Posted by Lieutenant Sharah Fayth (Chief Star Fleet Medical Officer) in Sacred Heart Hospital- Lt. Gov’s Appt

Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in Sacred Heart Hospital- Lt. Gov’s Appt

(snip)

Jal’na watched as she moved, “I am not happy with it. Stand here, arms out. You will feel the brace relax some at the top for a moment before it tightens back up and then again at the bottom. I will not allow you to fall.” Fayth smiled reassuringly at Dasca. Jal’na was very good at her job and very serious about the well being of her patients even more so when she was in charge.

Eela couldn’t help but grin. The likelihood of her falling was exceptionally small, especially since she was very mindful about how she moved, but still, the woman’s perfectionism and dedication was actually rather nice in this instance.

The top of the brace loosened letting her shoulders and back slump some and then tightened again but now higher supporting more of her upper back and the sides tight but more fluid allowing for more twist and bend within her safe range of motion. Then the bottom loosened and Dasca could feel the servos whirring and repositioning and then everything tightened up again giving her full support. Jal’na did a scan with tricorder and then showed Fayth. “Much better, the compression of the disk is now very very minor. How does that feel Eela?” the PT asked.

Jal’na

Moving away from Jal’na, Eela tested it out even further bending forward. It was a more tricky motion for her since it required core strength she couldn’t develop so long as she needed the brace. But that was fine with her. Like with everything, she compensated. The servos worked hard as she stood back up and the motion was exceptionally smooth. She smiled. “Now that is the best I think it’s been in a long while.”

Jal’na grunted, “Good. If you have problems, you contact me right away. I know you will be very busy but I would like to see you within the week for a full assessment. I will send my schedule and you pick what works for you. I can come to your home or office if that is more convenient.”

For a moment Dasca studied Jal’na before she nodded slowly. “My life is busy and demanding. This new job of mine even more so. My health is a priority but the reality is that I get used to making do, with just going with things even if they aren’t optimal. Call it a good or bad habit from my Starfleet days and generally it serves me well. But I understand that that is not acceptable to you and that you will push to make things better for me. Know in advance that that is appreciated.” She looked between Fayth and Jal’na. “I try not to be a difficult patient, but what do I need people to be aware is that I don’t always get a say in how my days go or whether I can put in the full time and effort PT requires. I will try but there will be a compromise we need to make and it’s going to take some time to figure out what that looks like. Fair?”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

Jal’na gave her a grin that was more pointed teeth than inviting, but amusement and lit her eyes. “I admire your candor and appreciate your effort to work your hardest. I have ways of making sure you do your exercises, though. I can program them into your brace and you can do them while you sit and do paperwork or ride in your ground car or as you walk the halls. There are gentle routine ways to help you exercise and strengthen your back even when duty requires that you not pause for more intensive work. We shall work together to find a good balance that makes you better, yes?”

“Yes, I think we will,” Eela said, feeling a measure of confidence about the team that was forming. She was used to multiple people involved in her care, but she really wasn’t sure what to expect on Oed. At least this one aspect would be simpler. Not easy, but smoother.

After Jal’na left Fayth turned back to Dasca. “Now you are going to be getting a lot of requests for appointments from us, and settling in won’t be easy either. I would like to see you in 2 weeks to take images of your spine, just to make sure you are adjusting the gravity. That will, unfortunately need to be done here. However if your pain medication isn’t working, or you have new or returning symptoms, please contact me and I’ll see you right away.”

Fayth, SFCMO

“I don’t mind coming back here for the imaging. I just don’t want to feel like I live here,” Dasca said with a tiny smirk. “As for pain medication, I actually will need a refill on that. I have a couple doses left and I might need them more for the next while than I normally do. But I do want to be up front that I log every dose I use along with what my pain levels are and where. We’ve found it useful information and it’s allowed a better tracking of triggers.” The records had been necessary in the early days when her pain levels had been really high, but she found it not only a useful practice but it kept everything clear and in the open.

~Eela Dasca, Lt.Gov.