A life with and without choice.

Pencil case? Part 6

This chapter contains mention of needles and medical tests, I hope this won't be too difficult for some readers.

The surroundings became clearer as Jo woke. It was scary looking. The dark benches covered with test tubes and chemical experiments. Large machines lined one end of the room. There were a few high stools, but too tall for Jo to climb safely. A very grumpy looking Sister was having a stern word with a man in a white coat. Mum was holding Jo in her arms stroking their hair and cheek. It felt nice. Comforting and calming. They closed their eyes and breathed deeply.

Two more nurses entered the room with a wheelchair. The Sister snapped at them for taking so long to arrive. They replied that they were sorry and had to get it delivered. The three then came to Jo. The Sister smiled and instantly Jo felt safe. It was a warm, caring and motherly smile from someone who cared.

'Here we are little one, we will be with you now and make sure you are looked after.' She shot a glare at the man. She lined the chair with one of the warm blankets Jo was wrapped in. Then helped Jo sit and wrapped them in the other blanket. Tucking them in gently and soothingly. 'Now Mother, let's make sure they get this all done with Jo looked after. No more of this poor planning, I am here now and will make sure things run smoothly.' She reassured them both with her smile which warmed Jo and calmed their mum.

'Thank you. We appreciate it.' Mum replied with a clear edge to her voice. The anxiety that Jo felt was clearly held by mum as well.

The warmth returned to Jo and they drifted to sleep.

When Jo awoke again they were in a small room. It was a first aid room. Apparently the best they could do that was close enough to the laboratory.

'Come on dear, we need to get you into a gown now. We'll get you wrapped up and warm again quickly.' It was a new voice and Jo realised it was one of the nurses. The sister had apparently gone to sort out the research team and make sure they had things planned. The nurse was kind and even had warmed her hands before she gently removed the top blanket and lifted Jo up onto the padded medical bed. She lifted Jo so easily partly due to their age but also the very slim build and tiny size. Sitting them up and then asking, 'Shall I help?' Jo nodded. First shoes and socks. Then a very efficient strip down and the gown was lifted from a chair by the radiator. 'I  put it  near the radiator to warm it a little for you, this has been quite an adventure for you today. I have heard of people turning blue with cold, but you literally are blue.' She turned to Mum and commented that they are so small. Have they been ill for long? The conversation was so common for Jo they didn't listen. The basic facts. Yes all their life, born with it. Massive operation at six months, yes they had to wait that long till they were bigger, even then they had special smaller instruments made for the operation, reduced immune system ever since and prone to illness and infections. Constant hospital visits and inpatient care. Still discovering new issues and treating as they go. 

The conversation then moved onto the procedure today.

'This is the first child to have this test. Certainly a big thing for such a little one.' The nurse enquired.

'Yes, they even said working out the amount of radiation to use was difficult. However, they believe this test will help show how things are functioning and if things are improving or not. The frequency of infection is getting more and they are concerned. I just hope it goes smoothly and we can get Jo back to the hospital to rest. They are already looking so pale. I just know they will be ill after all this.' Mum was sounding tired and stressed.

'We are here now. Sister is a force of nature. She hates patients not being looked after. We normally only have adults, so you can imagine how she is about your little one.' The nurse had a sound of pride about the Sister and clearly respected her.