"Coup de Foudre" 95
Discussion.
By Gaedhal
Pittsburgh, July 2016
“Dr. Sun, could I speak with you for a few moments?”
The doctor stopped in his tracks. “Mr. Taylor - I didn’t expect to see you down here in the Neuro ICU.”
Justin fidgeted with his keys nervously. “I know, but I wanted to ask your advice about something important.”
“Your partner, Mr. Kinney. Obviously,” said Dr. Sun.
“Obviously,” Justin replied. “I’m concerned about how he’s doing in the Rehab Unit.”
“He’s making progress.” Dr. Sun paused. “Somewhat.”
“I know, but he should be making a lot of progress,” said Justin. “You told me it was in his favor that he’s a fighter, but he’s fighting with the doctors over there! He’s fighting the physical therapists. He’s fighting the nurses. He’s just… fighting! Being Brian! Which means he’s being stubborn as fu… as hell. And that’s not good for his recovery. I know because I’ve been there.”
Dr. Sun nodded. “Dr. Peretti has discussed this with me. She said they confiscated yet another cellphone from him this afternoon. I take it he’s been calling you on it?”
“Yes. He called me five times today, wanting me to come right over. I told him I was trying to do some work at Kinnetik. I thought he’d be happy about that, but he yelled at me to get my ass over here pronto. Then he called an hour later and said the same thing. It’s like he forgot he’d already called me. But I did what Dr. Peretti told me to do - I said I'd come over right after work and I did.”
“Be truthful, Mr. Taylor - have you been bringing him the phones?” Dr. Sun asked bluntly. “You understand it’s against hospital rules? This is the third one they’ve taken away from him in the week he’s been in the Rehab Unit.”
“I know! It isn’t me, Dr. Sun. I don’t know where’s he’s been getting the phones, but you have no idea how… um… persuasive Brian can be.” Justin thought about all the gay male nurses and orderlies and technicians in the hospital. Brian could easily work his charm on any of them. Or all of them. Not to mention the female nurses he was constantly sweet-talking. Brian could be a bastard, but when he wanted something he could also be as smooth as honey. “He wants to get out of this hospital, but I know he’s not ready to leave yet.”
“No,” Dr. Sun agreed. “His memory is still sketchy and physically he’s very shaky, although he is getting stronger every day. I could send him home, but he would need someone to care for him around the clock. If you have gone back to work, who is going to do that? Have you considered hiring attendants?”
Justin took a deep breath. This was an issue he’d been struggling with all week. “I discussed that with Dr. Peretti, but Brian would hate it even more than being in the hospital. Having strange people in his house, in his bedroom - he’d be impossible! His housekeeper is here from California, but she’s not a nurse. And his son Gus is at the house, but he can’t be expected to take care of Brian, besides which he’ll be going back to school at the end of August. So that leaves me. I’m the only one.”
Dr. Sun gazed at the younger man. He looked exhausted. “I thought you and his family and friends had already decided that you shouldn’t be expected to take on this burden by yourself, Mr. Taylor? And what about your job?”
“I’ll tell Cynthia and John - those are the two people in charge in Brian’s absence - that I’ll have to quit. Or else go back on hiatus. To tell you the truth, Dr. Sun, when I’m in the office all I can think about is how Brian is doing, so I’m not really getting anything accomplished. And then when he starts calling me… Do you know how guilty I feel when he keeps begging to get him out of here? It’s like he wants me to break him out of jail!”
“I imagine that for a man as independent as Mr. Kinney being in the hospital is akin to being in prison,” Dr. Sun mused. “But it’s not as simple as merely releasing him to return home. The transition can be as traumatic as the hospitalization. When he realizes he cannot do everything he used to be able to do easily… that can be damaging to his progress, not to mention his ego.”
“I understand,” Justin said. “But if he isn’t making the kind of progress here that he should be, then what’s the point of staying? If he’s home, at least he’ll feel like he has some control over the situation.”
“But that sense of control is an illusion,” Dr. Sun pointed out. “You know that, Mr. Taylor.”
Justin sighed. “Yes, I know that.”
“He must realize that he can’t drive, cannot go to work or go anywhere without someone with him. He will need therapy every day, both physical and cognitive. He will need to watch his diet and habits - he is not allowed to drink or smoke or take any substances that aren’t prescribed. I understand he is used to working out vigorously - he will need to forego that until we know that his brain has healed. And the motorcycle…” Dr. Sun made a face. “It would be better if it were sold immediately.”
“Good luck with that,” Justin muttered. “Jesus - it’s just like when he had cancer!”
“He was not an easy patient, I take it,” said Dr. Sun.
“The worst,” Justin confirmed. “This is like a repeat of that! But at least he’s not puking or shitting every five minutes from the radiation. That’s something.”
Dr. Sun coughed. “Yes, it is something. But you and his friends must also prepare yourselves for possible personality changes. These may be temporary - or they may not be. He may be short-tempered and difficult, or he might be flat and vague. He may be forgetful and have difficulty concentrating. Physically slow or clumsy. He may have nightmares or insomnia. He may be overly anxious. Or he could be lethargic and uninterested in things that he once found engaging. Every patient is different, but these are things you might expect.”
“That sounds familiar,” said Justin, shuddering. “I had horrible nightmares. And rages that I couldn’t control. And… and my hand. I had major issues with my right hand. I still have trouble with it when I get tired or upset. But Brian doesn’t seem to be suffering any real physical issues. He’s moving a little slower than he used to, but…”
“That is a physical issue, Mr. Taylor,” said Dr. Sun. “His brain is still healing from the swell and that impacts all aspects of his life. I believe he will have a complete recovery, but it will not happen in a week, or even a month. It will take time and therapy. Did you have therapy for your injury, if I may ask?”
“I had physical therapy for my hand… for a while. But I gave it up too soon,” Justin admitted. “I realize that now. I needed more. And I needed…” Justin paused. “I needed other kinds of therapy, too. I was attacked and I never really dealt with that fact. I tried to ignore it and that was a huge mistake. I paid for that in a big way. I’m still paying for it.”
“It’s never too late to see a therapist to talk about your feelings, Mr. Taylor,” said Dr. Sun. “It sounds like you suffered from PTSD. Perhaps you are still suffering from it.”
“Probably. That’s why I want Brian to get all the help he needs now! Now, this cognitive therapy…”
Dr. Sun raised an eyebrow. “You did not have that after your injury?”
“Not that I remember. It was a confusing time for me.”
“You would know if you’d had it,” said Dr. Sun. “It is exercise for the brain. It helps the memory to recover. Helps the mind to retain language, make connections. Mr. Kinney works in advertising, a creative field. He needs a nimble mind to function. At this point he does not have that. He must feel that lack and that could be the cause of much of his frustration. I am surprised this wasn’t offered to you.”
“It may have been, but I wasn’t in any mood for more therapy at that time.” Justin shook his head. “Another mistake, obviously. One I don’t want repeated with Brian.”
Dr. Sun frowned. “What makes you think your friend will be any more open to these therapies than you were?”
“Because I’m going to make certain he gets them,” Justin insisted. “I won’t let him take no for an answer. That’s the difference.”
Dr. Sun looked pensively at this man. He was taking on a great responsibility, perhaps too great. He had also suffered a grave injury, but did that mean he should take on the care of his friend? No, his lover. His partner. Still… the man was already exhausted. Mr. Kinney was not an easy patient with professionals, so how would he be with people unused to caring for a person suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury? Mr. Kinney’s friends and family were… how to put it? Quarrelsome. Loud. Disruptive. This was not conducive to healing. The brain needs peace and quiet. Regulation. Constant therapy.
But Mr. Kinney would have to leave the Rehab Unit soon. There was never a perfect time to send someone home, yet home they must go… eventually.
“I will consider releasing him if you show me a plan, Mr. Taylor. He must have coordinated care - and not only from you. I also want regular appointments for physical therapy, which can be done at home, and cognitive therapy, which can be done here or in the doctor’s office. But it must be settled before he leaves this hospital.”
Justin was delighted by the news - and terrified. “Whatever you say, Dr. Sun. I’ll make it happen. But there are two things I want. The first is your recommendation for the best person in Pittsburgh for this cognitive therapy. And I mean the best!”
“I will do that,” said Dr. Sun.
“And the second is… the physical therapist. I want the hottest guy possible. The hotter the better. That’s the only way Brian will stick with it. He doesn’t have to be gay… just really, really hot. Do you know what I mean?”
Dr. Sun was uncomfortable with this odd request. “How do I discern the… the hotness of another man, Mr. Taylor? This is not something I have ever thought about before.”
“Ask any of your female nurses,” said Justin. “Or, better yet, your gay male nurses or technicians. They’ll know. If they all mention a particular guy, then he’s the one for Brian.”
“I thought you and Mr. Kinney were in a relationship?” Dr. Sun asked. “Yet you want to pair your friend with a man he might be sexually attracted to? I don’t understand this. What if Mr. Kinney… um… attempts to start a relationship with this man? TBI patients often have issues with self-control.”
“You’ll have to trust me on this, Doc,” said Justin. “Because if he does hit on the guy, then I’ll know for sure that Brian is on the road to recovery.”
By Gaedhal
Pittsburgh, July 2016
“Dr. Sun, could I speak with you for a few moments?”
The doctor stopped in his tracks. “Mr. Taylor - I didn’t expect to see you down here in the Neuro ICU.”
Justin fidgeted with his keys nervously. “I know, but I wanted to ask your advice about something important.”
“Your partner, Mr. Kinney. Obviously,” said Dr. Sun.
“Obviously,” Justin replied. “I’m concerned about how he’s doing in the Rehab Unit.”
“He’s making progress.” Dr. Sun paused. “Somewhat.”
“I know, but he should be making a lot of progress,” said Justin. “You told me it was in his favor that he’s a fighter, but he’s fighting with the doctors over there! He’s fighting the physical therapists. He’s fighting the nurses. He’s just… fighting! Being Brian! Which means he’s being stubborn as fu… as hell. And that’s not good for his recovery. I know because I’ve been there.”
Dr. Sun nodded. “Dr. Peretti has discussed this with me. She said they confiscated yet another cellphone from him this afternoon. I take it he’s been calling you on it?”
“Yes. He called me five times today, wanting me to come right over. I told him I was trying to do some work at Kinnetik. I thought he’d be happy about that, but he yelled at me to get my ass over here pronto. Then he called an hour later and said the same thing. It’s like he forgot he’d already called me. But I did what Dr. Peretti told me to do - I said I'd come over right after work and I did.”
“Be truthful, Mr. Taylor - have you been bringing him the phones?” Dr. Sun asked bluntly. “You understand it’s against hospital rules? This is the third one they’ve taken away from him in the week he’s been in the Rehab Unit.”
“I know! It isn’t me, Dr. Sun. I don’t know where’s he’s been getting the phones, but you have no idea how… um… persuasive Brian can be.” Justin thought about all the gay male nurses and orderlies and technicians in the hospital. Brian could easily work his charm on any of them. Or all of them. Not to mention the female nurses he was constantly sweet-talking. Brian could be a bastard, but when he wanted something he could also be as smooth as honey. “He wants to get out of this hospital, but I know he’s not ready to leave yet.”
“No,” Dr. Sun agreed. “His memory is still sketchy and physically he’s very shaky, although he is getting stronger every day. I could send him home, but he would need someone to care for him around the clock. If you have gone back to work, who is going to do that? Have you considered hiring attendants?”
Justin took a deep breath. This was an issue he’d been struggling with all week. “I discussed that with Dr. Peretti, but Brian would hate it even more than being in the hospital. Having strange people in his house, in his bedroom - he’d be impossible! His housekeeper is here from California, but she’s not a nurse. And his son Gus is at the house, but he can’t be expected to take care of Brian, besides which he’ll be going back to school at the end of August. So that leaves me. I’m the only one.”
Dr. Sun gazed at the younger man. He looked exhausted. “I thought you and his family and friends had already decided that you shouldn’t be expected to take on this burden by yourself, Mr. Taylor? And what about your job?”
“I’ll tell Cynthia and John - those are the two people in charge in Brian’s absence - that I’ll have to quit. Or else go back on hiatus. To tell you the truth, Dr. Sun, when I’m in the office all I can think about is how Brian is doing, so I’m not really getting anything accomplished. And then when he starts calling me… Do you know how guilty I feel when he keeps begging to get him out of here? It’s like he wants me to break him out of jail!”
“I imagine that for a man as independent as Mr. Kinney being in the hospital is akin to being in prison,” Dr. Sun mused. “But it’s not as simple as merely releasing him to return home. The transition can be as traumatic as the hospitalization. When he realizes he cannot do everything he used to be able to do easily… that can be damaging to his progress, not to mention his ego.”
“I understand,” Justin said. “But if he isn’t making the kind of progress here that he should be, then what’s the point of staying? If he’s home, at least he’ll feel like he has some control over the situation.”
“But that sense of control is an illusion,” Dr. Sun pointed out. “You know that, Mr. Taylor.”
Justin sighed. “Yes, I know that.”
“He must realize that he can’t drive, cannot go to work or go anywhere without someone with him. He will need therapy every day, both physical and cognitive. He will need to watch his diet and habits - he is not allowed to drink or smoke or take any substances that aren’t prescribed. I understand he is used to working out vigorously - he will need to forego that until we know that his brain has healed. And the motorcycle…” Dr. Sun made a face. “It would be better if it were sold immediately.”
“Good luck with that,” Justin muttered. “Jesus - it’s just like when he had cancer!”
“He was not an easy patient, I take it,” said Dr. Sun.
“The worst,” Justin confirmed. “This is like a repeat of that! But at least he’s not puking or shitting every five minutes from the radiation. That’s something.”
Dr. Sun coughed. “Yes, it is something. But you and his friends must also prepare yourselves for possible personality changes. These may be temporary - or they may not be. He may be short-tempered and difficult, or he might be flat and vague. He may be forgetful and have difficulty concentrating. Physically slow or clumsy. He may have nightmares or insomnia. He may be overly anxious. Or he could be lethargic and uninterested in things that he once found engaging. Every patient is different, but these are things you might expect.”
“That sounds familiar,” said Justin, shuddering. “I had horrible nightmares. And rages that I couldn’t control. And… and my hand. I had major issues with my right hand. I still have trouble with it when I get tired or upset. But Brian doesn’t seem to be suffering any real physical issues. He’s moving a little slower than he used to, but…”
“That is a physical issue, Mr. Taylor,” said Dr. Sun. “His brain is still healing from the swell and that impacts all aspects of his life. I believe he will have a complete recovery, but it will not happen in a week, or even a month. It will take time and therapy. Did you have therapy for your injury, if I may ask?”
“I had physical therapy for my hand… for a while. But I gave it up too soon,” Justin admitted. “I realize that now. I needed more. And I needed…” Justin paused. “I needed other kinds of therapy, too. I was attacked and I never really dealt with that fact. I tried to ignore it and that was a huge mistake. I paid for that in a big way. I’m still paying for it.”
“It’s never too late to see a therapist to talk about your feelings, Mr. Taylor,” said Dr. Sun. “It sounds like you suffered from PTSD. Perhaps you are still suffering from it.”
“Probably. That’s why I want Brian to get all the help he needs now! Now, this cognitive therapy…”
Dr. Sun raised an eyebrow. “You did not have that after your injury?”
“Not that I remember. It was a confusing time for me.”
“You would know if you’d had it,” said Dr. Sun. “It is exercise for the brain. It helps the memory to recover. Helps the mind to retain language, make connections. Mr. Kinney works in advertising, a creative field. He needs a nimble mind to function. At this point he does not have that. He must feel that lack and that could be the cause of much of his frustration. I am surprised this wasn’t offered to you.”
“It may have been, but I wasn’t in any mood for more therapy at that time.” Justin shook his head. “Another mistake, obviously. One I don’t want repeated with Brian.”
Dr. Sun frowned. “What makes you think your friend will be any more open to these therapies than you were?”
“Because I’m going to make certain he gets them,” Justin insisted. “I won’t let him take no for an answer. That’s the difference.”
Dr. Sun looked pensively at this man. He was taking on a great responsibility, perhaps too great. He had also suffered a grave injury, but did that mean he should take on the care of his friend? No, his lover. His partner. Still… the man was already exhausted. Mr. Kinney was not an easy patient with professionals, so how would he be with people unused to caring for a person suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury? Mr. Kinney’s friends and family were… how to put it? Quarrelsome. Loud. Disruptive. This was not conducive to healing. The brain needs peace and quiet. Regulation. Constant therapy.
But Mr. Kinney would have to leave the Rehab Unit soon. There was never a perfect time to send someone home, yet home they must go… eventually.
“I will consider releasing him if you show me a plan, Mr. Taylor. He must have coordinated care - and not only from you. I also want regular appointments for physical therapy, which can be done at home, and cognitive therapy, which can be done here or in the doctor’s office. But it must be settled before he leaves this hospital.”
Justin was delighted by the news - and terrified. “Whatever you say, Dr. Sun. I’ll make it happen. But there are two things I want. The first is your recommendation for the best person in Pittsburgh for this cognitive therapy. And I mean the best!”
“I will do that,” said Dr. Sun.
“And the second is… the physical therapist. I want the hottest guy possible. The hotter the better. That’s the only way Brian will stick with it. He doesn’t have to be gay… just really, really hot. Do you know what I mean?”
Dr. Sun was uncomfortable with this odd request. “How do I discern the… the hotness of another man, Mr. Taylor? This is not something I have ever thought about before.”
“Ask any of your female nurses,” said Justin. “Or, better yet, your gay male nurses or technicians. They’ll know. If they all mention a particular guy, then he’s the one for Brian.”
“I thought you and Mr. Kinney were in a relationship?” Dr. Sun asked. “Yet you want to pair your friend with a man he might be sexually attracted to? I don’t understand this. What if Mr. Kinney… um… attempts to start a relationship with this man? TBI patients often have issues with self-control.”
“You’ll have to trust me on this, Doc,” said Justin. “Because if he does hit on the guy, then I’ll know for sure that Brian is on the road to recovery.”