Consultation

Jayme was sitting at her desk in her quarters when the buzzer at the door rang.  Nathan was working at the Infirmary and she wasn't expecting company.  She stood and walked to the door and was surprised to find her newest Lieutenant standing there.  "Lt.  What a surprise.  Come in, please."

Kaley entered Jayme's quarters,  "I hope I'm not disturbing you.  This seemed like a good time to stop by."

"No problem."  Jayme said.

"So, how are you settling in?  Have you actually started working...it’s only been a few days since you arrived."  Jayme led the way into her living room and took a seat on the arm of an overstuffed chair while motioning for the other woman to be seated.

She smiled as she took a seat.  That was getting more difficult to do.  "I'm settling in just fine. Currently I've had more help than I really know what to do with.  It’s made the transition without my husband here easier but at times its almost too much anyway.  Yes I've started working."

"Well that's good as there are a number of patients that can use physical therapy."  Jayme said relaxing.  Then asked, "When are you due ?"  Jayme asked thinking they were about as far along.

"Should be near the end of May or beginning of June.  I'm fairly certain my doctor's last estimate will shift somewhat because I'm carrying twins," Kaley replied still sounding more than a bit surprised by that revelation.

Jayme shook her head and said with surprise, "But..." she closed her mouth and thought before she said anything else.  "Well, I'm due near the end of May.  So, what brings you here today?"

"Well I'm here to check on you for one.  Just because I'm expecting doesn’t mean I can't check on one of my patients but that isn't the sole purpose of my visit.  I figured it would also be a good chance to get to know my new CO better."

"I'm assuming you you've read my file and know about my right shoulder injury and that you are here to start strengthening it?  Would it be easier for you to examine it if I were to pull off my shirt and put on a t-shirt?"  Jayme asked ready to pull of her tunic and blouse.

Kaley nodded, ”Yes I've seen your file and your assumption on why I wanted to see you is accurate. It would help if you put on a t-shirt.  I want' to get a good look at the shoulder then I'll know how to best help you strengthen it."

Jayme walked into her bedroom and pulled off her duty tunic and pulled on a olive green t-shirt and walked back out to find a simple chair placed in the centre of the room.   She assumed Kaley wanted her there and took a seat.  She was treated to a medical tricorder scan of the injured shoulder and did her best to relax and not sigh too loudly at being checked out.  "So?"

"Medically its healing nicely," Kaley replied, ”Now its time to ensure you'll have full range of motion and function when all is said and done.  Physical Therapy isn't the fun part, though I think you already know that."

"Good then when I'm cleared for duty--it won't be an issue."  Jayme said.

Next the young woman placed the tricorder down and proceeded to manually palpate the joint and surrounding tissues, and check function and range of motion.  She watched the other woman make some notes on a PADD and waited with her arm held protectively against her chest.

"When does it bother you the most or when during what kinds of activities do you notice less ability than before your injury?" That would help her pinpoint the trouble spots.

"When I'm lifting my arms over my head or reaching for something. Or when I first get up in the morning."

Kaley nodded, ”That's not unusual.  We'll work on rectifying that.  So what tips can you give me for adjusting to this new assignment a bit easier."

"Bury yourself in your job.  But make friends."   I'll be back to duty in about three days time I think and then I can help you get a routine going.  I'll be sending the units and Sara into the field for some training.  I would like to take up swimming in the rec centre pool--would that be acceptable?"

Quietly Kaley listened, ”From a physical therapy standpoint I don't see a problem with that. Swimming would actually be good for you.  I'd make sure there’s no medical reason to keep you from doing that but it’s certainly gentler on the body than many other forms of exercise. Heck I've been considering taking it up myself.  Until the babies arrive I'm barred from field ops so I'm got to stay fit somehow."