Post by Shanna on Oct 3, 2015 0:06:48 GMT -5
“Ahem…” Brett said at the door to Nick’s room. Looking up Sarah smiled, but Nick never took his eyes off her. Walking in, he stood at the foot of the bed, where he could easily be seen by both of them.
“Hey guys, I know its been several weeks since Nick woke up and he’s still been monitored, recently I’ve seen some changes so right now, Nick I need to take you down for some tests okay?” He stared at the doctor for a minute then squeezed Sarah’s hand as he blinked twice.
“Can I go with him?” Sarah asked.
“I’d rather you not, I’ll let you know what is going on I promise. Why don’t you go to the waiting room with your family and get off your feet for a bit. I’ll come get you when he’s back.” Dr. Johnson replied.
Leaning in, Sarah brushed hair off Nick’s forehead then quietly said, “I’ll come back when the tests are over, okay?” He blinked twice, then she continued, “I love you so much.” He squeezed her hand hard even when she kissed the corner of his mouth that wasn’t blocked by the ventilator. Standing she followed the orderlies and the doctor out as they left the room. When she walking into the waiting room all of the family was staring at her since they had seen Nick being wheeled down the hallway.
“Sarah what’s going on?” Jack asked puzzled, while her mother and father-in law looked at her in worry at seeing their son wheeled down the hall.
Nate helped her sit in a chair before she continued, she motioned for Joanie who had been sitting with Alyssa and when she knelt beside her Aunt Sarah; she took her hand, “Apparently Dr. Johnson has noticed some changes with Nick and wanted to run some tests so that’s where he was going.”
“Good or bad changes?” Joanie asked. “I don’t really know, Dr. Johnson will tell me when they come back and then all of you can know… but for now we wait.” Joanie stayed beside her. “Is he in any pain? Her father-in –law wondered going to her. She looked at him, “He doesn’t seem to be Ted.”
“Owww!” Sarah stated as the baby kicked. “Honey?” Nate asked concerned. Placing her hand on her stomach she looked at her dad. “Its okay daddy, the baby just wants Nick.” she remarked. “Are you sure?”
She nodded, “Yeah, I’ve noticed in the last week or so that Nick seems to have a calming effect when the baby gets restless like this. Just then her cell phone rang and she saw it was Josh so she took the call and filled him in.”
A little later, Dr. Johnson came down the hallway while the orderlies pushed Nick back to his room. Everyone looked up, but he motioned to Sarah and she followed him. “I’ll have Dr. Johnson come out to tell everyone, I promise.” They nodded watching her follow the doctor. Once in the room, Sarah stood beside her husband while Brett stood at the end of the bed. “Okay Sarah, some of the changes I had seen over the weeks has been with his breathing---.” “Really?” she interrupted. He nodded, “I wanted to run tests on him to see if the paralysis in the chest had subsided.” Brett remarked. “Nick wants you to feel down his chest.”
Sarah looked at Nick and he blinked twice. Slowly, she gently ran her hand over him, “Can you feel that?” she asked reaching his stomach. He blinked twice again then lifted his arm to reach for her. She stopped; stared then quickly looked over at Brett, “The paralysis in the chest has subsided Sarah but not in his legs. He is still paralyzed from the waist down for now. Brett saw a tear of relief fall down her cheek.
“Brett, can he breathe on his own?” Sarah asked.
“I will take the breathing tube out and we’ll see. I’ll need you to step out while we do okay. This won’t be pleasant for him.” She nodded and Dr. Johnson continued watching Nick, “ When I take the tube out you are going to have to take as deep a breath as you can then cough as hard as you can while we pull it out okay?” Nick blinked. The doctor continued, “As it comes out it will feel like you are going to gag and your breath will be blocked but you need to take deep slow breaths and relax, okay?”
Before Sarah could say anything, a nurse walked in to help with the procedure. Sarah squeezed Nick’s hand then stepped out, as she started to shut the door she heard Brett ask him to take a deep breath. A minute later she heard him gagging then coughing repeatedly. “Mrs. Adams? you can go back in now.” The nurse replied as she opened the door to leave. When she went in she stopped; watching him cough for minute she could see it hurt.
Seeing her, he stared at her, drinking in the sight, “Sarah.” He said in a rough whisper, “Come here baby.” Going over to him he pulled her close and kissed her then wiped at her tears before she sat down but never let go of her hand.
Brett smiled, “How’s the breathing Nick?” “It’s good.” He answered. “No tightness or anything?” he shook his head. “Okay, great, I’m going to keep you on a heart monitor but nothing else. Your throat will be really sore for a while due to the tube but drinking fluids will help, alternate between water and ice but just start slow okay?” Brett asked. Again Nick nodded. “Sarah I’ll let the family know they can come in.” he said then left them alone.
Hearing the knock they both turned their heads as Ted peeked in, “Honey, is it okay?” he asked looking at his daughter-in-law. When she nodded Ted walked in with Joanie and the family behind him. Seeing Joanie Nick smiled, “Hey cutie!” he whispered swallowing hard. Her smile said it all as she broke away from Greg and hurried to him hugging him tight, “Nick!!”
He put his arms around her stoking her hair. Greg saw when he lifted his arms and shifted his gaze back to Sarah. She nodded at his unasked question and he grinned. “Joanie don’t squeeze him to hard he’s still sore.”
She backed up and sat down. Sarah stroked his cheek and he looked at her, “Do you want some water or ice honey?” “Cold Water.” He said slowly. She looked at Jack, “Can you see if the nurses can fill this with ice water please?” she asked passing him the pitcher. Nodding he took it and walked out. Nick saw Alyssa and she ran to him as he pulled her in for a hug.
“So what’s going on?” Kevin asked. Nick looked over at Sarah, “Can you tell them…” he asked. She nodded and began to explain. When Jack came back she stopped long enough to pour Nick a cup of water and watched as he took his first sip. Closing his eyes against pain he heard her, “Take it slowly” then she continued to explain to the family. After spending a while with the family he asked if he and Sarah could have time and after kisses and hugs it was just the two of them again.
“How are you and the baby?” Nick asked
“We’re good sweetheart, I went to my appointment yesterday and Dr. Patterson said we were both healthy and strong, the baby’s heartbeat was strong. I also met Rose her assistant that will be with us at home until Dr. Patterson can get there.” She didn’t have a problem about having the baby at home?” Nick wondered. She shook her head, “No, both understood the circumstances.”
Sarah smiled, “I have noticed in the last week or so that the baby’s been restless and you seem to be the calming influence honey.” Nick raised an eyebrow, “Me?” She nodded, “Yeah the baby’s wanted daddy.” He smiled and motioned her closer.
Placing his hand on her tummy she saw a tear slide down his cheek, “Daddy’s here little one, I love you.” He felt the baby settle then stared at Sarah, “I love Mommy too very much.” She lowered her mouth to his and they both sank into the kiss they’ve missed.
Breaking apart she caressed his face, “I thought I had lost you.” Not able to quit memorizing her beautiful face he smiled as he said, “I could never leave you sweetheart, I promised myself I’d beat this.” They turned when they heard a knock on the door.
“Mr. Adams?” the nurse called from the door, when he motioned; she came in. He saw the small machine she was holding and looked at her puzzled.
“Dr. Johnson asked that I start you with this… you to blow into this mouth piece as hard as you possibly can, to see if you can get the weight to the top. If you can’t, that’s okay, we just keep trying until you can… this is also a way to clear any fluid from your lungs plus in your situation to build strength in your chest muscles again. Taking the mouth piece in his mouth he blew as hard as he could and they saw the weight rise to a little below half way before he dropped the mouth piece, “I can’t do anymore.” He replied trying to catch his breath. “That hurt.” The nurse nodded, “You did well for your first try Mr. Adams; a nurse will bring this to you every few hours to do again. It hurt because your chest muscles have been weakened and they need be strengthened that’s all.
When the nurse left Sarah gazed at him, “Do you want some water honey?” He nodded and she poured him a cup; watching as he sipped with a straw. “The coolness feels good but swallowing hurts.” He said passing her the cup. “I know. You’re tired Nick why don’t you rest.” She responded as he let the head of the bed back a bit.
“Stay with me Sarah?” he asked.
“I’m not going anywhere." She said as she kissed him.
A little later, Sarah heard the light tap and looked up; she saw Josh standing there. She motioned him in. “How’s he doing? Josh wondered. Sarah motioned him to stay there and came over to where he stood by the door, “The doctor ran some tests earlier and the paralysis is gone from the chest but not the legs yet but--.”
“Josh?” Nick called puzzled waking as he heard the voice.
Hearing the voice Josh turned and came further in and Sarah went back to sit down. “Yeah partner, its me.” He replied gripping the hand his partner offered. “I just wanted to come by and check on you before I headed home.” Nick nodded, “Well you must be doing better since you are off the ventilator.” Josh stated his eyes roaming over Nick. Sarah answered so he wouldn’t hurt his throat, “Yes he came off the ventilator today and as I was saying the paralysis in his chest has subsided so the other will take time.”
“Josh, thank you so much for coming checking on him as much as you have as well as making sure me & the boys were okay, I appreciate it.” Sarah said while Nick watched her. “You’re welcome, and he’s my partner and his family is my family, so any time you need something.” he replied smiling. “I can see you both are tired so I’m going to go so you can rest, I just wanted to check on you.” Josh said placing a hand on Nick’s shoulder. With a quick hug for Sarah he left.
After a few minutes, she heard, “I love you sweetheart.” Nick said softly. “I love you too.” She answered gently brushing at the hair on his forehead.
“Hey guys, I know its been several weeks since Nick woke up and he’s still been monitored, recently I’ve seen some changes so right now, Nick I need to take you down for some tests okay?” He stared at the doctor for a minute then squeezed Sarah’s hand as he blinked twice.
“Can I go with him?” Sarah asked.
“I’d rather you not, I’ll let you know what is going on I promise. Why don’t you go to the waiting room with your family and get off your feet for a bit. I’ll come get you when he’s back.” Dr. Johnson replied.
Leaning in, Sarah brushed hair off Nick’s forehead then quietly said, “I’ll come back when the tests are over, okay?” He blinked twice, then she continued, “I love you so much.” He squeezed her hand hard even when she kissed the corner of his mouth that wasn’t blocked by the ventilator. Standing she followed the orderlies and the doctor out as they left the room. When she walking into the waiting room all of the family was staring at her since they had seen Nick being wheeled down the hallway.
“Sarah what’s going on?” Jack asked puzzled, while her mother and father-in law looked at her in worry at seeing their son wheeled down the hall.
Nate helped her sit in a chair before she continued, she motioned for Joanie who had been sitting with Alyssa and when she knelt beside her Aunt Sarah; she took her hand, “Apparently Dr. Johnson has noticed some changes with Nick and wanted to run some tests so that’s where he was going.”
“Good or bad changes?” Joanie asked. “I don’t really know, Dr. Johnson will tell me when they come back and then all of you can know… but for now we wait.” Joanie stayed beside her. “Is he in any pain? Her father-in –law wondered going to her. She looked at him, “He doesn’t seem to be Ted.”
“Owww!” Sarah stated as the baby kicked. “Honey?” Nate asked concerned. Placing her hand on her stomach she looked at her dad. “Its okay daddy, the baby just wants Nick.” she remarked. “Are you sure?”
She nodded, “Yeah, I’ve noticed in the last week or so that Nick seems to have a calming effect when the baby gets restless like this. Just then her cell phone rang and she saw it was Josh so she took the call and filled him in.”
A little later, Dr. Johnson came down the hallway while the orderlies pushed Nick back to his room. Everyone looked up, but he motioned to Sarah and she followed him. “I’ll have Dr. Johnson come out to tell everyone, I promise.” They nodded watching her follow the doctor. Once in the room, Sarah stood beside her husband while Brett stood at the end of the bed. “Okay Sarah, some of the changes I had seen over the weeks has been with his breathing---.” “Really?” she interrupted. He nodded, “I wanted to run tests on him to see if the paralysis in the chest had subsided.” Brett remarked. “Nick wants you to feel down his chest.”
Sarah looked at Nick and he blinked twice. Slowly, she gently ran her hand over him, “Can you feel that?” she asked reaching his stomach. He blinked twice again then lifted his arm to reach for her. She stopped; stared then quickly looked over at Brett, “The paralysis in the chest has subsided Sarah but not in his legs. He is still paralyzed from the waist down for now. Brett saw a tear of relief fall down her cheek.
“Brett, can he breathe on his own?” Sarah asked.
“I will take the breathing tube out and we’ll see. I’ll need you to step out while we do okay. This won’t be pleasant for him.” She nodded and Dr. Johnson continued watching Nick, “ When I take the tube out you are going to have to take as deep a breath as you can then cough as hard as you can while we pull it out okay?” Nick blinked. The doctor continued, “As it comes out it will feel like you are going to gag and your breath will be blocked but you need to take deep slow breaths and relax, okay?”
Before Sarah could say anything, a nurse walked in to help with the procedure. Sarah squeezed Nick’s hand then stepped out, as she started to shut the door she heard Brett ask him to take a deep breath. A minute later she heard him gagging then coughing repeatedly. “Mrs. Adams? you can go back in now.” The nurse replied as she opened the door to leave. When she went in she stopped; watching him cough for minute she could see it hurt.
Seeing her, he stared at her, drinking in the sight, “Sarah.” He said in a rough whisper, “Come here baby.” Going over to him he pulled her close and kissed her then wiped at her tears before she sat down but never let go of her hand.
Brett smiled, “How’s the breathing Nick?” “It’s good.” He answered. “No tightness or anything?” he shook his head. “Okay, great, I’m going to keep you on a heart monitor but nothing else. Your throat will be really sore for a while due to the tube but drinking fluids will help, alternate between water and ice but just start slow okay?” Brett asked. Again Nick nodded. “Sarah I’ll let the family know they can come in.” he said then left them alone.
Hearing the knock they both turned their heads as Ted peeked in, “Honey, is it okay?” he asked looking at his daughter-in-law. When she nodded Ted walked in with Joanie and the family behind him. Seeing Joanie Nick smiled, “Hey cutie!” he whispered swallowing hard. Her smile said it all as she broke away from Greg and hurried to him hugging him tight, “Nick!!”
He put his arms around her stoking her hair. Greg saw when he lifted his arms and shifted his gaze back to Sarah. She nodded at his unasked question and he grinned. “Joanie don’t squeeze him to hard he’s still sore.”
She backed up and sat down. Sarah stroked his cheek and he looked at her, “Do you want some water or ice honey?” “Cold Water.” He said slowly. She looked at Jack, “Can you see if the nurses can fill this with ice water please?” she asked passing him the pitcher. Nodding he took it and walked out. Nick saw Alyssa and she ran to him as he pulled her in for a hug.
“So what’s going on?” Kevin asked. Nick looked over at Sarah, “Can you tell them…” he asked. She nodded and began to explain. When Jack came back she stopped long enough to pour Nick a cup of water and watched as he took his first sip. Closing his eyes against pain he heard her, “Take it slowly” then she continued to explain to the family. After spending a while with the family he asked if he and Sarah could have time and after kisses and hugs it was just the two of them again.
“How are you and the baby?” Nick asked
“We’re good sweetheart, I went to my appointment yesterday and Dr. Patterson said we were both healthy and strong, the baby’s heartbeat was strong. I also met Rose her assistant that will be with us at home until Dr. Patterson can get there.” She didn’t have a problem about having the baby at home?” Nick wondered. She shook her head, “No, both understood the circumstances.”
Sarah smiled, “I have noticed in the last week or so that the baby’s been restless and you seem to be the calming influence honey.” Nick raised an eyebrow, “Me?” She nodded, “Yeah the baby’s wanted daddy.” He smiled and motioned her closer.
Placing his hand on her tummy she saw a tear slide down his cheek, “Daddy’s here little one, I love you.” He felt the baby settle then stared at Sarah, “I love Mommy too very much.” She lowered her mouth to his and they both sank into the kiss they’ve missed.
Breaking apart she caressed his face, “I thought I had lost you.” Not able to quit memorizing her beautiful face he smiled as he said, “I could never leave you sweetheart, I promised myself I’d beat this.” They turned when they heard a knock on the door.
“Mr. Adams?” the nurse called from the door, when he motioned; she came in. He saw the small machine she was holding and looked at her puzzled.
“Dr. Johnson asked that I start you with this… you to blow into this mouth piece as hard as you possibly can, to see if you can get the weight to the top. If you can’t, that’s okay, we just keep trying until you can… this is also a way to clear any fluid from your lungs plus in your situation to build strength in your chest muscles again. Taking the mouth piece in his mouth he blew as hard as he could and they saw the weight rise to a little below half way before he dropped the mouth piece, “I can’t do anymore.” He replied trying to catch his breath. “That hurt.” The nurse nodded, “You did well for your first try Mr. Adams; a nurse will bring this to you every few hours to do again. It hurt because your chest muscles have been weakened and they need be strengthened that’s all.
When the nurse left Sarah gazed at him, “Do you want some water honey?” He nodded and she poured him a cup; watching as he sipped with a straw. “The coolness feels good but swallowing hurts.” He said passing her the cup. “I know. You’re tired Nick why don’t you rest.” She responded as he let the head of the bed back a bit.
“Stay with me Sarah?” he asked.
“I’m not going anywhere." She said as she kissed him.
A little later, Sarah heard the light tap and looked up; she saw Josh standing there. She motioned him in. “How’s he doing? Josh wondered. Sarah motioned him to stay there and came over to where he stood by the door, “The doctor ran some tests earlier and the paralysis is gone from the chest but not the legs yet but--.”
“Josh?” Nick called puzzled waking as he heard the voice.
Hearing the voice Josh turned and came further in and Sarah went back to sit down. “Yeah partner, its me.” He replied gripping the hand his partner offered. “I just wanted to come by and check on you before I headed home.” Nick nodded, “Well you must be doing better since you are off the ventilator.” Josh stated his eyes roaming over Nick. Sarah answered so he wouldn’t hurt his throat, “Yes he came off the ventilator today and as I was saying the paralysis in his chest has subsided so the other will take time.”
“Josh, thank you so much for coming checking on him as much as you have as well as making sure me & the boys were okay, I appreciate it.” Sarah said while Nick watched her. “You’re welcome, and he’s my partner and his family is my family, so any time you need something.” he replied smiling. “I can see you both are tired so I’m going to go so you can rest, I just wanted to check on you.” Josh said placing a hand on Nick’s shoulder. With a quick hug for Sarah he left.
After a few minutes, she heard, “I love you sweetheart.” Nick said softly. “I love you too.” She answered gently brushing at the hair on his forehead.