The Road to Recovery

Posted on Thu Feb 27th, 2020 @ 6:14pm by Brigadier General Kaden Ross & Lieutenant Commander Carolyn Corrigan MD

1,301 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Episode 104 - A Glimmer of Hope...
Location: Sickbay
Timeline: MD2 1030 hrs

It had been quite some time since Dr. Corrigan and the medical staff worked their tails off saving Kaden's life. But now was the moment of truth as Carolyn was in the process of removing the bandages to examine the now scar free skin the specialist had finished yesterday.

Finally free to talk Kaden walked the doctor remove the last of his bandages before taking scans with her tricorder. "So...how is it, Doc, is it bad?" He asked a bit weak still in his voice. Kaden was glad Freya was there sitting next to him he had been thankful he was still alive as it worried him what would of happened if he had died out there.

Freya gave Carolyn a nervous look, she could only imagine the impact it would have on Kaden if anything went wrong.

With Nurse Ashleigh at her side, standing ready to collect the discarded bandages. The woman had watched as each section of newly reformed skin was exposed, the flesh a pale pink. She had watched as, with each section, capillary response was tested, ensuring blood flow was correct. And then they moved on to the next section, and the one after that. It was a painstaking process, given how new and therefore delicate the skin was.

“It looks like Doctor Wilson will be impossible to live with for a few weeks,” Doctor Corrigan commented drily. “The treatment has worked better than we could have hoped. The skin will be sensitive but we have some additional treatments which will help... it may not feel like it, but you were incredibly lucky to survive.”

Kaden smiled gently taking Dr. Corrigan by the hand. "Hey, without you and the...rest of the others...miracle touch I am glad to still...be alive. I...certainly owe you my life right now, Doc!" He replied.

“Don’t thank me just yet, there is a lot of work still to do.”

Kaden turned to face Freya. "Hi, beautiful." He smiled.

“Hi handsome!” Freya smiled back.

His smile fading Kaden suddenly realized something was amiss. "Wait...my legs!" He could hardly feel his lower body something else must of happened. Panic setting in Kaden looked at his legs then Dr. Corrigan. "Doc, why...why can't I hardly feel my legs?!" He begged tears coming down his face.

Carolyn glanced at Ashleigh, “I’ve got this from here...”

The nurse nodded, offered a smile at them as she left. Carolyn pulled up a stool, sitting on the opposite side from Freya. “Kaden, I need you to breathe. I know it is frightening right now, scary. And that is perfectly natural.”

She glanced at Freya, offering her a reassuring smile before turning her attention back to Kaden.

“In addition to your burns, there was a large piece of shrapnel embedded in your back,” Carolyn explained, keeping her voice soft, reassuring. “We operated to remove it and to repair the damage. Right now, you have little to no sensation below the waist but that will pass.

Currently, there is residual swelling which is pressing upon the vertebrae. We are treating that. In a day or two you will regain sensation. That is when the real hard work will begin. You will need physio, twice a day, to help you rebuild your muscles and effectively re-learn how to walk. Of course we can manage the pain, continue treatment and even have people on hand for you to talk to...

Kaden, what I need from you is this. Patience, stubbornness and a strong focus on getting back on your feet and back your family and the marines. But I also need you to be honest. Be willing to let us help.”

Kaden wasn't sure how to respond to Dr. Corrigan right now part of him felt fate once again was against him. Granted he went thru this as a kid but this time what if he could't walk ever again. Kaden wasn't sure as to what he would with himself being a marine meant a lot to him. "What...what if I can't? What am I supposed to do, Carolyn?" He asked.

Carolyn was silent for a long moment. “You are probably one of the bravest men on this station. I am not for a moment saying that this won’t be difficult. I have brought in a consultant physiotherapist - he will arrive in about an hour and the first thing you will learn is that he doesn’t hear words like can’t. But let him work his magic and I promise you will get there. And I speak from experience.”

Kaden looked to Freya to see what she thought while he took a moment to gather himself.

Freya was just as worried as Kaden but she had every faith in Carolyn and the medical staff. “I think you should try Imzadi.” She gently squeezed his hand. “You’re tough and certainly stubborn!” She grinned at Carolyn then looked back at Kaden. “Plus if you want to be able to run around with our child, then you need to put you’re all into getting back on your feet. Plus I need you too.”

Kaden couldn't help but look at Freya then Dr. Corrigan before he nodded. "Okay, I will try..." He replied.

Climbing to her feet, Carolyn grinned. “For the record, he hates the word try too. I’ll let you -“

Nurse Ashleigh popped her head around the corner, “sorry. Doctor Corrigan, you are needed in paediatric and Dr Ichar is waiting on a consult.”

Carolyn nodded. “Be right there.”

Turning back to the Ross’ she smiled, “get some rest, both of you. Hard work starts tomorrow.”

Kaden nodded making a mental note before he perked up. "Carolyn, I know I hadn't seen you in a while but you taking up pediatrics now?" He asked.

“I’ve been a Paediatrics specialist for about six years. Paediatric, trauma and surgical,” Carolyn replied, “you never know what will come through our doors. Now rest and I’ll check in on you after my rounds this afternoon.”

Kaden nodded as he turned to Freya as he watched Carolyn leave. He was still trying to come to terms with his injuries however. "Freya, I am sorry...for everything."

“You don’t have to apologise!” Freya offered a smile, albeit a concerned one. “You we’re doing your job and you came back to me, I’m not upset with you. All I want now is to help you with your recovery.” She moved forward and gave him a loving kiss before sitting down again.

Kaden felt even worse hearing Freya say that. "No...no...no, Freya, you shouldn't have to look after me...I should be looking after you...you are the one that is carrying our kid." He told her.

“That doesn’t mean I can’t support you with your physio and be your mental support too.” She gave him a smile. “I won’t be able to do any heavy lifting though so moving yourself will be the part is up to you.”

Kaden sighed biting his lower lip he hated feeling helpless and putting Freya thru such stressful situations. "I...just don't want you to be stressed out again..." He couldn't help it but Kaden still felt so much guilt for is actions earlier in her pregnancy it was unfair of him. Despite Freya having understood his concerns and forgiving him he couldn't forgive himself.

“Stop worrying about me and concentrate on you!” She smiled. “Just get some rest, you’re going to need it.”

Kaden offered his wife a smile as he took her hand into his as he settled in his bed. "Okay..." He replied.

Freya nodded and held his hand as she let him get some sleep.

[OFF]

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