was on his right. Sean then led him through several similar exercises that helped stretch his back muscles.
- How are you feeling Clark? Too tired? - asked Sean about 40 min later
- Yes, a bit
- Don't worry, we're done for today.
- Ufff...
- It was very good... - Sean congratulated him - tomorrow we will resume and see if we can increase the difficulty a bit
- Oh ok...
- See you tomorrow! - Sean said goodbye before leaving the room.
- How do you feel? - Lois asked as soon as they were alone.
- Fine... And tired - Clark said disappointed - we didn't do anything so demanding and I am quite tired
- Come on, don't be so hard on yourself... - Lois said - the Kryptonite did a lot of damage and your powers haven't come back completely yet.
- I know... But I'm feel so... Weak
- Honey... You've been improving a lot in just a few days - Lois said, trying to cheer him up a bit - your powers will be back very soon... And you'll feel super again
A while later Dr. Klein returned so he could make another attempt to sit Clark up.
- How was the session with Sean? - Dr. Klein asked upon entering the room - How is the pain?
- Very good - answered Clark - the pain has remained the same... Or maybe it has decreased a bit... I'm not sure, but at least it hasn't increased
- Excellent... since you're already semi-seated I'll take advantage of it and do a full checkup, ok? ... I hadn't been able to do it right while you were on your side - said Dr. Klein, taking a stethoscope and approaching Clark to be able to sit him down slightly and be able to separate his back from the mattress
- Okay
- Okay, take a deep breath...Exhale... - Dr. Klein said as he listened Clark's lungs - ... everything sound fine... Again... Inhale... Exhale...
As Clark exhaled the second time, Lois smiled brightly. With his exhalation, Clark had sent Dr. Klein's notebook and remote control that were lying on the bed in front of him, flying across the room
- Clark! - Lois said, as she ran to pick up the remote control - it's cold!
- Oh really? - Clark asked excitedly.
- Yeah!!
- Wonderful... Let's try again - said Dr. Klein - inhale... Exhale...
Again several things flew away, and some even had some frost on them.
- Excellent, your icy breath is coming back too - said Dr. Klein - definitely your powers will be back soon, I don't think we can postpone the myelography beyond tomorrow
- Oh...
- Don't worry honey... You've made a lot of progress in the last few days, I'm sure we'll have good news tomorrow
- We don't know yet... - Dr. Klein said - ... But your powers have started to come back, your speed healing is almost at its maximum capacity... and you have progressed a lot in terms of mobility... They could be a good omen for tomorrow
- I hope so... - Clark said with a smile.
- Well, let's continue with the check-up... - Dr. Klein said - ... From what Anne has told me, you've been urinating regularly and without problems, right?
- Yes... There have been no accidents or anything like that.
- Very good! Have you been using the glucometer?
- Yes... I can still prick my finger, there has been no change
- I see...
- Are you still comfortable in that back position? - asked Dr. Klein
- Yes... I missed being able to be like this
- That is good, although at the end of the exercise we will leave you on your side, so as not to overload your back
- Oh...
- Don't worry later we'll change again, and maybe one more time during the night
- Okay...
- Well... before we start... - Dr. Klein said - I know you're anxious to be able to sit by yourself, especially after the session with Sean, and with how much you've evolved these past few days... but I don't want you to make that effort yet, okay? We will lift you up, you just worry about staying seated
- Okay..
- Your body is healing much faster than in humans, but you still have to give it time, don't get ahead of yourself - said Dr. Klein with a serious tone - I'll call Anne and Julie so we can start
- Very well Clark, just as you did a while ago with Sean, I want you to try the exercises again - Dr. Klein said once Clark was already seated
- Okay
- This time it will be Julie who will be in front of you - explained Dr. Klein - I will continue holding you...
- Okay...
- Good... First the left shoulder with your right hand - said Dr. Klein - Excellent!... Now his right shoulder with your left hand...
- You're doing very well, honey - Lois said.
- Very well... Let's try it one more time - said Dr. Klein - but this time I'll let you go
- Okay - Clark replied.
- Don't worry, I'll be here in case you need my help... - said Dr. Klein, releasing Clark - ...Excellent! Now we will try again, but this time we will need your help Lois
- Oh, sure... What do I do?
- Stand on the right side of Julie
- Okay...
- Okay Clark - Dr. Klein said, holding Clark again as a precaution - now I want you to try to touch Lois's left shoulder with your left hand
- Okay...
Lois being next to Julie wasn't directly in front of Clark, so Clark had to move his left arm a little to the left to touch Lois's shoulder. To his relief, he pulled it off without much effort.
- Excellent, now I want you to touch Lois's right shoulder with the same left hand - said Dr. Klein
This time the effort was greater, since when trying to stretch to the left, Clark lost his balance a bit, but thanks to Dr. Klein holding him, he was able to complete the exercise without major problems.
- That was very good - Dr. Klein said to Clark - now Lois, could you get on the other side of Julie?
- Sute
- We will do the same on this side Clark, your right hand first to Lois's right shoulder, and then to the left shoulder
-Ok... - Clark said, taking a deep breath before beginning.
This side was a little more difficult, since just like a while ago, when Clark tried to stretch, he felt a slight sting on his left side, at the incision site.
- That was harder - Clark said.
- But it was quite good - said Dr. Klein - do you want to try it without support?
- Uhm... Okay...
- That was excellent, Clark," said Dr. Klein, as they laid Clark down again, this time on his left side. - How does it feel to be lying on that side?"
- Good...
- Excellent ... Later we will change again and you can be on your back again
- Great
- As I was saying, you were very good... You remained seated for 10 minutes, and each time you are more stable - said Dr. Klein - in fact you were able to do both exercises without support
- You did very well Mr. Kent - said Anne before leaving the room with Julie
- How was the pain? - asked Dr. Klein
- Better... I think it didn't go beyond 5...
- Wonderful, you are advancing at great speed... - said Dr. Klein taking notes - I want you to use the glucometer every 2 hours from now on, ok? I don't want your invulnerability to catch us by surprise
- Okay
- I'll be back later for one last try today - try to rest and relax a bit
- Ok, thanks Dr. Klein - said Lois
As soon as Dr. Klein left the room, Lois took the chair where she normally sat to feed Clark, and moved it to the other side of the bed, so she could sit jn front of Clark again.
- Hello honey - Lois said, sitting down
- Hello - Clark replied with a smile.- Thanks for being here with me
- I couldn't be anywhere else right now - Lois said, giving him a soft kiss - you're always there for me, now it's my turn to be here for you
- I love you - Clark said.
- Me too - Lois replied, giving him another kiss.
- Do you really think that everything will be fine tomorrow?
- I don't know, but between yesterday and today you've made a lot of progress - Lois said, taking Clark's hand - you went from being able to sit for only 10 seconds to 10 minutes... Your accelerated metabolism returned, as did your super-hearing and your icy breath... And your speed healing is almost at full speed...
- It's true...
- I can't be sure, but I think it's a good sign... - Lois said with a hopeful tone - Before you know it, your strength and the rest that's missing will return... Soon you'll be flying around
- I hope you're right... - Clark said - ... I'm really feeling better every moment...
- That must be thanks to you speed healing... - Lois reasoned - ... I insist, it must be a good sign, you'll see
- If you say so, I believe you - Clark said smiling
- Haha... Do you want to see a movie?
- Sure, why don't you... - Clark said, but he was interrupted by the sound of Lois's cell phone.
- Oh, it must be Martha... - Lois said, taking her cell phone out of her purse - Hello? -
- Hi honey
- Hi Martha, give me a second and I'll put you on speaker... Clark is here with me.
- Hi honey, how did you feel today? - Martha asked.
- Quite well... - Clark answered - Although the painkillers are no longer useful
- Oh, I'm sorry Clark.. are you in a lot of pain?
- Surprisingly, not so much
- I'm glad honey - said Martha - did anything else happen today?
- Yeah! - Lois responded cheerfully - the icy breath has already started to return, and Clark has already sat for 10 minutes
- Oh honeyt! That's wonderful! - said Martha cheerfully
- What thing? - Jonathan could be heard in the background
- Clark has been sitting for 10 minutes, and his icy breath is back-Martha - told him
- What good news - Jonathan was heard to say
- How did it go with the physical therapist Clark? He was going today, right? - Martha asked.
- Yes, he came today and we did several muscle stretching exercises - Clark answered - it was very good, it helped a lot to reduce the pain
- That's good honey, I'm very happy with all the progress you've made today - said Martha
- In fact, so much progress has been made that Dr. Klein believes that he should do the myelography tomorrow, he doesn't think he can wait any longer.
- Oh, but these advances are surely a good sign, right? - said Martha
- We don't know for sure - answered Lois - but it's possible...
- As soon as you have news about it, let us know, please - said Martha
- Of course, mom - Clark replied - ... How is John?
- Very well, your father is reading him a story - said Martha - maybe tomorrow we can take him there so you can see him
- Yes! It would be great, now that I can lie on my back
- Yeah!... - said Martha, who was silent for a few seconds while a lot of movement was heard in the background - ... Oh, it seems that someone needs a diaper change...
- See you tomorrow mom
- See you tomorrow honey, sleep well - Martha said goodbye
- Well, let's see that movie, before Dr. Klein comes back and interrupts us.
- Haha, sure - Clark replied.
To Lois's relief, Dr. Klein didn't return until half an hour after the movie had ended, although they had been interrupted by Julie when she brought Clark dinner (Lois had use the commercials to go get something to eat at the caféteria)
The last sitting attempt of the day had gone quite well, Clark had managed to stay for 15 minutes, and much more stable than he had managed in the morning. In addition, Dr. Klein had repeated the stretching exercises, and to Clark's relief, they had been a little easier to perform.
After that, Lois and Clark had searched for another movie on TV, but had stumbled upon the news. It had been days since either of them had thought about the news or what was happening in the rest of the world. After that they had stayed talking for a long time about some reports they had seen on the news, and without realizing it was already quite late.
- I think we should go to bed now - Lois said with a yawn, seeing how Clark was having a hard time keeping his eyes open.
- Yes... I think so... - Clark said half asleep
- Good night honey - Lois said, taking off his glasses and leaving them on the nightstand - rest, you'll have a long day tomorrow
- Mmmm - answered Clark, with his eyes already closed
- Please make tomorrow a good day - Lois said quietly before turning off the light and curling up on the small sofa next to Clark's bed.
.
Thank for your reviews, I love them
WretchedHandsSJS: I have some medical knowledge, but not related to that area...
And as for the concerns about the house... A while ago I was a volunteer at the Teletón foundation, I was part of a program called ABRE where we adapt the patients' houses to improve accessibility (installing grabbing bars or ramps)... And since then I can't stop to check if the houses or different places where I am are accessible or not xD