(Snip)

Rowe allowed the silence to linger as he considered his words. “I understand why it may raise concerns… Doctors are well meaning people who are trained to help others feel ‘better’… but if discomfort were a disqualifier I think half the fleet would be out of the service, certainly anyone older than thirty-five.” His tone was practiced and lighthearted. He took a drink of his water as much for pacing as to address any thirst.

Janna smirked.

“I’m fully capable of performing my duties, and I still surpass the minimum physical requirements for service. My body just reminds me that the engine doesn’t run as well as it used to… it’s loud… the oil has to be topped off regularly” Rowe let his combustion engine reference trail off. “It’s a quality of life issue and not a performance one.” He finally said simply.

-Rowe

Kingston nodded. “Which means you are cleared for duty, but it can still impact you. What aspects would you say affect your quality of life the most? Even if it just feels like more of an annoyance.”

~Janna Kingston, CNS

“I don’t sleep as well as I once did. I feel nearly constant creepy-crawly sensations on my skin. My feet don’t seem to like me very much, and when I get fatigued I feel like I’m waddling from place to place.” He said honestly.

• Rowe

She liked that he was being forthcoming. It meant that he was more open to the conversation in general and wasn’t viewing it simply as an obstacle to be overcome. “Are there things you’ve found that help those symptoms?”

~Janna Kingston, CNS

“Nothing long term.” James said flatly. “There are lots of things that provide some temporary relief… massage, acupuncture, and dry needling all seem to help for a few hours up to a day. EMDR’s (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) pain protocol is helpful in the moment. But it feels more meditative and isn’t practical while on duty.”

He paused a moment before saying the next part, a sense of ironic humor leaking into his voice… “Nerve blockers or good old fashioned alcohol make me care a hell of a lot less about it, but I reserve those for days where I’m off duty the next morning.”

Rowe